Sermon Series: Spiritual Warfare 101

Sermon Series: Spiritual Warfare 101

November 19, 2023

Sermon Part 1: “You’re In the Army Now, The Army of Jesus Christ!”

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Saints of God everywhere, listen to this:

You are a “soldier” in the Army of Jesus Christ. 

God has chosen you to be a Soldier; it was not by your election.

God has called you into His Service and Mission-Field. 

God made you a Soldier, deployed, and positioned you within the local Church (body of Christ), collectively with the Saints of God and individually, to wage war against Satan and the kingdom of darkness.

Lastly, God has already determined the outcome of every battle and made you the “victor.” So, no matter the hardship in battle, as a Good Soldier march on until the victory is won!”

Let me tell you the definition of a “Good Soldier,” because it’s only a Good Soldier who pleases God?”

A “Good Soldier” keeps (listens, studies, and knows) and obeys all of the Commands of their Commanding Officer, and as long as it takes to accomplish the mission, they stay on the battle field until the victory is won, if necessary even unto death!

The Mission of the Army of the Lord Is Three-Fold

What good does it do to be a soldier in the Army of God, and not understand and know its Mission? This is why we need this beginner’s class on Spiritual Warfare 101. The majority of Christians are unaware or have forgotten what the Mission is. If we don’t know the Mission then how will we know whether we are winning the war?

The Mission of the born-again Christian, made soldier in the Army of Christ is three-fold: 

1. To love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, soul, and strength. And also to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus added a new commandment that we are to love one another as He has loved us. (Mark 12:30 & John 13:34)

These commandments can only be fulfilled if we permit the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ to live through the Soldier of Christ so that people everywhere and at any time can see the authentic Christ in them. (Matt. 5:16, Gal. 2:20 and Col. 3:3-4)

2. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, without compromise, to every human being; to win the lost to Christ, with miraculous works following—that heal, deliver, and set captives free. (Mark 16:15-20 & Acts 1:4-8)

3. To make disciples of Christian converts who become fellow soldiers in the Army of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:16-20, Luke 24:44-49 & John 20:19-23)

Simply put, the Mission of the Army of the Lord is “Soul Wining—to set captives free from the bondage of Satan—and to Make Disciples that become Good Soldiers!” This is the duty of every-born again Christian and the local Church of God—we must win our community to Jesus Christ!

The Soldiers of Jesus Christ Are Fighting an Invisible War against Spiritual Wickedness

Here is a news flash for you. God is Spirit, and Satan, a fallen and defeated angel, is a spirit too. We cannot see this vicious and ruthless enemy Satan with our human eyes. But he and the kingdom of darkness are real. At Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul wrote the following about our former relationship with Satan:

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Later in Chapter 6:12, Paul wrote about Satan’s allies—fallen and disgraced angles under his control, that we have our wrestling matches with in the spirit.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

As soldiers in the Army of the Lord, we are to hate Satan and the kingdom of darkness and the work of sin, which has caused human depravity and destruction. (Prov. 8:13)

At John 8:44, of Satan, Jesus Christ said these words to the Pharisees,

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

At John 10:10, Jesus Christ exposed Satan and his intentions toward mankind saying:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”

Praise God, the day will come when Satan and the kingdom of darkness will no longer be, for he and his wicked fraternity is destined for all eternity hell and the Lake of fire.

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev. 20:10)

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Rom. 16:20)

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (II Pet. 3:13)

Until the great day of the Lord, we are battling for the souls of men—the souls of individuals and families—for God desires that none of His creation would perish, but have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (II Pet. 3:15 & John 3:16-18)

So as Soldiers of the cross of Christ, every born-again Christian must understand that we are extremely dangerous to the devil! Working along-side Jesus, we are marching against his kingdom to tear down the gates of hell, and snatch people out of his control.

Satan and every demonic influencer knows we have been chosen and ordained by God from the foundations of the world to do the works of God. (Eph. 2:10) He knows if born-again Christians walk in the Spirit of God, that we will be led by the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Christ Jesus, witnessed through the Holy Ghost—and greater is God in us, than he (Satan) that is in the world. (I John 4:4) The works that we are capable of doing—the works of Christ and greater works destroy the works of evil and bring new life to the world.

So Satan and his company constantly barrage born-again Christians with temptations, persecutions, and tribulations in hopes of making the Soldier turn away and leave the battle field and walk opposite of the Mission of Christ’s Army. In hard times on the battle field, he desires that the Soldier of Christ lose heart and give up and quit. However, with all of his wicked efforts he will not win because God has equipped His Soldiers with battle tested equipment that never fails: It’s called the “Whole Armor of God.”

Yes this is Spiritual Warfare 101. It all starts with the Soldier of Christ Putting on the Whole Armor of God in Christ Jesus.

In this Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan…who despise God and man.) Satan and the kingdom of darkness has a “Mission.” That is, to defeat the Church of Jesus Christ and to keep the sinner man under his control. If successful, sin which is a disease of the heart of man, will only wax worse, hardened against God and His Word, cause mass destruction among the nations of the world.

When we believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior, Satan and these demonic beings become our enemies, and try every device to distract and turn us away from God and back to sin. Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lords side. (II Tim. 3:12) Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the conduct of spiritual warfare until Christ returns resisting the enemy and putting him under our feet.

The “Whole Armor of God” Belongs to You to Stand Against All Evil

In Ephesian 6:10-18, Paul provided the Christians at Ephesus several powerful encouragements concerning the “Whole Armor” of God, as well as instructions on how to use each piece of Armor. As we read these verses, by faith, put on each piece of Armor and ready yourself for battle against the enemy Satan.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Let’s start out by just thanking and praising God that our Father has so graciously favored us to fight Satan and the kingdom of God using “His Armor!” (Verse 11) There was nothing we did to deserve or merit having God’s Armor—Our Father just loves us and we love Him too! (I John 4:19) Somebody ought to shout with the voice of triumph, saying:

“I have the Whole Armor of God in Christ Jesus!”

Wow, you know the devil doesn’t stand any chance of winning at anything in our lives, or with those we have concern, when we put on the Whole Armor of God. No devil in hell can even lay a finger on the Armor of God. No person can take it off of you, nor steal if from you. The Amor of God belongs to you!

God would never send us into battle with the enemy, without the best fighting and tactical gear available to win a more than decisive victory against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Rom. 8:37) God’s Armor is the exact same war-gear He used to defeat Satan in the before times when he was named Lucifer and casted out of heaven for his lunacy in rebelling and leading a revolt to dethrone God. (Is.14:12-14) Jesus Christ recalled that he saw Satan “fall like lightening” from heaven—what a disgrace! (Luke 10:18)

From Paul’s writing, we can see three direct blessings that come when the Soldiers of Jesus Christ put on God’s Whole Armor. They are:

1. We have the ability to stand against “All” enemies. (V.11 & 13)

2. The ability to stand against “All” attacks. (V.13)

3. The ability to quench “All” the fiery darts of Satan. (V.16)

Therefore, Paul encourages the Saints at Ephesus to be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” This is the mindset of the “Good Soldier” in Christ at all times. When we put the Whole Armor of God, our trust is fully committed to fight against the enemy with God’s Strength and Might. The battle then becomes the Lords and He fights for us. (II Chron. 20:15 & Rom. 8:31) Thus, the Soldier then has “no fear,” nor “trembling” of evil. (Ps. 23:4)

Now, we do not take spiritual warfare lightly. We must be sober and vigilant at all times. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us the Holy Ghost who dwells in our hearts, and His Armor surrounding us. (Acts 1:8) Praise God, we have protection inside and outside! 

I say to every Soldier in the Army of the Lord, “don’t let the devil discourage you, tempt you to feel like giving up, losing heart, and quitting. Jesus told Peter that upon this rock I will build my Church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. You are in Christ, therefore nothing can conquer you! (Matt.16:18)

So let’s study the pieces of the Armor of God and confess as Good Soldiers of Christ that we are ready and fit to accomplish the Mission of the Lord. Let’s work together as a Ministry and Church and see ourselves unified to wage war against a common thief, liar, and bum called the devil.

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD TAKE IT, PUT IT ON, AND NEVER TAKE IT OFF:

–The Belt (loins girt about with truth): The Good Soldier of Christ studies the Word of God to show themselves approved unto the Lord; rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim. 2:15) Satan fights against us with lies that at times can sound like truth. But only the Good Soldier of Christ has the truth hidden in their hearts, which can defeat Satan’s lie. We never let a lie stand, but with love and grace we always cast it down with the Word of God without compromise. (II Cor.10:4)

–Body Armor (The Breastplate of Righteousness): Satan often times attempts to attack the heart (mind of the soul) of the Good Soldier—the seat of our emotions, tempting us with fears of unworthiness, guilt, and shame, judgement, and condemnation when we miss the mark.
However, God’s Righteousness is the body armor that protects the Good Soldier’s heart and ensures we are accepted in the beloved; approved of God, made equal with Him, and heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. God made us the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us. (Rom. 3:22, 8:17, & Phil. 2:5-6)

–Shoes (Readiness to Spread the Gospel of Peace): Satan wants the Good Soldier of Christ to think that telling others the Good News about Jesus Christ and His finished works on the cross, is a worthless and hopeless task—the size of the task is too big and negative responses are too much to handle.

But the shoes God gives to the Soldier are the motivation to continue to proclaim the Gospel of Peace that is available in God in Christ. This is news not everybody may want to hear, but they need to hear it anyway! (John 4:34-38) The Salvation of mankind is on the line and the Good Soldier’s feet have been made beautiful to carry forth the Gospel of Peace. (Rom.10:15)

–Shield (The Shield of Faith): The Good Soldier of Christ is prepared for the hurling of fiery darts even before they are released. Satan often uses people to hurl insults and accusations at us intended to wound and destroy our character and moral. Satan also attacks our thought-life with sexual lust and perversion, greed, pride, un-forgiveness, hatred, and divers other types of temptations.
But the Shield of Faith protects the Good Soldier from Satan’s fiery darts. We know that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher our faith and for every sin committed by others, as well as our own, Jesus’s blood paid for it in full and we own forgiveness. (Heb. 12:1-2 & Eph. 1:7)

Thus, we see all people’s wrong doing, as well as our own, from God’s perspective—it’s all under the blood of Jesus and God remembers our sins and iniquities no more! (Heb.10:17)

Thus, as Soldiers of Christ, we strip off the sins of those who insult us and do all manner of evil against, and lay it aside. (Luke 23:34) We only see the person as holy, good, and useful for God’s purpose; and treat them with love and kindness—as Christ sacrificed His life for us. (John 13:34 & Rom.12:20) As Good Soldiers, we see beyond the present circumstances of evil, and know that God has appointed to us victory over all sin! (Rom. 8:31-39) We will not, and cannot render evil for evil. Rather, we overcome evil with forgiveness and good! (Rom.12:21)
–Helmet (Helmet of Salvation): I need to say a lot on this piece of Armor of the Lord. A helmet is designed to protect your head. As a Good Soldier in the Lord’s Army, the biggest battlefield with the enemy, is in your thought-life (brain). For the most part, this is where spiritual warfare takes place.

Satan attacks the brain because it is the only area of the Good Soldier’s life that He can gain influence and a strong-hold. The human brain is connected to your five senses and interacts with people, the world, and environment around you to think, reason, and make decisions. Thus, Satan continually seeks to influence the way the Soldier thinks and acts in this world’s view and system. One major focus of attack by the enemy is to attempt to move you to “doubt” your salvation.
If the enemy can convince the Good Soldier to doubt their salvation, or question the validity of their relationship with God, then he can erode the Soldiers confidence in their salvation. Sadly, many Christians today suffer with heavenly-insecurity! All week long and even when they step into Church Services, they wonder if they are truly saved and going to heaven.

Right now, maybe some of you here today, question whether you are going to heaven when you experience physical death? Whether heaven is real? Whether Jesus Christ is really coming again to rapture the Church?
The Soldier who begins to doubt their salvation can easily waiver and move in one direction or another. A person who begins to doubt their salvation will either be encouraged to continue in their doubts, or just not think about their salvation. Both attitudes present a problem. When doubt creeps in, the Soldier may slip from operating in the grace of God in Christ Jesus, to operating in legalism—self works.

Instead of walking in the grace of God by which the Soldier was saved, they slip into self-works to try to win God’s approval and earn back their salvation. The Soldier will try to prove to God (and themselves) they are still saved—thinking for example if they pray more, fast more, attend church more—the can earn the right to feel like and call themselves holy and righteous. This, however, is an exercise in futility. On the other hand, if the Soldier moves in the other direction, decides not to think about the salvation Jesus has freely provided, then discouragement can sink in.

The Soldier can lose all desire to continue their relationship with God because they feel there is no use. Both things eat away at the Soldier’s walk with God and work to erode the liberty they have been given in Jesus Christ.

For these reasons, the Helmet of Salvation becomes the Good Soldier’s protection. The Helmet constantly reminds you of what God has provided for you in Jesus Christ. When you have the Helmet on, the fight is not in trying to earn your salvation. The fight is in remembering by the Word of God that you don’t have to earn your salvation. (Eph. 2:6-8) Every time Satan tries to tempt you with doubts about your salvation—whether you are saved, going to heaven, holy and righteous, etc., the Helmet of God reminds you not to be troubled in your head—Jesus has prepared already a mansion for you in heaven. (John 14:1-2) God has called you, made you holy, blameless and accepted in the beloved. (Eph.1:4) The price for your poor behavior and performance has been paid in full by Jesus on His cross. (Rom. 5:8) With the Helmet of Salvation strapped to your head, the Good Soldier will never doubt God’s saving work for us.

–Sword (Sword of the Spirit): The Sword of the Spirit represents the Word of God. The Sword is the only weapon of offense in this list of Armor of God. To understand the connection between the sword and the Word of God, the Soldier of Christ must understand the power of God’s Word. The writer of Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Here lies the true beauty of this piece of Armor. Through God’s Word, we can distinguish between right and wrong. The Word of God is a lamp unto the Soldier’s feet and lights the way to victory in all things. (Ps.119:105, Josh. 1:8, III John 2) As a result, we can strive to live in a way that is free from sin, and demonstrates the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Christ Jesus before others. God’s Word is the Truth, upon which we can stand with boldness and decree what God says, knowing it is our greatest weapon. (John 17:17)

If the Soldier is lacking in knowledge of God’s Word, they will struggle to fight against the enemy. However, those who seek God’s Word and abide by it will be blessed. John 5:24 says,

 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
Jesus also said if we continue in His Word, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. (John 8:31)

Further, the Sword of the Spirit is unique in that it can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool. While God’s Word can protect us from the lies of the enemy, it can also counter attack. For example, Jesus used God’s Word as an offensive weapon in Matthew Chapter 4, when Satan tried to test Him in the wilderness; after which Satan left Him for a season.

As Good Soldiers, we also are not meant to keep the knowledge we gain from God’s Word to ourselves. When we are asked to defend what we believe, we are to skillfully, and rightfully divide God’s Word to instruct, correct, and train fellow Soldiers in righteousness; as well as to provide evidence of our faith in Jesus Christ to Non-Christians. (II Tim. 3:16-17& I Pet. 3:15) Soldiers are to use the Word of God to minister the Word of Reconciliation to every person to receive God’s promises in exchange for their problems. What a mighty blessing this is!

As Good Soldiers of Christ, take up the Sword of the Spirit daily. Remember that God’s Word is the ultimate truth and that we can stand on His promises. With God on our side, we are unstoppable. God is for us no one can stand against us. (Rom.8:31)

Paul’s last instruction given to the Saints at Ephesus concerned praying in the Spirit, which is not a piece of the Armor, but a vital part of the Good Soldier’s success in the conduct of spiritual warfare. We will discuss prayer in the Spirit next week. Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God!

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