Power Point - May 31, 2005

May 31, 2005

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

--Ephesians 6:12-13

You may ask, “Pastor, do you really believe demons exist in this day and age?” Absolutely! They were around in Jesus’ day, and they are around today. On a few occasions I have been witness to the power of demonic forces.

The devil is committed to corrupting the world-at-large, but he’s also devoted to terrorizing God’s people. He creates doubt, attacks the mind, formulates fear, and persecutes believers. Revelation 2:10 says, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

In the book of Job, we know that Satan was allowed by God to physically attack Job—his body, his family, and his person wealth. So Satan and his hordes from hell are absolutely involved in attacking and persecuting believers. And he makes every effort to hinder the service of God’s people. Second Corinthians 11:13-14 says, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan transforms himself into an angel of light.”

Satan is committed to the division of the church—sowing seeds of discord among its members. And he also tempts us to sin through self-reliance, worldliness, pride, discouragement, pleasures, and more. Oftentimes he minimizes or glamorizes sin so as to make us think it’s not as bad as it sounds or looks. One of the devil’s most clever tricks is to get hold of you spiritually and to neutralize your testimony.

Guard yourself with God’s Word, and remember that your enemy is not people, but Satan and his hosts of wickedness. Ask God to shield you with His truth today, so you will have strength when fighting the battle against demonic forces in this day and age.

WAKE UP TO THE WAR AND GET IN THE BATTLE.