The Clash: Preparing for War (Week 1)

(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these words. These notes are taken down during Ptr. Paul's preaching, June 11, 2015, 5pm, Victory U-belt service. Check Victory Ubelt's site to check its podcast.)

Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is like signing up for a war.

Ephesians 6:10-13

1. There is a clear, present enemy. The devil, itself.

• The devil is present from the the stage of Adam and Eve.
• We are fighting against it's schemes and works.

2. We are wrestling with the devil.

• Wrestle - Struggle (Greek)
• Struggle against the enemy.

3. Stand firm against the devil schemes.

• Say no to the enemy.

Is it really possible to stand against the devil scheme/s?

YES!

How can we stand firm?

Apostle Paul said, Let's use the armor of God to stand against the devil schemes.

The Armor of God - Two weapons the enemy fear

Luke 4:1-2

Jesus was in wilderness, and was tempted by the devil.

Jesus in wilderness vs Adam in Garden of Eden
Wilderness - dry, arid, desert + tempted = UNFAVORABLE
Garden of Eden - provisions are there

You are always in a battle.
Whether you are in a good or bad situation, you are in a battle. SO DON'T PUT YOUR GUARD DOWN.
He attacks you in crucial moments. He attacks your weakest points.

CRUCIAL POINTS
1. Identity (Luke 4:3)

• Sonship of Jesus Christ
• God loves you and forgives you but the devil destroys that identity.

2. Control (Luke 4:5-6)

• Authority

3. Security (Luke 4:9-11)

• Ego
• The devil to put our security on him.

HOW DID JESUS RESPOND?

1. Know the bible. Know the word of God.

• Prepare.when the devil attacks.
• When Jesus was attacked by the devil, Luke 4:4
• The word of God is like a sword.
• KNOW THE WORD OF GOD.
• Romans 10;17

Know the word of God. But knowing, is just winning half of the battle. If you really want to be victorious, don't just know it.

2. Live it out. Live out the word of God.

• James 2:17
• It is more than believing in the word. It is more than quoting it. It is about living it out.
• Don't just say it, LIVE IT OUT.
• Act on your faith,
• Don't wait for the feeling. Just do it!

Luke 3:21-22

• "With you I am well pleased..."
• Your identity is affirmed in Him.
• You are loved not because of what you do.
• He loves you as you are.