1. Therefore … Stand On the Basis of: Christ’s death Christ’s resurrection His revealed will His rule of conduct His residing in us

2. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 “ we struggle not against flesh & blood” Eph.6:12 We can’t fight in our own strength – 2 Cor. 10:3-5 It is God’s battle, fought only in God’s power, fought only in God’s power, and in God’s armor. and in God’s armor.

3. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 Satan opposes believers! Sometimes in direct and obvious ways! Sometimes indirectly and in subtle ways!

4. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 1.Satan tries to discredit God’s character and credibility.  Man’s greatest strength – trust God  Satan’s obj. – cause man to distrust  Genesis 3:1-5 ; 1 John 5:10  Satan is all about blame and doubt

5. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 2.Satan undermines present victory through trouble and difficulty in life.  This tempts us to give up on obedience  Most extreme tactic – persecution  Most common tactic - fear of man  Reverse approach – easy living

6. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 3.Satan attacks believers through doctrinal confusion and falsehood.  Leads to ineffective work for God.  Makes us believe Scripture is too difficult to understand on our own.  We become willing sheep for false shepherds or easy Christianity.

7. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 4.Satan attacks God’s people by hindering their service for Him.  Satan opposes every faithful life and ministry. 1 Cor. 16:9  This can be used to strengthen us or our ministry. 2 Cor. 12:7

8. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 5.Satan attacks believers by causing divisions among them.  Jesus repeatedly prayed for unity among His followers. John 17:11  We need to work hard to keep unity.  We need to quickly & willingly reconcile.

9. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 6.Satan attacks believers by persuading them to trust their own resources.  When it is our power it is not His work.  1 Chronicles 21:1-8  We rely on our knowledge. Prov. 3:5,6

10. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 7.Satan attacks believers by leading them into hypocrisy.  Satan’s success is brought on by a church populated with religious unbelievers & disobedient believers.  We love to wear masks of piety.

11. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 8.Satan attacks believers by leading them into worldliness. Rom. 12:1,2  This is particularly easy during times of prosperity.  1 John 2:15,16

12. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 9.Satan attacks believers by leading them to disobey God’s Word.  God wants faithfulness; Satan unfaithfulness  God wants morality; Satan immorality  God wants truthfulness; Satan lies  God wants love; Satan hate  God wants us to be content; Satan to covet  God wants us to live by faith; Satan by sight

13. Stand Firm …Against Philippians 4:1 Application Are you aware of the schemes (methodia) of our adversary in your life? Do you recognize that we are defenseless without the full armor of God?