Spiritual Preparedness Knowing How Our Enemy Works and Putting on The Armor of God Knowing How Our Enemy Works and Putting on The Armor of God George M Stahnke Copyright © 2007 Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs ~

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6: (NASB) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6: (NASB)

The Enemy is Threefold The World The Flesh The Devil

The world system influenced by demonic power. There is more to the world than what we see in the natural. There are spiritual forces at work that influence human behavior. The Adamic or sin nature. Our innate ability to yield to all manner of passion, deceit, immorality, rebellion, etc. The world system influenced by demonic power. There is more to the world than what we see in the natural. There are spiritual forces at work that influence human behavior. The Adamic or sin nature. Our innate ability to yield to all manner of passion, deceit, immorality, rebellion, etc. The Enemy is Threefold The World: The Flesh: The Devil: Our spiritual enemy who uses the world and the flesh as tools to destroy the soul.

1.Maneuvering people into a state of rebellion against authority. 2.Twisting truth into partial lies so as to confuse and deceive. 3.Introducing doubt as to who Jesus really is. 4.Creating a negative impression of God. 5.Encouraging skepticism as to the reality of God, and the worship of creation. 1.Maneuvering people into a state of rebellion against authority. 2.Twisting truth into partial lies so as to confuse and deceive. 3.Introducing doubt as to who Jesus really is. 4.Creating a negative impression of God. 5.Encouraging skepticism as to the reality of God, and the worship of creation. Strategies of the Enemy... for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11b (NKJV)... for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11b (NKJV)

6. Encouraging humanistic reasoning, causing man to think he is capable of being his own god and solving his own problems. 7. Sowing "the lie" that a certain state of moral excellence must be obtained before coming to God or experiencing His love. 8.Creating the fearful impression that the cost of turning to God is too high by claiming there are too many desires and pleasures of life, which one must hold onto for fulfillment. 6. Encouraging humanistic reasoning, causing man to think he is capable of being his own god and solving his own problems. 7. Sowing "the lie" that a certain state of moral excellence must be obtained before coming to God or experiencing His love. 8.Creating the fearful impression that the cost of turning to God is too high by claiming there are too many desires and pleasures of life, which one must hold onto for fulfillment. Strategies of the Enemy

9.Instilling fear that one cannot really live the Christian life and trying to make it hard through temptations and pressures. 10. Frustrating and confusing those ungrounded in solid biblical teaching by presenting many false interpretations of scripture. 11. Quickly snatching away the preached Word of God from the heart before it can take root. 12. Keeping people in false peace, allowing or even giving prosperity or security so that we are caught up in the cares of this world. 9.Instilling fear that one cannot really live the Christian life and trying to make it hard through temptations and pressures. 10. Frustrating and confusing those ungrounded in solid biblical teaching by presenting many false interpretations of scripture. 11. Quickly snatching away the preached Word of God from the heart before it can take root. 12. Keeping people in false peace, allowing or even giving prosperity or security so that we are caught up in the cares of this world. Strategies of the Enemy

The Armor of God The Armor of God Putting on Christ

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm there- fore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: (NASB) 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm there- fore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: (NASB)

Life Application Bible Commentary The Christian’s Armor Against Satan The Believer’s Defense Against the Enemy The Believer’s Defense Against the Enemy Belt of Truth Breastplate of righteousness Shoes that are ready to spread the gospel Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God Belt of Truth Breastplate of righteousness Shoes that are ready to spread the gospel Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God Study Scripture so that Satan cannot deceive you. Ask God for the ability to resist Satan’s temptations. Ask God to give you an opportunity to tell unbelievers about Jesus. Ask God to increase your faith in him. Continually remind yourself that Jesus has saved you from your sins. Ask the Spirit to help you understand the Bible’s message. Study Scripture so that Satan cannot deceive you. Ask God for the ability to resist Satan’s temptations. Ask God to give you an opportunity to tell unbelievers about Jesus. Ask God to increase your faith in him. Continually remind yourself that Jesus has saved you from your sins. Ask the Spirit to help you understand the Bible’s message. The Piece Of Armor The Piece Of Armor

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV) 8 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9 Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 1 Peter 5:8 - 9 (TMSG) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV) 8 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9 Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 1 Peter 5:8 - 9 (TMSG)

Spiritual Preparedness Knowing How Our Enemy Works and Putting on The Armor of God Knowing How Our Enemy Works and Putting on The Armor of God George M Stahnke Copyright © 2007 Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs ~