BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, WHEN THE ENEMY SATAN COMES AGAINST YOU THEN STAND, RESIST, AND GAIN THE VICTORY

1. PAUL GIVES US AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BATTLE AND HOW TO DO THE FIGHT.
1. First, understand that our strength comes from the Lord.
2. Second, we must understand that the enemy is real, his kingdom is real, and the fight against his principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places is real and if we don’t know how to fight or underestimate the strength of the enemy, we will perish in the battle.
3. Paul continues, “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 6:10-13]
4. James states that we must resist the devil and as we stand, he will have to flee. [James 4:7]
5. Peter declares that we must resist the devil steadfast in the faith because the devil like a roaring lion is around believers who are weak in the faith to devour them so he encourages believers to be sober and vigilant. [1 Peter 5:8-9]


2. EQUIPPED DEFENSIBLY FOR THE BATTLE:
1. Girded our waist with truth
2. Having the breastplate of righteousness
3. Feet ready to take the gospel of peace to other places.
4. Our head covered with the helmet of salvation


3. WHAT IS NEEDED FOR RESISTING THE ATTACK AND GAINING THE VICTORY:
• Putting up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the enemy — what is the shield of faith?


• JESUS DEMONSTRATED HOW FAITH WORKS AS A SHIELD AGAINST THE FIERY DARTS OF THE ENEMY:
  1. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. Mat. 9:20-22
  2. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed… Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Mat. 22-28
  3. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 41-42
  4. And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31
  5. WHAT IS FAITH:
     • “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1
     • But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Heb. 11:6
     • “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” Heb. 12:2
  
  
• The only weapon believers are going to use against the enemy is the Sword of the Spirit — which is the Word of God. But how is the Sword going to be used?


• JESUS GIVES AN EXAMPLE ON HOW TO FIGHT AND WIN THE BATTLE. [Luke 4:1-13]
  1. After His baptism, Jesus went to the wilderness and He fasted for 40 days.
  2. He was weak when the devil appeared to tempt him.
  3. Every temptation that the enemy brought to Jesus, He answered. “It is written”
  4. The Word of God has the power to drive the enemy away.
  5. Finally the devil left Jesus for a while.

* All scriptures are from New King James Version