radiantvisalia.com
The Summer of the Spirit: Part 8, Spiritual Warfare

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13, 1 Peter 5:6-10, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Genesis 1:27, Revelation 12:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 5:8-10, Matthew 18, Romans 12:17-21

Intro:

• Steve Whitmer is introduced as the speaker.
• The sermon addresses the timely topic of spiritual warfare.
• Emphasis on practical application.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare:

• Spiritual warfare is for every believer.
• Prayer is a form of spiritual warfare.
• 2 Corinthians 6:10-13: We wrestle against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood.
• 1 Peter 5:6-9: Contrast between God's grace and the adversary's intent to devour.
• Satan prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).
• Satan's goal: To render us ineffective or unfruitful.

Our Responsibilities:

• Be self-controlled and alert:
  • Don't provide the adversary with access or opportunity.
  • Avoid emotional responses to Satan's triggers.
• Resist him:
  • Stand firm in faith.
  • Know the authority we have in Christ.
  • Satan is an opportunist who uses camouflage (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Why Are We Targeted?

• We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
• Satan hates God.
• We become weapons in God’s hand.
• Satan knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12).

Waging Warfare:

• The battlefield is mostly in our minds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
• Take every thought captive.
• Tactics:
  • Worship (Psalm 59:1, 16-17).
  • Pray (Ephesians 6:18).
  • Forgive (Matthew 18).
  • Choose to bless (Romans 12:17-21).
  • Confess (Ephesians 5:8-10).
  • Remind ourselves of God's character.
  • Step out in generosity.
• Nehemiah: Rebuilding and warfare.
• Step up, step out, step into your call.

Conclusion:

• A call to action: Rebuild, resist, and engage in spiritual warfare.
• Encouragement to stand firm, resist the enemy, and trust in God's power.
• Prayer for strength, courage, and victory in the battle.

Support the show

*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.