Zoning in On Spiritual Warfare by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, January 20, 2008)

OUR LEAD SCRIPTURES ARE HERE:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (Amplified Bible)
Amplified Bible (AMP)

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
[AMP at Lockman] [The Lockman Foundation] [Amplified at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

11Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

13Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(A)

16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.

18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
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NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!

It’s time to take stock of some things! It’s time for you to really be honest…No one is listening and you don’t have to say it out loud. What is it that is your greatest weakness or rather your greatest stumbling block when it comes to doing things for God? Or you can call it kingdom work. If you wish you can say when completing your assignments or completing benevolent works. What gets on your nerves? What is it? It’s something…and the devil knows exactly what it is. That’s where your direct Spiritual Warfare is going on. Most of us don’t even realize that’s a battle, so often we aren’t fighting it. I’ve been trying to lose weight for many reasons and the devil has fought me tooth and nail and admittedly; I’ve fought myself not knowing there was any warfare going on.

It’s biblical that the devil wants to buffet us and keep our bodies from being temples unto God.

I’ve got other weaknesses too. Not many more, but guaranteed the devil knows them too. He’s a defeated foe and he’s really sick that I’m telling you this. He’ll be sicker if you’ll take heed.He will also hit you all day long: setting traps to get you angry. Do you fall for it? He’d love to see you gossip…do you allow yourself to be drawn into it? His plan is not like you think. It’s not “for the moment.” it’s for the “set-ip.” How many times have you ever been tempted to say something about someone, but you kept your mouth shut only to see the person walk up who would have heard you who could have possibly been hurt?

There’s lot’s more to talk about this, but not now, gotta go get ready for church.

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