We just concluded our ALL IN series last Sunday and we preached on spiritual warfare. It was fitting to preach on the subject because it was also the day of the Mayweather-Ortiz fight. As most of you know, the fight ended in 4 rounds when Mayweather took advantage of Ortiz when he was apologizing to his opponent for headbutting Mayweather.
When Ortiz let his guard down, BOOM! BAM! POW!
Here are some lessons on spiritual warfare:
1. You can’t let your guards down.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
There should never be a day when you don’t come equip for battle. Everyday we are faced with temptations and trials. You can’t afford to go naked in the battle. Don’t be an easy target of the enemy.
2. Be alert and sober minded.
1 Peter 5:8 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The devil is a cheater. He is unsportsmanlike. Don’t underestimate him. He knows how to fight and he is on the lookout for an opening.
3. Violent Men take hold of the Kingdom
Ortiz was apologizing to the enemy. Big mistake! You don’t apologize in the thick of battle. For Christians, you don’t say sorry to the devil. We take the enemy by force. The Scripture talks about binding the strong man.
Matthew 11:12 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
4. Know when to use offense and defense.
The full armor of God consists of defensive tools and an offensive weapon which is the Word of God which means that there will be time we will defend and at times we will attack. Be discerning of the seasons. Know when it is battle mode and know when it is defense mode.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
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