Introduction:

1. The Bible uses several metaphors to describe the Christian life.

2. This series considers Paul’s metaphor of spiritual warfare.

3. This lesson reminds us of the surety of spiritual warfare and the surety that God will give victory to His faithful soldiers.

Discussion:

I. Our Spiritual Warfare

A. The health, wealth, and prosperity gospel is a lie of the devil.

B. Scripture is clear that Christian living is spiritual warfare.

1. Some of the battles are internal (Romans 7:23; 1 Peter 2:11).

2. Others are against external forces, but all are against a common enemy (2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8).

II. Our Weapons and Armor

A. Christ, through Paul, told Timothy to wage the good warfare as a good soldier of Christ (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4).

B. A good commander supplies the soldiers’ needs (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 10:4; Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 4:12).

III. Our Dread Warrior

A. Our commander is beyond good, promising not only to supply the weapons and armor but to personally deliver us to victory.

B. God has always fought for His people (Exodus 14:14; 23:27; 1 Samuel 17:45-47 2 Chronicles 32:8; Jeremiah 20:10-13).

C. That reality never changes (John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:20-25, 54-57).

1. We cannot escape our spiritual warfare, so we must prepare.

2. Thankfully, He supplies our every need and promises victory.

3. So, we take up the armor and be strong in His might (Ephesians 6:10).