Scary stuff

As we get ready for Halloween, I know that for some Christians it can be a worrisome time. In reality, we should be concern about Satan's scheme's all year long. I did my best to addresse the reality of both Satan and God's mighty power in this sermon. As always, love to hear your feedback.


Protection for Believers Ephesians 6:10-18
Our “Un-Haunted Halloween” event here at church…it’s a tricky balance
Satan is real and needs to be understood from a Christian perspective

Text: Eph. 6: 10-12
Thesis: The root of all evil is Satan and we fight a supernatural battle. God has equipped us with armor for the battle.

We need to dress for battle. V. 11
· Think about someone dressed in armor, standing firm, ready for battle. Roman soldier, Iraq. Fighter, lacrosse player
· Our battle gear is the word of God.
· The devil is definitely a schemer. Some of his favorite tools are doubt, deception and fear.
· One thing that needs to be clear, there is a devil and he’s going to do everything he can to destroy us.
· “Sheep and goats” article , from last week, a pastor was interviewed: What happens when we die? “After I retired,” said Villanueva, “I became a hospice chaplain. I have witnessed people make the transition. I have witnessed the peace that comes, the assurance that there’s something waiting for us. I believe there is an afterlife, and I believe we all go to the same place — in that regard, I don’t believe in hell. But I have no clue what it’s like.”
· Yet, when we put on the full armor of God, the Bible tells us that we will be able to stand against the devil’s schemes.

We need to remember what we are actually fighting against. V. 12
· Although it may seem like a physical battle, it’s actually a spiritual battle.
· Who remembers the book, “This present darkness” by Frank Peretti? He writes about angels, demons, prayer, and spiritual warfare as demons and angels interact and struggle for control of the citizens of the small town of Ashton.
· In general, the book puts together some interesting thoughts on Spiritual warfare, good stuff to think about.
· Behind every wicked ruler or authority there is a dark power and that power is Satan.
· V. 12 calls it “Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
· Charles Ryrie, “The believers enemies are the demonic hosts of Satan, always assembled for mortal combat.“
· It’s also important to remember that Satan and his host don’t always appear as something evil or wicked. In fact often the temptation we face is very attractive.

So, we can acknowledge that there is evil in this world, its name is Satan and that he’s out to get us.

We also need to acknowledge that our strength comes from God and his mighty power v. 10
· We need to remember that Satan’s power has already been broken by Christ’s death and resurrection, which forever conquered the power of sin and death.
· Yet, on this earth there are constant spiritual battles.
· The power of God and the force of biblical truth are required for victory.

How do you fight a spiritual battle?
· On your knees.
· Time in the word.
· Christian fellowship.

We also fight the battle with protection, prayer and foresight.
· Eph. 6:13-17 shows us the protection that is available. It’s up to us if we chose to wear it or not. We need to daily put on the full armor of God.
· Palomar Football game yesterday, QB got hit…imagine if he had not been wearing all the protection.
· These verses remind us that we will be able to stand our ground.
· Belt of truth (the gospel, Jesus is the truth, keep it close, right next to you, centered at your core, …the belt cinched up the loosely hanging material, anything that hinders needs to be tucked away.)
· Breastplate of righteousness (having a pure heart, the seat of emotions, protecting your heart, daily righteous becomes a spiritual breastplate.)
· Feet protected with the gospel of peace (the gospel, the good news of Jesus brings peace and points the way to eternal peace. This peace brings a sure foundation to stand on, like a good pair of sandals or shoes.)
· Shield of faith (basic trust in God, our faith, our trust in God, our growth in understanding the Bible is what extinguishes Satan’s flaming arrows) PIC
· Helmet of salvation (this one is obvious, it’s why race car drivers, motorcycle riders etc. wear them. Satan will try and get inside our heads with doubt and discouragement)
· Sword of the spirit (the sword was the soldiers only weapon, God’s word is the only thing we need in the fight against Satan.)
· Pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
· Be alert and always keep praying…

I’d like you to take a moment and think about a spiritual battle you may be in right now.
· It could be a battle to initially come to Christ, or a battle to stay strong in your faith and not give into temptation.

Important verses to keep in mind:
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Romans 8:31, 37-38 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 8:10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.

Jer. 20:11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.

Conclusion: (remember the thesis was )
The root of all evil is Satan and we fight a supernatural battle. God has equipped us with armor for the battle.

We have got to take action, use the brain that God gave us and take the appropriate steps to avoid getting knocked around by Satan.
· Situation with Bill…

2 Kings 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."