RLJ-721OL

SPIRITUAL COMBAT 

June 18,2000
Once we accept Christ, it seems as though we will encounter more problems than while we were sinners. Let us understand this; we have changed kingdoms - Colossians 1:9-15

When we were citizens of Satan’s kingdom, we were suffering from our sins and the judgments of God. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-2; Galatians 6:7-8

Demons will torment unbelievers, and usually the person will blame this on God.  Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 8:5-6

Once a person is saved and moved to the kingdom of God, he becomes a target of every foul spirit existing on this earth, including their leader: 1 Peter 5:7-9; Revelation 12:17

The more active a believer in Christ becomes, the harder the resistance from the enemy. Ephesians 6:10–13

The apostle Paul was the spearhead to spreading the Gospel in the Roman Empire. Let us look at what kind of "combat" he experienced. 2 Corinthians 11:21-33; 12:1-11

LET US NOW LOOK INTO THE MIND OF PAUL TO SEE HOW HE HANDLED HIS BATTLES:

1. He was determined not to faint - 2 Corinthians 4:1

2. He walked in integrity - 2 Corinthians 4:2

3. He knew that unbelievers were blinded - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

4. He preached Jesus Christ - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

5. He recognized he was a frail human being - 2 Corinthians 4:7

6. There was always upheaval and trouble around Paul during his entire ministry life on this earth - 2 Corinthians 4:8-12

7. He had total faith in God and the message he preached and lived - 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

8. The constant battle was taking its toll on the physical body of Paul, but it did not matter to him, since he was in God’s will. 2 Corinthians 5:1-9

Only the believer who has been filled with the Holy Spirit and has understood that life on this earth is temporal, and has been shown in the spirit the riches of Christ in glory, will be able TO WAGE AN EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE AGAINST THE FORCES OF SATAN. Hebrews 11:13-16

Once Paul had tasted the goodness of Christ, he could not be stopped.  Acts 9:1-20

We do not need a Damascus road experience to catch the glory of God, all we have to do is to hunger and thirst for the glory of God, and we shall be touched! John 7:37-39

God is no respecter of persons!   Acts 10:34

Do you have an ear with which to hear ?