Current Series: Call of Duty
Title: “The Invisible War”
The Word: Ephesians 6:10-12, John 16:33Main Thought: God is more powerful than the spiritual forces of evil.
Message Explanation: We are in a battle. An invisible war. There is a cosmic war going on for the souls of mankind. The battle around us is not physical. It is a supernatural battle. As Christ-followers, we have a clear enemy.
Who is our enemy? Satan.
Let’s start it off right today. God and Satan are not in a boxing ring. They are not equal. God has WON the war. At the beginning of time, there was a battle. There was an angel named “Lucifer” who wanted to be like God. He rebelled against God and all of the angels with him became fallen angels (aka “demons”). 1/3 of the fallen angels were cast out of heaven. The story did not end there. Adam and Eve were tempted in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted them in the form of fear, anger, jealousy, pride and selfishness. Satan’s goal was to plant thoughts into them that were not of God, and instead of fighting those evil things with God’s word, they believed the lies.
This is why…
1. God has armed us with power. Ephesians 6:10-11: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
“Be Strong” or “stand firm,” means we have strength in God. Strength comes from understanding that we are weak on our own strength.
“Put on ALL of God’s Armor.” We need to GEAR UP with all of who Jesus is daily.
Because the battle is invisible does not mean it isn’t there. We feel the effects everyday of the enemy attacks. In order to defeat the enemy, we need to…
2. Know the enemy (v. 12) “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Fighting – the word refers to a “wrestling” metaphor. Since we are at war, it is important to understand the enemy.
What does he look like?
1 Peter 5:8: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
2 Corinthians 11:14: “But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Satan is a liar (John 8:44)
Satan is an accuser (Revelations 20:10)
Satan is a deceiver (Revelation 12:10)
Christ’s power will defeat the enemy for you.
3. Live from victory in Jesus
John 16:33: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
We need to suit up with the armor of God on a daily basis. God is more powerful than the spiritual forces of evil.
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? That is the starting point to overcoming the enemy.
If you know Jesus, are you putting on God’s armor daily?
Element of Fun: The middle school students played a game as small groups "hula hoop pass" where they had to hold hands and pass it through each other. It helped them learn teamwork as small groups.
Music: You are Good, You Are Good, Break Every Chain, Holy Spirit.
Favorite Moment: We had at least 5-6 students respond to Jesus and many more wanting to follow in baptism this weekend!
What’s Next: We continue the series, “Call of Duty” as we talk about "gearing up" with the armor of God!
To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page
