Our Spiritual Warfare1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12

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Introduction

Christians are to be peaceful people! Rom. 12:18; Gal. 5:22; Rom. 14:19; Matt. 5:9; 2 Pet. 1:2

Peace is difficult when we have so many enemies: Fleshly lusts: 1 Pet. 2:11

People of the “world”: 2 Tim. 3:1-8

Those hindering the truth: Acts 13:6-10

False teachers and their followers: 2 Pet. 2:1-2

False/unfaithful brethren: 2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 4:14; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18

Satan: 1 Pet. 5:8

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Introduction

Alas, many believe peace can be obtained without warfare.

“My good friends, this is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And now I recommend you to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.” (Neville Chamberlain, 1869-1940; British Prime Minister)

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Introduction

Warfare is not to be “loved,” but peace has never been obtained without war! 1 Tim. 6:12

Some Christians are spiritual “cowards”!Therefore, let us consider some

important things about our spiritual warfare that we “wage the good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18); that we may “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12).

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The mind: 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 10:3-5; Eph. 6:12-13

Our fleshly lusts: 1 Pet. 2:11; Rom. 7:15

Fronts

Fronts:

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Only one “offensive” weapon (Word of God): Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12-13; 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:14

Not carnal: 2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-18

Weapons

Weapons:

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Strategy

Strategy: general Not a carnal war: 2 Cor. 10:4, Eph. 6:17

Plan for heavy opposition: 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Cor. 4:13; 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 2 Tim. 4:16; Acts 22-26 (24:5)

Regardless of opposition we must be strong and courageous: Josh. 1:9; 1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 4:13; Eph. 1:18-23; 3:20; Heb. 13:6

Cannot measure success in human terms: Matt. 7:13-14; 1 Pet. 3:20; Lk. 8:4-15; 1 Cor. 3:6-9; Isa. 55:11

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Strategy

Strategy: Front #1 (fleshly lusts)

Buffet our body: 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Col. 3:5

Resist temptation: Jas. 1:12

Seek promised way of escape: 1 Cor. 10:13

Submit to God and resist the devil: Jas. 4:7

Make no provision for the flesh: Rom. 13:14

Draw near to God: Jas. 4:8

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Strategy

Strategy: Front #2 (men’s minds) Contend earnestly for the faith: Jude 3; 1 Pet. 3:15

Speak with all boldness: Acts 4:29; 2 Cor. 3:12; Acts 9:29

Rebuke false doctrine: Gal. 2:5; Eph. 5:11

Don’t shun discussion: 2 Tim. 2:17

Support those boldly proclaiming the truth: Eph. 6:18-20

All soldiers, even those not on frontlines, can contribute to the victory: Ex. 17:12

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Results

Results: Remember what’s at stake: Matt.

16:26

One of two possible results: Exaltation and salvation: Matt. 5:11-

12; 1 Pet. 1:9; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:6-8

Humiliation and damnation: Rev. 21:8; Mk. 9:42-48

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ConclusionNot all of us will make it! Matt. 7:13-14

You may be the only one from your family or your congregation who does make it! Heb. 3:6

But, stand we must! Eph. 6:13; 1 Cor. 16:13

But, endure we must! Heb. 10:35-39

But, courageous we must be! Josh. 1:9