Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil."

We can stand against the schemes of Satan. He is not too strong for us, because God is on our side. Romans 8:31 - "What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" What can the Evil One do against the Almighty? He’s utterly helpless and powerless.

We must learn to stand in God’s might, but the beginning of standing is knowing that you can! It rips the mask off, and shows the Devil to be chained. He wants to devour us, but he cannot [Revelation 12:13-14]. He leads us into sin by temptation and trickery, but his main tactics are, “You don’t have to stand… and you cannot.” We can, however, because Christ died for us, and he gives us the Spirit. We have the precious promises, and our God is a great Redeemer. Psalm 130:7 - "Israel, put your hope in the LORD. For there is faithful love with the LORD, and with him is redemption in abundance." He gives us a new heart, and power to live above sin in forgiveness [John 8:11]. As we keep our eyes upon COMPLETE acceptance with God, because of Christ, and TRUST HIM for help, he will deliver. He’s too faithful, and too good. He’s reliable, though we are weak. He helps people who’ve failed!

Bless God for the gospel, and stand flat footed against the Devil. Put your dukes up. Don’t run in fear. Resist him steadfastly by the gospel and faith in Christ.

Secondly, stand. Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest.” Do not yield, and do not give in. Do not say, “I’m a sinner, and I’m too weak.” Weakness is exactly what we need, because Christ only helps the powerless. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me."

Rely upon Christ for joy: not the pleasure of sin. Believe him: not the lie that you’re only human… and no one is perfect. The Devil uses this to weaken us. Do not hide secret sin, but confess it immediately and triumphantly, knowing that you have a God who forgives and cleanses [1 John 1:9].

Don’t let sin keep you from Christ, who came to save sinners, has entered an unbreakable covenant, and has more good than we have evil. Stand against your lusts and temptations. Worship Christ authentically in private. You are not too defiled and filthy. Sin has run in our family since Adam, but it does not mean that God can’t subdue it. He gives grace for this specific purpose - to make the evilest people on earth into righteous and holy children of God. He has a perfect track record. He’s never lost anyone who trusts him. No one looks to him, and is put to shame. Rom 10:11, “For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Love the gospel enough to enjoy its pleasures. I spoke with a boy after he was disciplined by his parents. I told him that I enjoy God’s presence, so I fight my sin. When I fail, which is too much, I go back, and he helps me. I enjoy walking with Christ in obedience. There’s nothing my sin can give me, except temporary pleasure, matched with lasting guilt and shame. It is better to war and fight than to give in to the world, the flesh, and to Satan. Fight him off, and call him a liar. Let, “It is written,” rule over you.

Thirdly, be ready to preach the gospel. Ephesians 6:15 - "and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace." The best way to stand against Satan is to have Christ in your heart by faith. Get him in, every day, so you can get him out. Ephesians 3:17 - "and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,"

Meditate on his love, believe, and receive it. CH Spurgeon said don’t focus on your own heart. Let Christ’s love be your focus, and your own love will grow warm and arise. Likewise, use your life to save others, and you’ll be victorious over many schemes and attacks, because Christ is with you, and you are doing his will. Temptation will come, but so will victory. You’ll get stronger and stronger, as you minister.

This week in Nigeria, we did a free medical mission. Our team is responsible for counseling and preaching. It’s a long week. They spent about 6 hours a day talking to people about Christ - group after group, with little pause in between. It’s exhausting and utterly draining, but I’ve seen believers repeatedly leave with joy. They are strengthened in confidence to serve God better. The gospel is more real.

Likewise, when I preach, I get stronger. The more I do it by the Spirit, the better it is. Street preaching, which I do when I have no open doors, is very strengthening. I’m often afraid, until I open my mouth. I leave rejoicing, comforted, and more bold. Why? Because I served God with the gifts he gave me, in the way he commands me, and I use his gospel to give him glory. Let us all stand against evil by promoting and doing good. It’s not merely being against something; it’s being for Someone too, and bringing him out.

Fourthly, God’s word is our victory over sin. Ephesians 6:17 - "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit ​-- ​which is the word of God." God’s word tells us about Christ. It reproves us, shows us right from wrong, and liberates us. How often have we gone to God’s word to see what he says, and come away with freedom? God’s word tells us the promises, and puts power in us. 2 Peter 1:4 - "By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire." It is the most important thing in our life - that we get the word in by singing, praying, and reading. We get it in deeper by meditation [1 Timothy 4:15].

We constantly receive instruction from the word, as we find God’s truth gives us peace. Satan wants your Bible closed, because the gospel is God’s power. Satan wants us fighting with flimsy tactics like will power and human logic. He knows the word of the gospel DEFEATS him.

Run to Christ in the written word. Bow your knees, and ask him to open it to you. Get grace from the word nourishing you, and feed on manna from heaven. Our daily bread includes going to God for his word, asking him to fill us daily!

Fifthly, boldness is the result of standing. Ephesians 6:19-20 - "Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should." We open our mouths boldly, and proclaim the gospel. Satan has been defeated! He hasn’t kept us back from telling the truth. We’ve seized open doors, and risked it all for Jesus. Acts 15:26 - "Men who have surrendered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus."

We love people more than they love us, so we tell them the truth, though they are offended. We lose friendships and opportunities, but we honor Christ, which is most important. This is a victorious life.