Eph
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Intro.
The battle of our day is not with flesh and blood,
but with the “spirit world" and is not on the body,
but
on the minds of people.
In
order to understand this better, we must understand the trinity of man after
the fall of Adam.
A.
The Spirit life is dead...Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
B.
The Body life is dying...I Cor. 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
C.
The Mind life is darkened...II Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
I.
THE POWER OF THE MIND......Prov. 23:7
Prov.
23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
1.
The mind is the entrance to the soul.
2.
The mind is the battleground for Satan & God~
3.
The mind is the place decisions are made either good or evil..
You think, then act, or refuse to act.
II.
THE PURGING OF THE
MIND.....II Cor. 10
1.
The Warfare.....V 3
2 Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2.
The Weapons.....V 4
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Cp
Ehp. 6:12-18
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
3.
The Winning.....V 4-7
There
must be a:
a.
pulling down.....V 4
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
b.
casting down.....V 5
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
c.
bringing down....V 5
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
d.
putting down.....V 6
2 Cor 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
III.
THE PEACE OF THE
MIND......Phil. 4:4-9
1.
Our position must be realized.....V 4
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
2.
Our prayers must be right.........V 5-7
Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3.
Our perception must be restricted....V 8-9
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Phil 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
IV.
THE PROTECTION FOR THE MIND.
Isa 26:3
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
1.
The source of our protection....
'Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace'
2.
The scope of our protection.....
'Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace'
3.
The secret of our protection....
"whose
mind is stayed on thee"
V.
THE PROBLEMS OF OUR MINDS
1.
Open to suggestions,
2.
Open to spirits,
3.
Closed to the scriptures
