Ephesians 6:16 warns us of “the flaming darts of the evil one.” The identity of this “evil one” is clear. He is “the great dragon…that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev 12:9).
His flaming darts are as old as Genesis 3.
- Flaming Dart #1: Challenging God’s will (3:1a)
- Flaming Dart #2: Twisting God’s words (3:1b)
- Flaming Dart #3: Minimizing God’s goodness (3:2)
- Flaming Dart #4: Casting doubt on God’s strictness and severity (3:3)
- Flaming Dart #5: Defying God’s judgment (3:4)
- Flaming Dart #6: Disparaging God’s love (3:5a)
- Flaming Dart #7: Lying about the benefits of disobedience (3:5b)
How can we defend ourselves against these flaming darts of the evil one? With the “shield of faith” (Eph 6:16).
- Defense #1: Submit to God’s will (Rom 10:17)
- Defense #2: Defend God’s words (Jude 3)
- Defense #3: Magnify God’s goodness (Psa 119:68)
- Defense #4: Respect God’s strictness and severity (Rom 11:22)
- Defense #5: Reverently fear God’s judgment (Rev 14:6-7)
- Defense #6: Rejoice in God’s love (Rom 8:35-37)
- Defense #7: Refuse to believe the lies of temptation (James 1:13-16; John 8:44)
This sermon was delivered on August 2, 2015.
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