The Future Is Now

1. The Future Is Now Ephesians 6:10-18

2. The Hideous Threat • Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

3. The Present Struggle • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. • We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, . Our struggle is largely in the realm of ideas, truth and falsehood. “Fortresses” are ideas and conclusions

4. The Present Struggle Truth and ideas are more important than we may think. • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. • We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, . Our struggle is largely in the realm of ideas, truth and falsehood. “Fortresses” are ideas and conclusions

5. This Present Darkness • Ezek. 28:12 “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” • 28:17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. What were these spirit-beings doing for 21 days of battle? Dan 10:2 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks… Read Dan. 10:5-10 They were arguing. Read Dan. 10:12-13

6. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden: diabolos, adj., slanderous; noun, slanderer, the devil; accuse, bring charges with hostile intent

7. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden:

8. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden: • Jesus in the Wilderness: Lk 4:3 The devil said to him, [Jesus] “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord…’”

9. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden: • Jesus in the Wilderness: Lk 4:9 The devil had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 12 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’” 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

10. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden: • Jesus in the Wilderness: 4:13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until a more opportune time James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

11. This Present Darkness • In the Garden of Eden: • Jesus in the Wilderness: • So Now… John 1:5 The Light [Jesus’ words] shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

12. The Future 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB) But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money…ungrateful, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;……always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT) “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. Matthew 24:11-12 (NASB)

13. The Future is Now Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. Matthew 24:11-12 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money…ungrateful, unloving… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;… …they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

14. What It Is… • We are not facing overwhelming power • But we are facing incredible intellect • Arguing with him with our own intellect is foolish. • Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

15. What It Is… • We are not facing overwhelming power • But we are facing incredible intellect • Arguing with him with our own intellect is foolish. • Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 • Truth of the Word: • …having girded your loins with truth • …having shod your feet with …the gospel of peace • …the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

16. What It Is… • We are not facing overwhelming power • But we are facing incredible intellect • Arguing with him with our own intellect is foolish. • Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 • Truth of the Word • Prayer at all times! • 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing; Philippians 4:6 (NASB) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Luke 18:1 (NASB) Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, Colossians 4:2 (NASB) Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; Romans 15:30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,

17. What It Is… Unity • We are not facing overwhelming power • But we are facing incredible intellect • Arguing with him with our own intellect is foolish. • Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 • Truth of the Word • Prayer at all times! • Our Unity • 6:18 , and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints

19. What Ails the Human Condition? • Evil rulers & authorities of the unseen realm • Mighty powers in this dark world • Evil spirits in the heavenly places. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB) But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money…ungrateful, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;……always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT) “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. Matthew 24:11-12 (NASB)

20. What Ails the Human Condition? • Evil rulers & authorities of the unseen realm • Mighty powers in this dark world • Evil spirits in the heavenly places. Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT) “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. Matthew 24:11-12 (NASB)