Band of Brothers - Why We Fight

SIAFU Mens Conference, Band of Brothers: Why We Fight Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis, p. 20

II. We Fight To Rescue Those Who Are Oppressed By the Enemy

The war in the heavenlies is between the forces of God and the evil one, “who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev. 12.9).

• The devil was the anointed cherub (covering angel) placed in charge of, or at least offered freedom to roam the newly created earth (Ezek. 28.11-19). • The devil (Lucifer, son of the dawn) fell from his high estate (Isa. 14.9 ff.), and took with him a host of angelic spirits who now make up his army of rulers, principalities and powers (Rev. 12.4ff). • Satan is the archenemy of God, but is not equal with God; he is rather, a rebellious prince of significant strength and resources. He now appears to have access to heaven (Job 1–3), but will be displaced by the forces of God and cast out of heaven (Rev. 12.9ff). • Scripture provides many descriptions of Satan: he is the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10.10), the deceiver (2 Cor. 11.3), the destroyer (Rev. 9.11, Abaddon means “destroyer”), the ancient serpent (Rev. 12), and devouring lion (1 Peter 5.8–9). • The devil, through his control of the world and those who belong to him, is the “spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 2.2, NKJV). • His brashness is extraordinary: he even tempted our Lord, the Christ, Matt. 4.1-11

A. W HAT ’ S UP ? Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin, John 8.34

1. We are in bondage to sin because of Adam’s disobedience, Rom. 5.1-21

2. We are in bondage to sin because of our own rebellion and failure, Ps. 51.1-5; 1 Cor. 6.9-11

3. We are in bondage to sin because of sin’s curse: death, Rom. 3.23; 6.23; Eph. 2.2

B. B REAK IT DOWN ! Sin, in every form, ensnares and produces bondage, binding you with wrongdoing, Prov. 5.22

1.

People are enslaved to their own lusts, Titus 3.3

2. People are controlled and oppressed by their own greed, Eph. 4.17-24