Core Scripture: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:14)

Message: (I just picked up a phenomenal book written by Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke called Fighting Shadows.  Our men’s group is discussing the opening chapter tonight, and I feel compelled to write about it this morning.)

You cannot escape your shadow.  It follows you everywhere. 

Shadows are dark.  Black as night.  Looking back at your shadows can discourage you.  Shadows are the baggage you struggle overcoming.  They are lies, straight from Satan, and if your eyes focus on that darkness, it is nearly impossible to escape it. 

You have no choice but to fight. 

In the movie 300, we learn about the epic Battle of Thermopylae.  King Leonidas brought 300 courageous Spartan warriors to fend off the mighty Persian army of one million men.  When the invincible Persians arrived on shore, they bragged that their arrows were so numerous, they would blot out the son.

Leonidas chuckled, raised his chin, and shouted back that they would fight their battle in the shade. 

Leonidas wouldn’t let this smack talk deter him.  Anger bubbled inside him, but it was controlled rage.  He was not going down without a fight.  The Persians, not liking this response, called for the Spartans to surrender their weapons and give up. 

“Come and get them!”

Are you willing to fight like this?  Can you put on the armor of God to defend yourself against the enemy?  Will you ensure that every aspect of your battle gear is securely fashioned? 

Before you fight, you have to look back and name your shadow.  What is holding you back?  Maybe it is a past mistake that you cannot get over.  Maybe it is regret or lack of confidence or passivity.  The shadows will never go away, but to fight them, you first must expose them. 

For me, naming them was easy.  I got out a pen and began scribbling all the different shadows that I battle on a daily basis.  I realized many of my shadows were idols that I prize over God.  These are things the world says will fulfill me.  Problem is that when I turn to them, they simply leave me empty and aching for something more.

After naming our shadows, we must prepare ourselves for battle.  The Spartans had to ensure all their battle gear was secured.  One chink in the armor could lead to death.  Let’s paint this picture in vivid detail so we know how to ready ourselves for spiritual warfare.  It all stems from Ephesians 6:10-18.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

1. The belt of truth: God’s truth in scripture always trumps Satan’s lies.  Be rooted in it.  Study it fervently.  Memorize it.  Be ready to diffuse those lies with nothing but solid TRUTH!
2. The breastplate of righteousness: One arrow to the heart would lead to death.  Protect your heart.  Think about what you treasure.  As Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
3. The gospel of peace: These are your shoes.  You need protection for your feet as you move forward to share the good news! 
4. The shield of faith: The arrows will never stop flying.  Hold your shield firm with boldness and purpose.  Faith can move mountains.  Have faith in God’s promises.  He will never leave you, and He will always fight for you. 
5. The helmet of salvation: Protect your head.  Your mind is a battlefield.  Satan will try to penetrate your mind with worthless lies, but the helmet will keep him at bay. 

You have named your shadows.  You are ready for battle with the armor of God, fully equipped.  Now what?  It is time to unleash your most potent offensive weapon.  The magic weapon that Satan has no answer for …

• The sword of the spirit: The sword is God’s Word.  Nothing but wholesome, encouraging, scripture.  Unsheathe it and fervently fend off the enemy.

What does this look like?  Satan may say you are ugly or fat and out of shape.  But you remember that you are beautifully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14).  He may tell you pornography will give you the release you need, but you know 1 Corinthians 7:3 says that sexual needs are for husbands and wives to share intimately.  He may tell you that you are a failure, but you rest in the truth of Philippians 3:13-14.

Let’s close by paraphrasing that scripture.  Put the past behind you.  Press on toward the future.  Keep running your race.  The promise of heaven awaits!  And that reward is so worth the fight. 

Those shadows may never go away, but you have a choice: you can let your shadows hold you back or you can allow the light of Jesus to expose them.  Focus on the light.

Challenge: Name your shadows.  Put on the full armor of God.  Begin fighting them by exposing them with light.

Bible study: Meditate on any of the following scriptures …

• “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalms 18:28)
• “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” (Micah 7:8)
• “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (1 John 1:4-5)
• “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
• “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Song application: “Take it Back” by Tauren Wells

I’m calling the angels down

I’m storming the gates of hell

Tell the devil he don’t own my soul

I’m taking back what the enemy stole

I’m raising the battle cry

I’m holding the banner high

With the power of the holy ghost

I’m taking back what the enemy stole

Just for fun: I sometimes wonder why Satan continues trying to fight.  You have to admire his perseverance and grit to continue trying to win, but his futile efforts much remind me of the scene in Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail when King Arthur defeats the black knight. 

Just a flesh wound! 

Prayer: Lord, my shadows will always follow me, but Your light can overcome them!  Help me focus my eyes on the exceptional, life-saving truth You provide me.  Amen.