THE GREAT BATTLE
FOR SOULS
(EPH. 6:10-18;
2 TIM. 4:1-8)
[By Ron Halbrook]
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Introduction
Spiritual Battle Raging
EPH. 6:10-13
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil.
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.
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.
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EPH. 6:14-18
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
Supplication for all saints;
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Introduction
Old Soldiers Pass, Battle Continues
2 TIM. 4:1-5
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 4
2 TIM. 4:6-8
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my
departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing.
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Introduction
God VS. Satan: Each Soul a Prize (Col. 2:8)
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
God’s People VS. Satan’s People:
No Middle Ground (Matt. 12:30)
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that
gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
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Introduction
Battle Til the End:
Great Separation on Judgment Day
(Matt. 25:31-46)
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was
thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye
took me in…
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord,
when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty,
and gave thee drink?...
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it
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unto me.
Introduction
God Calls Us in Eph. 6:13-14
Vs. 14 Take a Stand: “Stand therefore”
Vs. 13 Stand in Battle: “that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day”
Vs. 13 Stand in Victory: “and having done all, to
stand”
Must Faithfully Fight to Receive Eternal Life
1 Tim. 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,
whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a
good profession before many witnesses.
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
I. Must Obey the Gospel
A. Leave Satan’s Army, Enroll in God’s Army
Jn. 3:16 God Gave His Son to Save Us
Jn. 3:5 Holy Spirit Gave Gospel to Save Us
B. God Calling Every Soul to Salvation
Mk. 16:15-16 “All the world,…every creature”
Acts 2:38 “Every one of you”
Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and
be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord.”
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
II. Must Rise to Walk New Life
A. Rom. 6 Rise to Walk New Life,
As Christ Rose from Dead
Vs. 3 Baptism: Union with Christ, His Death
Vv. 4-6 “Baptism into death” = “our old man is
crucified…, the body of sin…destroyed”
Vv. 21-23 “Free from sin,…servants to God”
B. Denominational Baptism Not Biblical
“Buried with Him,” Not Sprinkle or Pour
If Saved Before Baptism, Bury a Live Man
C. Obey from Heart, True Change of Life!
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
III. Must Draw Close to God Each Day
A. Soul United with God or Satan
Listen to God or Satan
Pay Homage to God or Satan
B. Two Different Directions
Ps. 1:1-2 Way of Ungodly VS.
Delight in God
Ps. 55:10-11, 16-18 Wicked Plans VS.
Righteous Prayers
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
IV. Must Take God’s Word as Final Authority
A. Gen. 6:14-16, 22 God’s Word Final to Noah
B. Ex. 25:8-9 God’s Word Final to Moses
C. 2 Kgs. 5:10-14 God’s Word Final to Naaman
D. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Pet. 1:3
God’s Word Final Today
Speak Where Bible Speaks, Silent Where It Is
Positive, Divine Authority
Bible Things, Bible Names, Bible Ways
E. Preacher, Family, Friend, Majority No Authority
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
V. Must Be Member of Church of Christ
A. Church of Christ in the Bible
Matt. 16:18-19 Christ’s Promise: Church, Kingdom
Acts 2:47; Rom. 16:16 Start in Jerusalem, Spread
Eph. 5:23 Christ Only Head & Savior
B. New Testament Church Not Denomination
Name, Doctrine, Practice Found in New Testament
Names, Doctrines, Practices of Denominations NOT
Found in New Testament
C. Heb. 10:23-25 Faithful, Active
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
VI. Must Resist Every Step of Apostasy
A. Acts 20:29-31; 1 Tim. 4:1 Many Warnings!
B. Many Small Steps in Ancient Apostasies
Win Many Small Battles, Win Great Victory
Result: Catholicism, Denominations
C. Many Small Steps in Modern Apostasies
Missionary Society (1849), Instrumental Music (1851)
Premillennialism (1915-40s)
Church Donate to Human Institutions (1950-90s)
Church Sponsor Social Meal, Gym (1950s-90s)
Solo, Choir, Drama, Instruments, Expand Lord’s Supper
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Recent Trends: New Cycle of Apostasy
THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
VII. Must Keep Unspotted from World
A. Ja. 1:27; 4:4 Worldliness: Enemy of God
& of God’s People
B. Many Forms of Worldliness
Materialism
Lascivious, Revel, Sexual Immorality
Sins of the Tongue: Lie, Gossip, Curse
Gambling
Intoxication
Pride in Family, Talent, Education, Possessions
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
VIII. Must Love God & Fellowman
A. Matt. 22:37-40 Foundation of All God Teaches
Total Love for God, Obey Him at All Costs
True Love for Others Requires God’s Instruction
“All the Law & the Prophets” Essential
B. Rom. 13:9-10 Love Neighbor, Seek His Welfare
Do No Harm
Mk. 16:15-16 Seek His Highest Welfare
1 Tim. 4:16 Save Self & Others
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THE GREAT BATTLE FOR SOULS
Conclusion:
1. On Whose Side: God or Satan?
2. Take a Stand for Truth & Right:
Desert Satan’s Army, Enroll in God’s Army!
Christian in Sin: Repent, Confess, Pray
Sinner in World: Believe, Repent,
Confess Christ, Be Baptized
3. Put on Whole Armor of God, Fight to the End,
Receive Eternal Life!
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