Go! And Stand Firm In Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 6:12 Series

Go! And Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 6:12

Introduction:

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) says: "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the battles we face are not merely physical but spiritual. We live in a world where unseen forces are at work, influencing thoughts, actions, and circumstances. As followers of Christ, we are called not to retreat in fear but to stand firm, equipped for the fight.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Consider, my soul, that thou art a soldier; a soldier of Jesus Christ. Then what hast thou to do with ease? Did the warriors of old sit down and sing themselves to sleep in the midst of the battle?" Today, we will explore what it means to stand firm in spiritual warfare.

1. Recognising the Reality of the Battle

Ephesians 6:12 - Understanding Our True Enemy

The Greek word for "struggle" (pale) refers to intense hand-to-hand combat. Paul uses this imagery to stress that our battle is personal, direct, and ongoing. The enemy is not flesh and blood but powerful spiritual forces seeking to destroy our faith.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT): "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments."

Paul reminds us that our weapons are not of this world. We do not rely on human strength but on divine power to overcome spiritual opposition.

Imagine a soldier going into battle with the wrong weapons. A physical sword is useless in a spiritual fight. Likewise, if we do not recognise our true enemy, we will waste our energy fighting the wrong battles.

We must train our spiritual discernment to recognise the devil’s schemes. Satan works through deception, doubt, and division. Stand firm by immersing yourself in God’s Word and relying on His truth.

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them." We must neither ignore nor obsess over spiritual warfare but be prepared and equipped.

2. Wearing the Armour of God

Ephesians 6:13 (NLT): "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."

Paul describes the spiritual armour needed to stand against evil: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Romans 13:12 (NLT): "The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living."

Paul urges believers to actively put on God’s protection, not remain passive.

A firefighter doesn’t wait for flames to spread before putting on his protective gear. He wears it at all times, ready for any emergency. Likewise, we must daily equip ourselves with God’s armour.

Identify which part of God’s armour you struggle to wear daily. Do you neglect the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) or fail to put on the shield of faith? Strengthen your spiritual defence through prayer and Scripture.

Rick Warren said, "The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. The more you read the Bible, the less you’ll be bothered by the enemy’s attacks." Equip yourself daily!

3. Standing Firm in Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT): "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

Prayer is not just a weapon; it is our communication line with our Commander. The phrase "pray in the Spirit" (Greek: pneumati) signifies being led, empowered, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

James 5:16 (NLT): "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

Prayer is effective when aligned with God’s will and prayed in faith.

A soldier who loses communication with his commander is vulnerable. Without prayer, we become isolated in battle, but through prayer, we receive divine strategy and strength.

Set aside intentional time to pray daily. Pray with authority, knowing God hears you. Engage in spiritual warfare by declaring God’s truth over your life and resisting the devil’s lies.

Oswald Chambers wrote, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works—prayer is the greater work." Victory begins in the place of prayer.

Conclusion:

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12 remind us that we are engaged in a real and ongoing battle. But we are not called to fight in our own strength—we fight with the power of God.