Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we come together to reflect on one of the most important lessons we can learn in our walk of faith: understanding who our real enemy is and how to stand strong in the battle.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that our enemy is not flesh and blood, but spiritual powers of darkness. He instructs us to put on the full armor of God so that we may stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Today, we will explore two key truths:
1. Our enemy is not of this world but of the spiritual realm.
2. We are called to equip ourselves with God's armor to resist and overcome this enemy.
Our Enemy is Not Flesh and Blood
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): “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.”
Paul tells us plainly that our fight is not against other people. It’s important that we grasp this truth because, in the heat of life's struggles, we often forget it.
We become entangled in conflicts with our fellow human beings—family members, co-workers, or even strangers—and mistakenly see them as the enemy.
But the Word of God reminds us that our true adversaries are spiritual forces of evil.
These forces are the rulers of darkness, demonic entities that wage war against God's people. They are the ones that stir up division, hatred, and strife in the world.
When we view people as the enemy, we are fighting the wrong battle.
Satan's strategy is to deceive us, distract us, and make us think that the real battle is between us and others, but this is a lie.
The devil works in subtle ways, sowing seeds of discord, fear, and temptation in our hearts and minds.
We must remember that behind every conflict, there is a spiritual dimension that we cannot see with our natural eyes.
That's why prayer and discernment are essential. If we are to fight the right battle, we need to see beyond the physical and into the spiritual.
Consider the conflicts that you face in your own life. Maybe it's an argument with a spouse or a disagreement with a colleague. Ask yourself: Am I focusing on the person or the spirit behind the situation?
It's not that person who is the enemy—it is the unseen spiritual forces that seek to tear us apart.
The Spiritual Battle: A Reality for Every Believer
Every believer is engaged in spiritual warfare, whether we realize it or not. The Bible makes it clear that this battle is constant and ongoing.
We live in a fallen world, surrounded by sin and evil, and the devil seeks to destroy our faith, our families, and our witness for Christ.
One of the enemy's tactics is to instill fear in us. He wants us to feel overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds us, to give in to doubt, despair, and anxiety.
But fear is not from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
So, what should our response be to this reality of spiritual warfare?
We are not to be passive or complacent. Instead, we are called to stand firm, and to do so, we must put on the armor that God has provided for us.
Putting on God's Armor
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-11: “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.”
Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe the spiritual tools and defenses that God has given us to stand against the devil. Let's break down each piece of this divine armor:
1. The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...” (Ephesians 6:14)
Truth is foundational to our spiritual life.
The belt of truth holds everything together. In a world full of lies and deception, we must cling to the truth of God's Word. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
It is the truth of who God is, and who we are in Christ, that enables us to stand firm in the face of the enemy's lies.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
“...with the breastplate of righteousness in place...” (Ephesians 6:14)
The breastplate protects the heart, the most vital organ. Righteousness, in the spiritual sense, is our protection against the accusations and attacks of the enemy. It is not our own; it is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith.
When we walk in righteousness, living according to God's commands, we guard our hearts against sin and Satan's attacks.
3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
“...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)
Our feet carry us into battle.
The gospel of peace gives us a firm foundation to stand on. No matter the chaos around us, we can have peace because of the good news of Jesus Christ.
This peace also empowers us to bring the message of reconciliation to a world in desperate need of it.
We are called to be peacemakers, not just peace receivers.
4. The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
Faith is our shield, protecting us from the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation that the enemy hurls at us.
When we trust in God's promises and rely on His strength, our faith becomes a barrier against the attacks of the devil. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our faith is our defense.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation...” (Ephesians 6:17)
The helmet protects the mind.
Our thoughts are often the primary battleground in spiritual warfare. The enemy seeks to infiltrate our minds with lies, confusion, and discouragement.
The helmet of salvation reminds us of who we are in Christ—saved, redeemed, and secure. It helps us keep our minds focused on the hope of eternal life and the victory that is already ours in Christ.
6. The Sword of the Spirit
“...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
The sword is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God.
The Word of God is alive and powerful. It cuts through the lies of the enemy and brings truth to light. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded to Satan's attacks by quoting Scripture.
Likewise, we must know the Word and wield it skillfully in the battles we face.
Prayer: The Final Weapon
After describing the armor, Paul concludes with a call to prayer. “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.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer is how we activate the armor and stay connected to God.
It is through prayer that we gain strength, wisdom, and guidance in the battle. It is through prayer that we invite God's presence and power into our lives.
Without prayer, our armor is incomplete.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, the battle we face is real, but we do not fight it alone. God has given us His armor to protect us and His power to overcome the enemy.
Remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, and our victory is assured through Christ.
Let us stand firm, clothed in the full armor of God, and fight the good fight of faith. Amen.
