2025_10_12 The Adversary

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Strong in the Lord’s Mighty Power

God calls every believer to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and to stand firm, not in their own strength, but in the mighty power of the Lord by putting on the full armor He provides. When we understand that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil, we are equipped to respond with love, wisdom, and perseverance, rather than fear or hostility. The armor of God is not optional; it is essential for resisting the enemy’s schemes and remaining steadfast in faith, no matter what battles we face. [29:41]

Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to intentionally “put on” God’s armor today, and what practical step can you take to do so?

Day 2: Respect the Enemy, But Do Not Fear

Satan is a powerful, fallen angel who seeks to destroy God’s people, but his power is limited and he is already defeated by Christ; therefore, we are called to be alert and self-controlled, respecting his schemes but never living in fear. Like a prowling lion, the enemy looks for moments of vulnerability, but God’s Word assures us that as we remain vigilant and rooted in Christ, we have nothing to fear. Our authority in Jesus is greater than any attack, and we are reminded to keep our spiritual defenses up, knowing that the Lord is our protector and deliverer. [40:29]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Reflection: When are you most spiritually vulnerable, and how can you invite God’s protection and alertness into those moments this week?

Day 3: Christ’s Victory Secures Our Authority

Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus has decisively defeated Satan and given believers authority over the enemy; we do not fight for victory, but from victory, enforcing what Christ has already accomplished. Even though the battle still rages, we can stand firm knowing that the outcome is certain and that nothing can ultimately harm us in our inner being. This confidence allows us to resist the devil, claim Christ’s authority, and walk in freedom and courage, trusting that the battle truly belongs to the Lord. [50:01]

Luke 10:18-19 (ESV)
And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

Reflection: Where do you need to claim Christ’s authority in your life today and speak His victory over a specific struggle or fear?

Day 4: Life Is a Battleground, Not a Playground

The world is not a playground for our comfort, but a battleground where we are called to be vigilant, alert, and focused on God’s kingdom rather than personal happiness; recognizing this changes our perspective and prepares us for spiritual resilience. When we expect life to be easy, we are easily discouraged by hardship, but when we see ourselves as soldiers in a spiritual war, we find strength, gratitude, and purpose even in the midst of trials. God promises to provide the rest, strength, and wisdom we need as we seek Him first and live for His glory. [56:38]

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been seeking comfort over spiritual readiness, and how can you shift your mindset to embrace your role as a soldier for Christ today?

Day 5: Prayer Is Our Lifeline in the Battle

Persistent, Spirit-filled prayer is essential for standing firm in spiritual warfare, both for ourselves and for others; it is through prayer that we access God’s strength, wisdom, and protection. Prayer is not a last resort but the very means by which we invite God’s power into our battles, intercede for our community, and experience His presence and victory. As we pray for ourselves, our church, and our world, we participate in God’s work and are reminded that the battle truly belongs to Him. [07:18]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Who or what can you specifically lift up in prayer today, asking God to move powerfully in the midst of spiritual battle?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the reality that every believer is engaged in a spiritual war—a conflict that is invisible, but no less real than any physical battle. The world is not a playground, but a battleground, and we are called to be alert, sober, and equipped for the fight. This war is not against people, political parties, or those who disagree with us, but against spiritual forces of evil that seek to destroy, divide, and deceive. Yet, we are not left defenseless. God has provided us with His own armor, and our strength is found not in ourselves, but in the Lord and His mighty power.

We explored the two extremes that often exist in the church: ignoring the reality of spiritual warfare, or becoming obsessed with the devil and his schemes. Both are dangerous. Instead, we are called to a balanced, biblical understanding—one that keeps our focus on Christ, while not being ignorant of the enemy’s tactics. The apostle Paul, writing from house arrest and likely chained to a Roman soldier, used the imagery of armor to describe the spiritual resources God gives us: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Each piece is essential for standing firm.

Understanding our adversary is crucial. Satan is not a cartoon figure or mere metaphor, but a powerful, fallen angel who rebelled against God and now seeks to destroy all that God loves. However, his power is limited—he is a created being, and his defeat was secured at the cross. We live in the time between Christ’s decisive victory (our spiritual “D-Day”) and the final consummation (“V-E Day”). The battle rages, but the outcome is certain. We do not fight for victory, but from victory. Our authority over the enemy is rooted in Christ’s triumph, and as we put on the armor of God, we can stand our ground.

Life’s hardships and spiritual attacks are not signs of God’s absence, but reminders that we are in a war zone. Our calling is to remain vigilant, to love people (not treat them as enemies), and to keep our eyes on Jesus, our defender and deliverer. As we move forward in this series, we will learn how to recognize the enemy’s schemes and how to wield the weapons God has given us, always remembering that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Key Takeaways

1. The true battleground is spiritual, not physical or political. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. When we treat people as our enemies, we fall into the enemy’s trap and risk becoming agents of division and accusation ourselves. Instead, we are called to love others, even those who oppose us, and to recognize the deeper spiritual realities at play. [32:04]
2. Ignoring or obsessing over the devil are both dangerous errors. Denial leaves us vulnerable to attack, while obsession gives the enemy undue attention and can lead to fear or superstition. A balanced approach keeps our focus on Christ’s power and victory, while remaining alert to the enemy’s schemes and learning to resist them with wisdom and discernment. [24:52]
3. Satan is a defeated but dangerous foe. Though he prowls like a roaring lion, seeking moments of vulnerability, his power is limited by God, and his ultimate defeat is assured. We must respect his cunning, but not fear him, for Christ has disarmed the powers and authorities, and our authority in Him is greater than any attack we face. [43:11]
4. We fight from victory, not for victory. The decisive battle was won at the cross; now we enforce Christ’s victory in our daily lives. This means we can face spiritual battles with confidence, knowing the outcome is secure, and that God’s resources are sufficient for every challenge. Our task is to stand firm, wearing the armor God provides, and to remain vigilant in prayer and faith. [50:27]
5. Life is a battleground, not a playground. The Christian life is not about pursuing comfort or happiness as the highest goal, but about seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we expect ease, we are easily discouraged by hardship; but when we recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, we are prepared to endure, to persevere, and to find joy and strength in the Lord, even in the midst of struggle. [56:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Offering and Announcements
[02:20] - Community Night of Prayer
[03:17] - Psalm 118: God Our Strength
[04:23] - Opening Prayer
[21:31] - Series Introduction: The Spiritual War
[22:09] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[23:38] - Two Extremes: Denial and Obsession
[26:06] - The Church Under Attack
[27:59] - Ephesians 6: The Armor of God
[29:41] - The Invisible War and Our Enemy
[32:04] - Our Battle Is Not Against People
[35:16] - Understanding Satan: Who Is the Adversary?
[42:39] - Why We Must Not Fear Satan
[50:27] - Fighting From Victory
[53:19] - The Need for Vigilance and the Armor
[55:25] - Life Application: The Battleground Mentality
[58:35] - The Battle Belongs to the Lord
[59:41] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[63:29] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 6:12, who or what is our real enemy in the spiritual battle? How does this differ from how we often view our struggles?
What are the different pieces of the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6:14-17, and what does each one represent?
In the sermon, what two extremes did the pastor mention that Christians can fall into regarding spiritual warfare? [[24:52]]
How does Paul describe the purpose of putting on the armor of God in Ephesians 6:11 and 13?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says our struggle is not against people, but against spiritual forces. How might misunderstanding this lead to division or conflict in our relationships? [[32:04]]
Why is it dangerous to either ignore the reality of spiritual warfare or become obsessed with the devil, according to the sermon? [[24:52]]
The pastor said, “We fight from victory, not for victory.” What does this mean for how we approach spiritual battles in our daily lives? [[50:27]]
The sermon compares our spiritual battle to living between “D-Day” and “V-E Day.” How does this analogy help us understand the current state of the spiritual war? [[44:05]]

Application Questions

The sermon warns against treating people as our enemies, even when we strongly disagree with them. Can you think of a recent situation where you saw someone as the enemy instead of recognizing the spiritual battle behind the conflict? How could you respond differently next time? [[32:04]]
Are you more likely to ignore spiritual warfare or to become overly focused on it? What is one practical step you can take this week to keep a balanced, Christ-centered perspective? [[24:52]]
The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Which piece do you feel you need to “put on” more intentionally right now? What would that look like in your daily life? [[34:40]]
The pastor said that Satan’s power is limited and that we have authority in Christ. Is there an area of your life where you have been living in fear or defeat? How can you claim Christ’s victory in that area this week? [[49:31]]
The sermon described life as a battleground, not a playground. Are there ways you have been seeking comfort or ease instead of being alert and prepared for spiritual battle? What needs to change in your mindset or habits? [[56:38]]
When you face hardship or spiritual attack, do you tend to see it as a sign of God’s absence? How can you remind yourself that these struggles are part of the spiritual war and that God is with you? [[57:06]]
The pastor encouraged us to remain vigilant in prayer. What is one specific way you can increase your alertness and prayerfulness this week, either for yourself or for others? [[53:19]]

Sermon Clips

Putting our head in the sand or going under the covers, denying the reality of the spiritual war, doesn't make it go away. In fact, it makes us more vulnerable to the enemy's attack. So you have those people that are in the denial camp. On the other hand, on the far end of the spectrum are those who are obsessed with Satan. It's all they can talk about is spiritual warfare. They see the devil behind every tree. If the car breaks down, it's the devil that did it. If they still step their toe, the enemy is coming against them. Some write books that go into great detail about demons and the hierarchies and the way that they operate, things that go far beyond the spiritual world and so on and so forth. And so, anything the Bible teaches, and some make it sound like the final outcome is a little up in the air. Between these two extremes are those that have a balanced and right understanding of this spiritual war. We must not focus on the devil. Our focus is on God. [00:24:40] (66 seconds) #FocusOnGodNotDevil

Satan, knowing that his time is short, is on a furious rampage against the people of God, seeking to damage and destroy what he can. Victory is surely ours, but the battle rages. Satan's bullets are real, and we need to be aware and trained in battle. Now, Satan is defeated, but the war is not over. We must remember that we are on the winning side. [00:46:53] (31 seconds) #SatanPowerIsLimited

We also need to know that Satan's power is limited. This is another reason why you should not fear Satan. His power is limited. He's a created being. God created Satan. He fell and rebelled. But God, who created Satan, will also destroy Satan and all of his works. God's all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present. Satan is none of those as a created being. [00:47:23] (26 seconds) #AuthorityInChrist

Martin Luther compared Satan to a chained dog. He can bare his teeth, he can growl, but he can't harm us if we're wearing the armor of God. So Paul can tell us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you're tempted, will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. And so Satan's power is limited. [00:48:18] (31 seconds) #FightFromVictory

We also don't need to fear him because we have authority over Satan in Christ Jesus. That's an amazing thing. The most powerful created being in the universe, you have authority over him in Christ because Christ is the creator and he's all-powerful. Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:18, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I've given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions—and he's not talking there about reptiles and bugs. He's talking about, symbolically, about Satan and his forces. I've given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. [00:48:49] (53 seconds) #StandFirmInArmor

The saints' sleeping time is Satan's tempting time. In May of 1987, an Iraqi pilot mistook the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf for an Iranian ship and he fired two missiles on that ship. It killed 37 of the sailors. The tragedy was that the USS Stark was one of the most technologically advanced warships of its time and it had the ability to detect and destroy incoming missiles. If the system would have been on, but it wasn't. We must have our system on, our armor on. We must know the armor, we must wear it. And that's what we'll be learning throughout this series. [00:54:26] (55 seconds) #LifeIsBattleground

Now, if you live for Him, He will give you a joy, delight that surpasses anything you can imagine. You can know in this world. But the truth is, the world is not a playground. It's a battleground. And so, we must put Him first. Seek, Jesus said, the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. [00:56:29] (28 seconds)

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