Awakening to Spiritual Warfare: Stand Firm in Faith

Summary

Today’s focus is on the reality of spiritual warfare and the call to live with spiritual alertness rather than complacency. Drawing from Ephesians 6, the challenge is to recognize that life is not a playground but a battleground, where unseen spiritual forces are at work. The passage begins with a call to honor—honoring parents, those in authority, and every person—because honor is the currency of God’s kingdom. But Paul quickly shifts to the sobering truth that there is a real enemy, the devil, who is actively scheming against us. The struggle is not against people, but against spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.

Personal stories and biblical examples illustrate that spiritual warfare is not just a distant or foreign concept, but a present reality. Many Christians live in a state of spiritual “hypogagnia”—asleep but dreaming they are awake—unaware of the battle raging around them. The enemy’s primary weapon is deception, creating strongholds in our minds that keep us from stepping into the fullness of God’s purpose. These strongholds are often lies we believe about ourselves, our circumstances, or about God, and they can keep us captive even when freedom is within reach.

Paul’s instruction is to “put on the full armor of God,” which includes both defensive and offensive spiritual tools: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. The armor is not just for protection, but for standing firm. The call is not to go looking for a fight, but to stand our ground, rooted in the authority and victory of Jesus.

Three practical steps are given for daily spiritual victory: First, commit yourself fully to God—submit every area of your life to His authority. Second, close any open doors to the enemy, especially through unforgiveness, unresolved anger, or ongoing sin. Third, confront the enemy daily in prayer, standing firm in faith and using the authority of Jesus’ name, His blood, and His word. The encouragement is to wake up, put on the armor, and stand strong, knowing that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord and that His victory is already assured.

Key Takeaways

- Spiritual warfare is a present and pervasive reality, not just a distant or rare phenomenon. The enemy’s primary tactic is deception—creating strongholds in our minds that keep us from God’s best. Recognizing the battle is the first step to living in victory, and ignoring it leaves us vulnerable to attack. [06:58]

- The armor of God is both a defense and an offense. Five of the six pieces are for protection—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation—while the word of God is our weapon. Standing firm means knowing and applying God’s truth, not just intellectually but practically, in every area of life. [10:24]

- The enemy’s strongholds are often built on lies we believe about ourselves or our circumstances. Like Elizabeth Smart, we can be close to freedom but remain captive if we believe the lie that escape is impossible. The truth of God’s word exposes and demolishes these strongholds, setting us free to walk in our true identity. [15:06]

- Spiritual authority is not about our own strength, but about the authority of Jesus’ name, His blood, and His word. When we stand in Christ, the enemy must submit to a higher authority. Using these spiritual weapons daily is essential for overcoming the schemes of the enemy and living in freedom. [18:18]

- Full submission to God and closing open doors are non-negotiable for spiritual victory. Partial obedience leaves us exposed, and unresolved anger or unforgiveness gives the enemy a foothold. Daily, intentional prayer and alertness are required to stand firm, resist the enemy, and walk in the blessings and protection of God. [24:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 6 and Honor
[03:00] - Understanding “Bondservant” and Biblical Context
[04:47] - A Personal Encounter with Spiritual Warfare
[06:58] - Playground vs. Battleground: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[08:30] - The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking
[10:24] - The Armor of God: Defensive and Offensive Tools
[13:00] - The Nature of Strongholds and Deception
[15:06] - The Power of Lies: The Elizabeth Smart Story
[17:00] - Three Things to Know About the Enemy
[18:18] - Three Spiritual Weapons: Name, Blood, and Word of Jesus
[20:33] - The Power of God’s Promises and Truth
[22:12] - Three Practical Steps for Daily Victory
[24:28] - Closing Open Doors: Unforgiveness and Anger
[27:31] - Standing Firm: Prayer and Spiritual Alertness
[29:54] - Final Challenge: Wake Up and Stand Strong
[30:59] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Wake Up: Living Alert in Spiritual Warfare"

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### Bible Reading

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.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)
> For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

James 4:7 (ESV)
> Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 6, what are the six pieces of the armor of God, and how are they described as either defensive or offensive? [10:24]
2. In 2 Corinthians 10, what does Paul say about the nature of our spiritual weapons and what they are meant to destroy? [10:24]
3. What does James 4:7 say is the order of action for spiritual victory, and why is that order important? [22:12]
4. The sermon described a state called “spiritual hypogagnia.” What does this term mean, and how does it relate to the way many Christians live? [06:58]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes “standing firm” multiple times in Ephesians 6 instead of telling believers to go on the attack? What does this say about our posture in spiritual warfare? [10:24]
2. The sermon says that the enemy’s main weapon is deception, building strongholds in our minds. How might these strongholds show up in a believer’s daily life? [15:06]
3. The pastor shared a story about a man in Fiji who was set free through prayer. What does this story illustrate about the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority believers have in Jesus’ name? [04:47]
4. According to the sermon, what are some “open doors” that can give the enemy a foothold in our lives? Why is it important to close these doors? [24:28]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “wake up” and not live as if life is just a playground. In what areas of your life have you been spiritually asleep or complacent? What would it look like for you to become more spiritually alert this week? [06:58]
2. Are there any lies or negative beliefs about yourself, your circumstances, or about God that you have been believing? How might these be acting as strongholds in your mind, and what truth from God’s Word can you use to confront them? [15:06]
3. The armor of God includes both defensive and offensive pieces. Which piece do you feel you are most lacking right now, and what is one practical step you can take to “put it on” this week? [10:24]
4. The sermon says that full submission to God is non-negotiable for spiritual victory. Is there an area of your life where you are only partially submitted to God? What would it look like to fully surrender that area? [22:12]
5. Unforgiveness and unresolved anger are described as “open doors” for the enemy. Is there someone you need to forgive or a hurt you need to address? What step can you take this week to begin closing that door? [24:28]
6. The pastor encouraged daily confrontation of the enemy in prayer, using the authority of Jesus’ name, His blood, and His Word. What would it look like for you to make this a daily habit? Is there a specific situation where you need to stand firm in prayer right now? [18:18]
7. The sermon ended with a reminder that the battle belongs to the Lord and His victory is already assured. How does this truth change the way you approach spiritual challenges or struggles in your life? [30:59]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for spiritual alertness, for the courage to stand firm, and for any specific strongholds or open doors that were discussed. Ask God to help each person put on the full armor of God and to walk in the victory Jesus has already won.

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare
There is a real spiritual battle happening around us, and as believers, we are called not to live unaware or apathetic, but to stand firm in the strength and authority God provides. The world may seem like a playground, but Scripture reveals it is a battleground where unseen forces are at work; our responsibility is to be alert, put on the full armor of God, and take our stand against the enemy’s schemes. When we recognize the reality of this battle, we are awakened to the need for spiritual vigilance and dependence on God’s power, not our own. [06:58]

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 have you been living as if it’s a playground, ignoring the reality of spiritual warfare? What would it look like for you to “stand firm” today in that area?


Day 2: Recognize and Demolish Strongholds
Strongholds are mental barriers—lies and deceptions—that keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives; the enemy’s primary tactic is to get us to believe these lies, which can hold us captive even when freedom is within reach. We must learn to identify these strongholds, take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ, refusing to let anything in our minds pretend to be bigger or more powerful than our God. When we magnify God above our problems and refuse to empower the liar, we step into the freedom Jesus intends for us. [10:24]

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Reflection: What is one lie or mental barrier you have believed about yourself or your circumstances? How can you take that thought captive and replace it with God’s truth today?


Day 3: Use Your Spiritual Weapons
God has given us powerful spiritual weapons—the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and the word of God—to overcome the enemy’s attacks and walk in victory. The authority of Jesus’ name breaks every chain, His blood secures our freedom and healing, and His word is our sword to stand on and declare truth over every situation. These weapons are not just for special occasions but are meant to be used daily as we face spiritual opposition, reminding us that the battle belongs to the Lord and He has already won the victory. [20:33]

Luke 10:17-19 (ESV)
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 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: Which of the spiritual weapons—Jesus’ name, His blood, or His word—do you most need to intentionally use today? How will you put it into practice in a specific situation?


Day 4: Submit Fully and Close Open Doors
Walking in victory requires full submission to God and closing any open doors that give the enemy access, such as unforgiveness, unresolved anger, or ongoing sin. God’s order is clear: submit to Him first, then resist the devil, and he will flee. Partial obedience or holding onto bitterness leaves us vulnerable, but when we forgive, let go of anger, and align our lives with God’s ways, we shut the door to the enemy’s schemes and experience God’s protection and blessing. [24:28]

James 4:7 (ESV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are holding onto unforgiveness, anger, or disobedience? What step can you take today to fully submit that area to God and close the door to the enemy?


Day 5: Stay Alert and Stand in Faith
The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour, but our call is not to live in fear or apathy, but to be self-controlled, alert, and to stand firm in faith. Spiritual warfare is not about chasing after the devil, but about standing on the truth of God’s word, resisting the enemy, and remaining steadfast in the Lord’s strength. When we live with spiritual awareness and courage, we are equipped to face any attack, knowing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. [27:31]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Reflection: What practical step can you take today to be more spiritually alert and to stand firm in your faith, rather than living in spiritual apathy or fear?

Quotes

As a Christian, you either live in a playground or a battleground. And a lot of Christians wanna settle for the playground where it's all slides and swings and happy and laughing. The problem is according to scripture, there is a battle, a spiritual battle happening all around us. And I think the most dangerous thing imaginable would be to be living as if you're living on a playground in an area that's a warfare zone. [00:05:35] (22 seconds)  #PlaygroundOrBattleground Edit Clip

Some churches want nothing to do with it, they never talk about it as if it doesn't exist. And some churches act like it's all that exists. It's like the only thing, that every time you leave the doors of this church, the devil's out to get you with his bazooka and he's out to take you out. It's like, okay, chill a little bit. Like, greater is he who's in me than he who's in the world, right? Like, so you don't have to live in fear, but somewhere in the middle of like apathy, like it doesn't exist, and like that's all that's happening, is this beautiful truth that there is a war happening all around you. [00:07:19] (31 seconds)  #BalancedFaith Edit Clip

Paul is saying there is this very real battle happening around us. Today, my hope is just to wake you up. Ephesians chapter five, Paul says, awake, O sleeper. For those of you who've settled for the playground, I want you to know you're in a battleground and the worst thing imaginable would be for you to hear this message and leave today and feel like, well, I'm just in the playground when you're really in a war zone. [00:11:33] (21 seconds)  #WakeUpToBattle Edit Clip

If you're facing spiritual attack, you can use the name of Jesus. Why? Because this is the authority we have as believers. It's kind of like this. It's kind of like if I got two of my kids fighting over something and they're disagreeing, they can't determine who's right. And they come to me and I say, tell your brother this. When they go back and say, dad said, you know what that means? Fight's over. Why? Because my name in my house carries authority. The same way according to scripture, the name of Jesus has authority. [00:18:14] (34 seconds)  #JesusAboveAllNames Edit Clip

His blood covers all sin, but it also heals and gives freedom to every other part of your life. The book of Revelation, one of the most powerful but confusing books in the Bible, says they overcame him—the enemy—by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. The blood of Jesus has power in every part of your life, not just for your salvation, but for your freedom. [00:20:21] (21 seconds)  #KnowToClaim Edit Clip

Don't let the sun set on one season of your life and carry anger from that season into the next season, because here's what will happen. You'll get two, three, four seasons away from that hurt, from that betrayal, from that anger, from that bitterness, and there will be a day where you get cut off in traffic and you lose your ever-loving mind. There'll be a day when your kid is having a bowl of Cheerios and they sneeze and hit the spoon and Cheerios go everywhere and you will act like they're the worst person to imagine. You'll just spew anger at them. And you'll think, where did that come from? I'm not even angry. It may not be something that happened now. It could be unrequited anger from several seasons ago that you never dealt with and you let the sun set on a season and you carried it into the next season and you forgot the source of the anger. What does Paul say happens? Paul says when that happens, it's like the devil has a foothold into your life. [00:25:46] (50 seconds)  #CloseTheDoorOnBitterness Edit Clip

Is there any place in your life where you're dealing with hurt, unforgiveness, unresolved anger? Are there any places in your life where bitterness feels like it has the final word? Are there any places where you're allowing sin to rule you instead of you controlling it? Close the door. [00:26:45] (19 seconds)  #StandFirmInFaith Edit Clip

Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He says, here's what I want you to do. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Okay, remember earlier we read Ephesians chapter six? Four times, Paul says your responsibility as a believer is not to pick a fight against the devil. He doesn't say your objective is to like wage war against all the demons. Like, what is your responsibility? Stand firm. Stand up. Stand on the truth of God's word. [00:27:47] (44 seconds)  #ArmorUpAndStand Edit Clip

Don't you dare go home and wake up tomorrow and treat your life like it's a playground. When you are called to be warriors for Christ, standing on a spiritual battleground. And when you're attacked by the enemy, may you have the courage to resist the enemy and may you stand in the power of the Lord. [00:30:14] (16 seconds) Edit Clip