The Battle

Devotional

Day 1: Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood

The real battle in our lives is not merely with the visible challenges—finances, relationships, health, or circumstances—but with the spiritual forces at work behind them. Scripture reminds us that our true struggle is against the powers of darkness, not just the surface-level issues we face each day. Recognizing this helps us to stop blaming only external factors or people and instead become aware of the deeper spiritual conflict, so we can approach our struggles with the resources God provides. [05:25]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one recurring struggle in your life that you’ve been viewing only as a “flesh and blood” problem? How might seeing it as a spiritual battle change the way you respond to it today?

Day 2: Know Your Enemy and His Schemes

Satan is a real enemy who operates through lies, temptations, and accusations, using systematic methods to lure us away from God. He is not all-powerful, but he is cunning, working through suggestion, distortion, and contradiction—just as he did with Eve and even with Jesus. By understanding his strategies and recognizing the lies we are tempted to believe, we can be prepared to resist his attacks and stand firm in our faith. [15:07]

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV)
So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Reflection: What is one lie or recurring temptation that you recognize as a scheme of the enemy in your life? How can you actively prepare to resist it today?

Day 3: The Power of God’s Word and Armor

God equips us for spiritual battle by giving us His Word and the armor of God, which we are called to put on daily. The Word is not just information—it is the living Christ who has already defeated Satan. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer each day, we allow God’s truth to shield us from the enemy’s attacks and to remind us that the victory is already won in Christ. [27:53]

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: When and how will you intentionally “put on” the armor of God before you face the day’s battles tomorrow morning?

Day 4: God’s Power Plus You Equals Victory

No matter what battles you face—whether in finances, health, relationships, or your spiritual life—God’s mighty power is at work in you, and that is what brings victory. Instead of giving in to fear, worry, or despair, you are invited to trust in God’s strength, seek support from others, and remember that Christ has already overcome the enemy on your behalf. [31:32]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on God’s strength instead of your own today? What would it look like to invite Him into that battle right now?

Day 5: We Fight Together—The Power of Community

You are not called to fight spiritual battles alone; God has placed you in a family of believers to encourage, pray for, and support one another. The armor of God is meant to be put on together, as a community, so that you can stand firm side by side. Leaning on others for accountability, prayer, and encouragement is not a sign of weakness but a gift from God for your strength and peace. [35:01]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you can reach out to today for encouragement or accountability in your spiritual walk? How can you support someone else in their battle this week?

Sermon Summary

Spiritual warfare is a reality that often goes unnoticed in our daily lives, yet it is as real and consequential as any physical conflict we see on the news. While we may not see bombs or bullets, there is a battle raging for our hearts, our minds, and our allegiance. This struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil that seek to draw us away from God. The enemy, Satan, is a master of deception, using suggestion, distortion, and contradiction to lure us into believing lies about ourselves, our worth, and our relationship with God. He is not omnipresent or all-powerful, but he is cunning, and he works through the world, our own flesh, and his minions to tempt, accuse, and distract us.

It is easy to fall into one of two errors: either to ignore the reality of spiritual warfare altogether, or to become obsessed with it, losing sight of Christ. Both extremes serve the enemy’s purposes. Instead, we are called to be aware, to know our enemy and his schemes, and to know ourselves—our weaknesses, our tendencies, and the lies we are most prone to believe. The devil’s methods are systematic and personal; he knows where we are vulnerable and attacks accordingly, often whispering lies that we internalize and repeat to ourselves.

But we are not left defenseless. God has given us his Word, the truth that exposes the enemy’s lies and equips us to stand firm. The armor of God is not just a metaphor; it is the daily practice of clothing ourselves in Christ, in his truth, righteousness, and salvation. This is not a solitary endeavor. The call to “put on the full armor of God” is plural—we are meant to fight together, supporting and encouraging one another as a community of believers. The victory has already been won by Christ; we fight from a place of security, not for it. Our daily battles are real, but the outcome is certain: in Christ, we are more than conquerors.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual warfare is a daily, unseen reality that shapes our struggles, temptations, and fears. The true battle is not against people or circumstances, but against spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith and identity in Christ. Recognizing this shifts our focus from surface-level problems to the deeper spiritual dynamics at play. [05:25]
2. The enemy’s primary weapon is deception—suggesting, distorting, and contradicting God’s truth. Often, the most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves: that our worth is based on performance, that our happiness depends on others, or that we must maintain control at all costs. Identifying and confronting these lies with God’s Word is essential for spiritual resilience. [17:29]
3. Knowing both the enemy’s schemes and our own vulnerabilities is crucial. Satan is methodical, targeting our specific weaknesses with tailored temptations and accusations. Self-awareness, humility, and honest reflection—often with the help of trusted fellow believers—are necessary to guard against his attacks and to seek God’s strength where we are weak. [23:36]
4. The Word of God is our primary defense and source of victory. Immersing ourselves in Scripture, both individually and in community, equips us to recognize and refute the enemy’s lies. The truth of Christ’s finished work on the cross is our shield, reminding us that the battle ultimately belongs to him and that we stand in his victory, not our own strength. [26:46]
5. Spiritual armor is not meant to be worn alone. The call to “put on the full armor of God” is addressed to the community; we are to fight together, supporting, praying for, and encouraging one another. Isolation is a tactic of the enemy, but God has given us the gift of fellowship so that we can stand firm together, experiencing the peace and joy that come from shared victory in Christ. [35:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - Opening Prayer and Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
[02:30] - Life in the “War Zone” and Honest Community
[03:42] - The Battle Within: Spiritual Struggle in Our Hearts
[04:29] - Normalizing Spiritual Warfare: Not to Fear or Obsess
[05:25] - Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood
[06:59] - Wrestling with God: The Nature of Our Struggle
[08:38] - Two Errors: Ignoring or Obsessing Over the Enemy
[10:09] - Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself
[12:26] - The Devil, the Flesh, and the World
[14:06] - Where Is Your Trust? Christ vs. Worldly Solutions
[15:07] - The Devil’s Schemes: Methods and Game Plan
[16:10] - Suggestion, Distortion, Contradiction: The Enemy’s Tactics
[17:29] - The Lies We Believe and Their Power
[19:48] - Temptation, Lure, and Accusation
[22:21] - Knowing Your Weaknesses and Guarding Against Attack
[25:51] - Our Resources: The Word and the Armor of God
[27:30] - Putting on the Armor: Daily Practice
[29:30] - Christ Fights for Us: The Shield of Faith
[31:32] - God’s Power in Our Daily Struggles
[33:57] - The Enemy’s Strategy: Isolation vs. Community
[35:01] - The Plural Call: We Fight Together
[36:02] - Living in the Victory Already Won

Bible Study Guide

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...

John 8:44 (ESV) — You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 6, who or what are Christians really fighting against in spiritual warfare? ([05:25])
What are some of the specific tactics or “schemes” the devil uses, as described in the sermon? ([16:10])
In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the “armor of God”—is it something we put on alone or together? ([35:01])
How does Jesus describe the devil in John 8:44, and what does this reveal about the enemy’s main weapon?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says it’s easy to either ignore spiritual warfare or become obsessed with it. Why do both extremes actually help the enemy? ([08:38])
The pastor mentions that the devil’s main weapon is deception, especially lies we tell ourselves. Why are these internal lies so powerful in shaping our identity and actions? ([17:29])
The “armor of God” is described as something to be put on daily and in community. What does it look like practically for a group of believers to help each other “put on” this armor? ([35:01])
The sermon says that Christ has already won the victory, and we fight from a place of security, not for it. How does this change the way we approach our daily spiritual battles? ([36:59])

Application Questions

The sermon talks about the danger of believing lies like “my worth is based on my performance” or “I must stay in control.” Which of these (or other) lies are you most tempted to believe, and how do they show up in your daily life? ([17:57])
The enemy often attacks us where we are weakest. What is one area of your life where you feel most vulnerable to temptation or accusation? How can you invite God’s strength and the support of others into that area this week? ([23:36])
The pastor said that putting on the armor of God is like getting dressed every day. What is your current routine for “putting on” God’s truth, righteousness, and salvation? Is there a specific change you want to make to start your day with God’s armor? ([28:06])
The sermon emphasized that spiritual warfare is not meant to be fought alone. Who in your life can you ask to pray for you, encourage you, or check in with you about your spiritual battles? How can you be that person for someone else? ([35:01])
The devil’s strategy includes isolating believers from community. Are there any habits, attitudes, or circumstances that are keeping you isolated from Christian fellowship? What is one step you can take this week to reconnect or go deeper with your church family? ([33:57])
The Word of God is described as our main defense. What is one specific Bible verse or truth you can memorize or meditate on to counter a lie or temptation you’re facing right now? ([26:46])
The sermon says we fight from a place of victory, not for victory. How does this truth affect your confidence and hope when you face spiritual struggles or setbacks? ([36:59])

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