The Battle Belongs to God: Wearing His Armor in Unity

Fear is a powerful force that shapes so much of our behavior, especially the fear of death. When we are afraid, we become defensive, competitive, and even judgmental, clinging to whatever promises us security or meaning. Throughout history, people have aligned themselves with institutions, ideologies, and traditions—what Scripture calls “principalities and powers”—hoping these allegiances will give their lives lasting significance. Yet, none of these can truly save us from death or offer us eternal life. They demand our loyalty, but in the end, they are just as subject to death as we are.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that our real struggle is not against other people, but against these spiritual forces that work through human institutions. He calls us to put on the full armor of God—not to fight people, but to resist the spiritual forces that seek to enslave us through fear. This armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God—is not our own, but God’s. It protects us not from pain or suffering, but from the fear that would otherwise control us. When we wear this armor, we are no longer bound by the fear of death, and we are free to live lives marked by love, joy, and unity.

The story of Jericho illustrates this beautifully. God’s people were called not to fight with weapons, but to walk together in unity, to worship, and to trust that the battle belonged to God. Their victory came not from their own strength, but from their obedience and togetherness. In the same way, our calling is to stay united as the church, to walk together, to worship, and to let God fight the battles that are too big for us. When we do this, we show the world a different way—a way not marked by fear, but by faith, love, and hope.

As we go into our community, we have the opportunity to show others that they don’t have to be afraid. By using our gifts in service, by loving our neighbors, and by staying united, we become living proof of God’s power over sin and death. The more we live this way, the more we will experience the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing the battle truly belongs to the Lord.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Our true enemy is not flesh and blood It’s easy to see other people as the problem, but Scripture teaches that our real struggle is against spiritual forces working through institutions and ideologies. When we remember this, we can approach others with compassion rather than hostility, recognizing that they are often just as afraid as we once were. This perspective frees us to love even those who seem opposed to us. [51:48]
• 2. The armor of God protects us from fear God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and his word—does not shield us from pain or hardship, but it does protect us from the fear that enslaves. When we put on this armor, we are no longer controlled by the fear of death or the demands of the world’s powers. Instead, we are empowered to live boldly and faithfully. [59:46]
• 3. Unity in Christ is our greatest witness When God’s people walk together in unity, worship, and obedience, we become a living testimony to God’s power over sin and death. Our unity is not just for our own benefit; it is how the world sees the reality of God’s kingdom. Staying together, loving one another, and serving as one body is itself a spiritual victory. [61:07]
• 4. The battle belongs to God, not us Just as at Jericho, our role is not to fight in our own strength, but to trust, obey, and stay together. God is the one who brings down the walls that seem impenetrable. Our job is to walk, worship, and serve in unity, letting God fight the battles we cannot win on our own. [64:54]
• 5. Serving others breaks the power of fear When we use our gifts to serve and love our neighbors, we step out of fear and into faith. Service is not just about meeting needs; it is a declaration that we are no longer enslaved by the world’s powers. The more we serve in unity, the more we experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in God’s love. [66:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [34:53] - Announcements and Community Updates
• [35:29] - Rams for Christ Goodie Bags
• [36:06] - Youth Rally Details
• [36:44] - Women’s Holiday Gathering
• [37:23] - Staying Connected
• [38:10] - Catali Children’s Offering
• [38:49] - Prayer for Catali Children
• [39:32] - Children’s Worship Song
• [40:27] - Congregational Song: The Battle Belongs
• [41:52] - Greeting and Opening Prayer
• [42:34] - Introduction: Fear and Principalities
• [43:16] - The Power of Fear and Allegiance
• [47:50] - Principalities and Powers Explained
• [51:12] - Reading Ephesians 6:10-17
• [53:05] - Principalities in Today’s World
• [55:45] - God’s Plan: Unity in Christ
• [57:45] - The Armor of God
• [59:46] - Our True Battle and Protection
• [61:07] - The Power of Unity: Jericho
• [64:54] - The Battle Belongs to God
• [66:12] - Serving Our Community in Unity
• [67:31] - Living Out Our Faith Together
• [68:46] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-17 (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.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 6:12, who or what does Paul say our real struggle is against?
2. What are the different pieces of the “armor of God” listed in Ephesians 6:14-17?
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of “principalities and powers” that people today might put their trust in? ([49:11])
4. How did the people of Israel win the battle of Jericho, according to the sermon? What was their role in the victory? ([01:03:32])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that our struggle is not against “flesh and blood,” but against spiritual forces? How does this change the way we see people who disagree with us or even oppose us? ([51:48])
2. The sermon says that the armor of God protects us from fear, not from pain or suffering. Why is this distinction important for Christians to understand? ([59:46])
3. The story of Jericho was used as an example of unity and obedience. What does this story teach us about the way God wants his people to face challenges? ([01:03:32])
4. The sermon mentions that serving others helps break the power of fear in our lives. Why might serving and loving others help us overcome fear? ([01:06:51])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that our true enemy is not other people, but spiritual forces working through institutions and ideologies. Is there a person or group you have seen as “the enemy” lately? How might seeing them through this lens change your attitude or actions toward them? ([51:48])
2. The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Which piece do you feel you need to “put on” more intentionally this week? What would that look like in your daily life? ([59:46])
3. The people of Israel at Jericho were called to walk together, worship, and trust God for the victory. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to stop fighting in your own strength and trust God instead? What would it look like to “walk together” with others in this? ([01:03:32])
4. The sermon challenges us to stay united as a church. Are there any ways you have been tempted to pull away from unity with other believers? What is one step you can take this week to build or restore unity? ([01:01:07])
5. Serving others is described as a way to step out of fear and into faith. Is there a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? ([01:06:51])
6. The sermon says that when we live in unity and love, we show the world a different way—a way marked by faith, love, and hope. Who in your life needs to see this “different way” from you? How can you show it to them this week? ([01:01:07])
7. The message encourages us to use our gifts in service. What is one gift or talent you have that you can use to serve others in the church or community this month? ([01:06:12])

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