Equipped for Battle: Embracing God's Armor and Love

Devotional

Day 1: Our Battle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood

In the midst of a world filled with conflict, broken relationships, and daily struggles, it is easy to believe that our true enemies are the people around us. Yet, Scripture reminds us that our real struggle is not against other humans, but against the spiritual forces of evil that seek to sow chaos, division, and despair. Recognizing this truth frees us from holding grudges and blaming others, and instead calls us to stand firm in faith, love, and forgiveness, knowing that the battle is spiritual and that God equips us to overcome. [32:01]

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: Who is someone you have blamed or held resentment toward recently? How might seeing your struggle as a spiritual battle, rather than a personal one, change the way you respond to them today?

Day 2: Putting On the Full Armor of God

God does not leave us defenseless in the face of evil and hardship; instead, He provides us with the full armor of God so that we can stand firm, resist temptation, and remain steadfast in our faith. Each piece of this armor—truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God—equips us to face the challenges of life with courage and hope. By intentionally putting on the whole armor each day, we are strengthened to withstand the attacks of the enemy and to shine as lights in a dark world. [31:27]

Ephesians 6:13-17 (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. 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.

Reflection: As you begin your day, which piece of the armor of God do you most need to intentionally “put on” today, and what would that look like in your actions or thoughts?

Day 3: The Belt of Truth—Holding Everything Together

Truth is the foundation that holds our lives and faith together, just as the belt held together the armor of the Roman soldier. Jesus declared Himself to be the truth, and God’s Word is the ultimate source of truth that sanctifies and guides us. When we fasten the belt of truth around our lives, we are anchored in God’s promises and protected from the lies and confusion of the world, enabling us to stand firm and live with integrity. [48:57]

John 17:17 (ESV)
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to compromise the truth? How can you anchor yourself in God’s Word to stand firm in that area today?

Day 4: The Gospel of Peace—Our Foundation and Readiness

The readiness that comes from the gospel of peace is like sturdy shoes that enable us to stand firm and move forward, no matter the terrain or challenges we face. Knowing and experiencing God’s love, holding onto His promises, and having assurance of salvation give us a stable foundation and the courage to share peace with others, even in the midst of conflict or persecution. This peace is not just for ourselves, but is meant to be shared, bringing hope and light to a hurting world. [54:18]

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one promise of God you can carry with you today to help you stand firm in peace, and how can you share that peace with someone else?

Day 5: Prayer—Our Lifeline in Spiritual Battle

Prayer is the essential practice that empowers and sustains us as we wear the armor of God. Through prayer, we remain alert, connected to God’s strength, and intercede for others in the midst of spiritual warfare. By praying in the Spirit on all occasions, we invite God’s presence into every situation, receive His guidance, and support our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. Prayer is not just a last resort, but our first and constant line of defense and connection to God’s power. [01:03:52]

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
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: Who is one person or group you can specifically pray for today, asking God to strengthen and protect them in their spiritual battles?

Sermon Summary

Change is a constant in our lives, and as we move into a new season as a church, we are reminded that God is always at work, bringing new beginnings and opportunities. As we conclude our journey through Ephesians, we reflect on the deep truth that God’s love is for everyone, and that love is meant to be lived out in practical ways in our relationships and daily lives. Yet, as we seek to follow Christ, we must recognize that we are engaged in a real spiritual battle. Evil is not just an abstract concept; it is a present reality in our world, manifesting in violence, brokenness, and personal struggles. Our true struggle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces of evil that seek to disrupt, divide, and destroy.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6 call us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. This is not a partial commitment; we are to equip ourselves completely so that we can stand firm when challenges and temptations come. The armor of God is both a defense and an offense: the belt of truth grounds us in God’s Word, the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts as we seek right relationship with God and others, and the shoes of the gospel of peace give us a firm foundation to move forward with hope and assurance. The shield of faith extinguishes the flaming arrows of doubt and temptation, the helmet of salvation guards our minds, and the sword of the Spirit—the spoken Word of God—empowers us to confront lies and discouragement.

We are not left to fight alone. God’s presence and promises are with us, and prayer is our constant connection to His strength. As we put on the full armor daily, we are called to rise above the negativity and division of the world, to forgive as Christ forgave, and to love even those who are difficult. Our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces that seek to undermine God’s kingdom. By standing firm in faith, leaning on God’s promises, and supporting one another in prayer, we become light in the darkness, sharing the hope and peace of Christ with a hurting world.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual warfare is a present and ongoing reality, not just a metaphor. Evil in the world is rooted in spiritual forces that seek to disrupt God’s purposes, and our true battle is not against other people but against these unseen powers. Recognizing this shifts our perspective from blaming individuals to understanding the deeper struggle at play. [32:01]
2. Personal responsibility remains essential even in the midst of spiritual warfare. While the enemy may tempt and entice, we are accountable for our choices and actions. The devil may dangle “Hershey bars” of temptation, but it is up to us to resist and not give him a foothold in our lives. [38:08]
3. The armor of God is comprehensive and must be fully embraced. Each piece—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—serves a unique purpose in equipping us to stand firm. Partial armor leaves us vulnerable; only by putting on the whole armor can we withstand the attacks of the enemy. [31:27]
4. Assurance of salvation and God’s promises provide a foundation of peace and courage. Knowing that our future is secure in Christ enables us to face persecution, hardship, and even death with hope. This assurance is not always easily attained, but it is a gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to persevere and share the gospel boldly. [56:25]
5. Prayer is the essential practice that activates and sustains the armor of God. It is through prayer that we remain alert, connected to God’s strength, and intercede for others in the battle. Prayer is not an afterthought but a continual posture that keeps us grounded, humble, and dependent on God’s power rather than our own. [63:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:26] - God’s Love for All: Ephesians Recap
[25:42] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[26:25] - Prayer for Strength and Guidance
[31:27] - The Call to Put on the Full Armor
[32:01] - Our Battle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood
[33:03] - Understanding the Enemy and Spiritual Forces
[38:08] - Temptation and Personal Responsibility
[39:28] - Freedom Through Spiritual Perspective
[41:23] - Standing Firm in the In-Between Times
[46:42] - The Belt of Truth
[48:57] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
[54:18] - Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
[56:25] - Assurance and the Foundation of Faith
[58:32] - Persecution and the Power of Assurance
[60:02] - The Shield of Faith
[61:08] - The Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit
[63:52] - Prayer and Living Out the Armor of God

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.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 6:12, who or what is our real enemy in the spiritual battle? How does Paul describe these forces?
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 practical examples did the pastor give of “Hershey bars” (temptations) that the enemy uses in our daily lives?
What role does prayer play in the context of spiritual warfare, according to Ephesians 6:18 and the sermon?

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to recognize that our struggle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces? How might this change the way we respond to conflict or hurt?
The pastor said, “Partial armor leaves us vulnerable.” What might it look like in real life to only put on “part” of the armor of God?
How does having assurance of salvation and God’s promises help believers face hardship, persecution, or even death with hope?
The sermon emphasized personal responsibility even in spiritual warfare. How do we balance acknowledging the enemy’s influence with taking responsibility for our own choices?

Application Questions

Think about a recent conflict or difficult relationship in your life. How might your response change if you remembered that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood”? Is there someone you need to forgive or see differently?
The pastor talked about the enemy “dangling Hershey bars” of temptation. What is one specific “Hershey bar” (temptation or struggle) you face regularly? What practical step can you take this week to resist it?
Which piece of the armor of God do you find hardest to “put on” each day? Why do you think that is, and what could help you grow in that area?
The sermon encouraged making a list of God’s promises to lean on during hard times. Have you ever done this? If not, what is one promise from Scripture you want to remember this week?
Prayer is described as the practice that “activates and sustains” the armor of God. What does your prayer life look like right now? Is there a way you want to grow in prayer, either for yourself or for others?
The pastor shared how understanding spiritual warfare helped him forgive and love others, even “extra grace required” people. Is there someone in your life who is hard to love? What is one way you can show Christ’s love to them this week?
The armor of God is meant to be put on “daily.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself each morning to put on the full armor of God before you start your day?

Sermon Clips

Every day as we face potential brokenness in this world, as we look at the bigger picture things in this world, and we see evil sometimes face to face, God gives us strength. He gives us hope. He tells us how we can face the day and the days ahead. [00:30:22] (24 seconds) #StrengthHopeInGod

Friends, we have an adversary. In fact, we have a kingdom that is adversarial, that we are living against day in and day out. We live in this time here in 2000, and we've been living in it for 2000 years, of the time when Jesus came on this earth. God came down in human flesh and dwelt among us, and we live in an in-between time until Jesus comes back in final victory. [00:33:00] (34 seconds) #LivingInTheInBetween

We digest ones of power. We digest ones of greed. We digest Hershey bars that lead to broken relationships. We digest Hershey bars that lead to strife and bullying at school. We digest Hershey bars that lead to bullying online. We digest Hershey bars that cause us to talk about each other. We digest Hershey bars that cause us to lose our patience. [00:38:00] (27 seconds) #GraceForDifficultPeople

We're in a spiritual battle. And may we understand it's not of human flesh and blood. Does it let us off the hook? No, we're still responsible for eating the Hershey bars, right? But the battle is there and we are called to stand firm and be light in the darkness. We are called to be the people that stand in the gap in the in-between time, literally to stand in the gap between the powers of darkness when Jesus came and when he comes for all time and defeats evil once and for all. [00:41:21] (37 seconds) #BreastplateOfRighteousness

As you encounter hardships and strife and worries and fears and anxieties, as you go through this life facing what you have to, make a list of ten promises in Scripture that speak to you. Jeremiah 29, 11, my number one at the top of my list of ten, right? For you know the plans I have for you, says God, says the Lord. Plans not to harm you, but to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future. That's several promises in that one right there. [00:54:53] (34 seconds) #ArmorOfGodVictory

Assurance means that, hey, I know where I'm headed. It means that when I leave this earth, I'm going to the place with no more pain, suffering. Why? Because Jesus has redeemed this pastor. Jesus has wiped away my sin, past, present, and future. And there's promises that I'm going to be with him for all eternity. That as long as I strive, keep walking with him. And I strive for faithfulness. Am I going to get it right all the time? No. But the promise is there. [00:56:25] (31 seconds) #RiseAboveWithFaith

Why do people come to faith? Why do they keep pushing through? Why do they keep proclaiming the good news of the gospel of peace? Because they have assurance of where they're going. Satan can't touch them. Nobody can touch them. Because, hey, if they breathe their last, they get to go and see Jesus face to face. No more troubles that this world has to offer. [00:58:59] (25 seconds)

The shield gave them courage to press forward, right? And to keep fighting the fight. And so may the shield of faith protect us. May the shield of our faith keep us moving forward. Protects the mind again with assurance of salvation. [01:00:33] (18 seconds)

What God is saying is protect your mind. Paul writes in Romans chapter 12 verse 2. With the renewing of your mind. Right? With the renewing of your mind. Make sure you're not conforming to the world. But you're staying with the kingdom. You're pushing forward with the gospel of peace in all that you do and say. Right? And so protect our head with the helmet of salvation. [01:01:08] (27 seconds)

Friends, we do live in a world that's filled with evil. We are in a battle, a spiritual warfare day in and day out, all that stuff I've mentioned before and then some. May we put on the what? Armor of God, the full armor of God, on your medallion it says the whole armor of God, so that we can stand firm, so that we can conquer the evil one in his ways, so we can conquer the evil of this world, so we can shine light in the darkness, so we can share the gospel of peace, so we can share the gift of salvation with others. May we put on the whole armor of God. [01:04:39] (50 seconds)

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