Spiritual Warfare: Equipping the Believer with God's Armor

Today, we explored the reality and urgency of spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6:10-20. The letter to the Ephesians, though addressed to a specific church, is a universal call to all believers—the “called out ones”—to recognize our identity as the body of Christ and to live out our calling beyond the walls of any building. Being set apart for God’s purposes means we are inevitably drawn into a spiritual battle, not against people, but against unseen spiritual forces that seek to undermine, distract, and destroy.

We are reminded that our strength is not our own. The command to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” is a call to rely on God’s power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Too often, we try to fight spiritual battles in our own strength and end up exhausted or defeated. Instead, we are to put on the whole armor of God, understanding that the enemy’s primary tactics are deception, accusation, and division. The devil would prefer we forget he exists, but scripture makes clear that he is active, cunning, and relentless.

Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier to describe the armor God provides: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece is essential. Truth stabilizes and protects us from deception. Righteousness guards our hearts and calls us to live out what Christ has accomplished for us. The gospel gives us firm footing and readiness to share hope. Faith extinguishes the enemy’s attacks, and our assurance of salvation protects our minds from doubt and fear.

The sword of the Spirit—the word of God—is our offensive weapon. But it is not enough to know scripture intellectually; we must internalize it, study it, and be ready to use it in the moment of need, just as Jesus did when tempted. Prayer is the atmosphere in which all this armor is put to use. We are called to pray always, for ourselves and for one another, that we may stand firm and speak boldly the truth of the gospel. Spiritual warfare is real, but God has given us everything we need to stand, persevere, and walk worthy of our calling.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our Strength Comes from God Alone Self-reliance in spiritual matters leads to exhaustion and defeat. True strength is found in surrendering to God’s power, recognizing that the same Spirit who raised Christ lives in us. This dependence is not weakness, but the only way to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition. [12:15]
• 2. The Real Enemy is Unseen Our struggles are not against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to deceive, divide, and destroy. Recognizing the true nature of the battle helps us respond with grace toward others and vigilance against the enemy’s schemes. We must not be lulled into spiritual sleep, but remain alert and discerning. [20:15]
• 3. The Armor of God Must Be Worn Daily Each piece of the armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the word—addresses a specific vulnerability. Neglecting any part leaves us exposed. The armor is not theoretical; it is lived out through study, obedience, and readiness to act. We must be intentional and persistent in putting it on. [26:39]
• 4. The Word and Prayer are Our Weapons Knowing scripture is not enough; we must internalize it and use it in the moment of need. Prayer is not a last resort but a continual practice that unleashes God’s power and aligns us with his will. Together, the word and prayer equip us to resist the enemy and advance God’s purposes. [39:21]
• 5. Stand Firm and Pray for One Another Spiritual warfare is not fought in isolation. We are called to pray for boldness, for our leaders, and for each other by name. Perseverance in prayer and mutual support are essential for victory and for walking worthy of our calling as the body of Christ. [42:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:32] - Introduction to Ephesians 6
• [01:48] - Opening Prayer
• [02:27] - The Universal Message of Ephesians
• [03:47] - What is the Church?
• [07:05] - The Believer’s Walk and Warfare
• [10:20] - The Reality of Spiritual Struggle
• [12:15] - Be Strong in the Lord
• [14:45] - The Schemes of the Devil
• [16:41] - Recognizing the Real Enemy
• [20:15] - Our Battle is Not Physical
• [22:13] - The Armor of God Explained
• [26:39] - Living Out Truth and Righteousness
• [29:24] - The Gospel of Peace and Readiness
• [32:42] - The Shield of Faith
• [34:04] - The Helmet of Salvation
• [36:03] - The Sword of the Spirit
• [39:21] - The Power of Prayer
• [42:04] - Praying for Boldness and Each Other
• [43:21] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Ephesians 6:10-20 (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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 6:10-11, where does our strength come from, and what are we commanded to do with the armor of God?
2. In verse 12, who or what does Paul say our real battle is against? How does this differ from what we might expect?
3. What are the different pieces of the armor of God listed in verses 14-17, and what does each one represent?
4. How does Paul describe the role of prayer in spiritual warfare in verses 18-20?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that self-reliance in spiritual matters leads to exhaustion and defeat. Why is it so tempting to try to fight spiritual battles in our own strength instead of relying on God’s power?
2. The enemy’s main tactics are described as deception, accusation, and division. How might these tactics show up in our daily lives or in the church?
3. The armor of God is described as something we must “put on” daily. What does it look like to actually “put on” truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the word in real life?
4. The sermon says that knowing scripture is not enough—we must internalize it and use it in the moment of need. What does it mean to “internalize” God’s word, and how is that different from just memorizing verses?

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about how easy it is to rely on our own strength and end up exhausted. Can you think of a recent time when you tried to handle a spiritual struggle on your own? What would it look like to surrender that situation to God’s power instead?
2. Paul says our real enemy is not people, but unseen spiritual forces. Is there a situation or relationship in your life right now where you’ve been treating a person as the enemy? How might your response change if you remembered who the real enemy is?
3. The armor of God is meant to be worn daily, not just when we feel like it. Which piece of the armor do you tend to neglect the most (truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, or the word)? What is one step you can take this week to “put on” that piece more intentionally?
4. The sermon emphasized that the word of God is our offensive weapon, but it’s only effective if we internalize it. What is one practical way you can start internalizing scripture this week (for example, meditating on a verse, journaling, or memorizing a passage)?
5. Prayer is described as the atmosphere in which all the armor is put to use. How would you describe your current prayer life? What is one specific way you can grow in praying “at all times” for yourself and for others?
6. The sermon challenged us to pray for one another by name and to support each other in spiritual warfare. Who is one person in your small group or church that you can commit to praying for this week? How will you let them know you’re praying for them?
7. The message said that spiritual warfare is not fought in isolation. Are you trying to fight any battles alone right now? What would it look like to invite someone else to stand with you in prayer or accountability?