2/4 - The Unseen War

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Introduction:

Imagine stepping into a battlefield unarmed, knowing the enemy is ready and equipped to attack.

It sounds terrifying, doesn’t it?

Yet, every day, many believers step into the spiritual battleground unprepared.

They face battles without recognising the weapons at their disposal, leaving them vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy.

The Bible tells us that God provides everything we need for this fight—we just need to put it on.

Today, we will explore how we can arm ourselves for spiritual warfare by understanding the Armor of God.

Point 1: The Armor’s Foundation – Truth and Righteousness

14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

The first two pieces of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 are the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness.

These form the foundation for our spiritual defense.

Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14):

The belt holds everything in place.

Without it, the soldier's armor would fall apart.

Similarly, truth holds our lives together.

We live in a world that often blurs the lines between truth and lies, but Jesus says,

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Truth Provides Core Support and Stability

A soldier’s belt provided core support—helping him stay upright, strong, and steady throughout the day.

In the same way, truth stabilizes and strengthens us in the midst of spiritual warfare.

Biblical Illustration:

The Bible warns against being "tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" Ephesians 4:14 Truth keeps us steady and prevents us from being swept away by lies and deceit.

Ephesians 4:14 NIV

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon once said,

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”

We must be vigilant to clothe ourselves with God’s truth.

Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14):

The breastplate protects our heart, the core of who we are.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Righteousness isn't about our perfection but living in the righteousness of Christ, keeping our hearts guarded from sin and evil.

Living in Righteousness:

While Christ's righteousness is imputed to us, we must actively live it out.

This involves making choices that align with God's will, resisting the temptation to conform to worldly values, and maintaining godly boundaries.

Obedience to God’s word is not legalistic, but rather a thankful response that protects us from spiritual attacks.

Daily Armor:

this is not a one-time event. It involves a daily commitment to live in a way that reflects Christ’s righteousness, as we are commanded in Ephesians 6:14 and Romans 13:14.

This protects us from the enemy’s attempts to lead us into sin and keeps our hearts sensitive to God’s leading.

Vigilance in Protecting the Heart: Proverbs 4:23 stresses the importance of guarding our hearts.

Living in righteousness requires vigilance, constantly aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with God’s standards, and ensuring that we don’t open ourselves up to spiritual attack or moral compromise.

Right Living vs. Legalism: It’s important to clarify that right living (obedience to God) is not about earning salvation (legalism), but about responding to God's grace with thankfulness.

Obedience helps us stay on the path of righteousness and protects us from harmful consequences when we stray from God’s way.

Biblical Example

Belt of Truth: Use the story of Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6). Daniel’s commitment to truth in the face of opposition shows how standing firm in God’s truth can sustain us, even when the world around us is pressuring us to compromise.

Daniel refused to be swayed by the lies and deceit of those plotting against him, and God delivered him.

Application: Many people today face pressure to compromise their beliefs for acceptance or success.

This can be seen in workplaces or social circles where it’s easier to lie or hide the truth rather than stand firm.

But just as Daniel trusted God, we too must cling to His truth, knowing He will uphold us.

Breastplate of Righteousness:

Reference Joseph's story when he resisted Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).

Joseph's integrity and righteousness protected him from the enemy’s temptation, which led to temporary suffering.

His righteousness shielded his heart, and God ultimately elevated him to a place of honor.

Application: Many today face moral temptation, whether it be in relationships, integrity at work, or decisions in private life. Like Joseph, when we wear righteousness, we may face challenges, but God’s protection is always there, and He rewards faithfulness.

Point 2: The Battle Requires Readiness and Faith

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Next, Paul talks about the Shoes of Peace and the Shield of Faith.

Shoes of Peace (Ephesians 6:15):

Roman soldiers needed sturdy shoes to stand their ground.

Likewise, the peace that comes from knowing the gospel enables us to stand firm when chaos strikes.

Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

Sharing the gospel brings peace to others, but it also strengthens us.

Foundation of Peace:

The Shoes of Peace symbolize the foundation of peace that comes from knowing the gospel.

Just like a soldier needs sturdy shoes to stand firm on the battlefield, believers need the peace of Christ to stand firm in the face of life's challenges.

This peace is not temporary or fragile; it is rooted in the assurance of Christ's victory and God's unchanging nature (John 14:27, John 16:33).

Peace Guards Against Distraction:

The enemy tries to steal our peace by causing worry, anxiety, and fear.

When we are distracted by life's troubles and anxieties, we become ineffective in advancing God's kingdom.

The Shoes of Peace help us stay grounded, preventing the enemy from rendering us spiritually paralyzed (Philippians 4:6–7

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Advancing the Gospel:

These shoes represent readiness to share the gospel, as highlighted in Romans 10:15.

Sharing the good news of peace with others not only brings peace to them but strengthens our perspective.

The peace from the gospel empowers believers to move forward confidently, knowing that God is in control.

Resilience in Uncertainty:

The peace of Christ allows believers to persevere and remain calm, even amidst uncertainty.

No matter what circumstances may come, the peace of the gospel remains firm, reminding us that our biggest problem—separation from God—has been solved in Christ.

This assurance enables us to face challenges with confidence, knowing they are equipped for spiritual battles.

Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16):

In battle, a soldier's shield was their first line of defence. In spiritual warfare, our faith in God's promises acts as our shield, blocking the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, "Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Illustration:

Imagine trying to extinguish a wildfire with a bucket of water. It seems impossible, but that’s how many approach their problems without faith.

With faith as a shield, even the fiercest of flames are extinguished.

Defensive Role of the Shield:

The Shield of Faith is not something worn but something actively taken up.

Just like Roman soldiers had to train and muster stamina to carry their shields, believers must develop resilient and persistent faith, especially when spiritual attacks come.

The shield is designed to protect us when circumstances require it, and this involves deliberate action.

Collective Protection:

Just as Roman soldiers linked their shields to form a united defence, believers can link their faith with others to provide mutual spiritual protection.

The church community plays a role in strengthening one another's faith during difficult times, forming a powerful defence against the enemy's attacks.

Practical Use of the Shield:

Faith involves trusting God to fulfill His promises, not just wishful thinking.

Believers must actively use their faith in real-life situations, trusting God’s Word even when circumstances seem dire.

Faith in God's promises extinguishes every flaming dart the enemy throws.

Faith as Action:

The Greek word for faith, pistis, implies that faith is not just belief but action. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17).

Christians must live out their faith by acting on God’s promises, not simply believing passively.

The Power of God's Promises:

When faced with the devil's lies, faith allows us to counter those attacks with the truth of God’s promises.

For example, when the enemy says we are weak, faith reminds us that we are strong in Christ (Eph. 6:10).

Faith empowers us to respond to spiritual challenges with Scripture, thereby deflecting the enemy’s lies.

God's Word as the Foundation of Faith:

Our faith is grounded in God’s Word.

To effectively use the shield, we must know and trust in God’s promises.

Without a firm grasp of Scripture, the shield loses its effectiveness.

Faith is only as strong as the truth it's based on.

Daily Faith as Protection:

Every day, we must take refuge in God by raising their shields of faith.

This daily act of trust protects not only individuals but also their families and communities, reinforcing the truth that God is a consistent shield for those who take refuge in Him (Prov. 30:5).

How to Use Your Shield

When we take God at His Word, not even a well-placed flaming arrow can penetrate our defense. Instead, we will stand firm, relentless in our pursuit of Christ and resilient in our hope of Christ.

When the enemy says I am weak, faith says I am strong in Christ (Eph. 6:10).

When the enemy lays blame at my feet, faith says the blood of Christ makes me clean (Col. 3:13; 1 John 1:9).

When the enemy says you are a nobody, faith says I am a new creation thanks to the life-giving presence of my Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

When the enemy says you can’t do anything right, faith says I can do everything God calls me to do through Jesus who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13)

When the enemy says God doesn’t care about you, faith says, oh yes, He does (John 3:16).

When the enemy says you should give up, faith says God will carry me (Ex. 19:4; Isa. 46:4).

When the enemy says you are all alone, faith says God is still with me (Heb. 13:5).

When the enemy says you are a slave to sin, faith says no, I am a servant of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

When the enemy says, you lack what you most need, faith says God will supply all my needs (Matt. 6:25–33; Phil. 4:19).

Do you see how this works? It’s one thing to talk about faith, but it’s another thing to live it. Wishful thinking doesn’t shield us, but God’s Word does.

Biblical Example:

Shoes of Peace: The story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) illustrates the peace we can have during life’s chaos.

The disciples were panicking in the storm, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was not shaken.

When they turned to Him, He spoke peace into the storm, and the winds obeyed.

Application: Life is full of storms—uncertainties in jobs, relationships, health, and world events—but having our feet fitted with the gospel of peace means we can stand firm, knowing Jesus is with us in the boat. We can carry that peace into any situation, rather than being overwhelmed by the circumstances.

Shield of Faith: Use the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). David’s faith in God was his shield against the giant. He didn’t rely on physical armor but trusted in God’s promises and power.

He faced the taunts and threats of Goliath, but with his faith as a shield, David overcame the enemy.

Application: We face giants in our lives—whether it's fear, doubt, financial challenges, or illness. These giants seem impossible, but faith enables us to see past the giant and trust in God’s power. Just as David stood confidently before Goliath, we can face our challenges knowing God is greater.

Point 3: The Power of Salvation and the Word

17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The final two pieces of armor are the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit.

Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17):

Our mind is often the biggest battlefield.

The enemy loves to plant seeds of doubt, fear, and confusion.

But the helmet of salvation reminds us of our ultimate victory through Christ.

When we keep an eternal perspective, we can face today’s battles with hope, knowing that salvation secures our future.

The Mind as the Battleground:

The helmet of salvation protects the mind, which is the primary battlefield where the enemy attacks with doubt, despair, and discouragement.

Our thoughts influence our emotions, actions, and spiritual well-being.

Daily God-Centered Thinking:

Wearing the helmet of salvation means engaging in daily, intentional God-centered thinking.

It involves focusing on Christ, rather than allowing worldly concerns to dominate our minds, which can lead to anxiety, fear, and vulnerability to spiritual attacks.

Mind Renewal:

Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds with God’s truth daily. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, and pure.

This practice of renewing our minds equips us to stand firm against spiritual attacks and live righteously.

Taking Every Thought Captive:

2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.

By meditating on God’s promises and rejecting harmful influences, we maintain control over our thought life and experience God's peace.

Peace through Focus on Christ:

When we set our minds on Christ and His promises, we experience perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Salvation is not only about escaping hell but also about living a life of righteousness and enjoying the spiritual blessings of being adopted into God's family.

Purposeful Reflection:

Purposeful scriptural reflection and reminders of our identity in Christ provide protection.

The helmet of salvation guards us from destructive thoughts, ensuring that our minds are fixed on God’s truth.

Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17):

The sword is the only offensive weapon mentioned. It’s the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword."

We fight back with Scripture, just as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4). Knowing God’s Word gives us the ability to counterattack the enemy’s lies.

Jesus as an Example of Using Scripture:

In Matthew 4, Jesus effectively used the Word of God as a weapon against the devil during His temptation in the wilderness.

This highlights the power and necessity of knowing and using Scripture when facing spiritual battles.

The Word of God is a Powerful Weapon:

The Bible describes the Word as a "double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), which penetrates deeply into the heart and mind, revealing truth.

This makes the Word an unmatched weapon in spiritual warfare. Just as a Roman soldier wielded a physical sword with precision, believers are to wield Scripture with the same accuracy to defeat spiritual opposition.

It Is Living and Active:

The Word of God is not just words on a page but a living, breathing force.

This dynamic power of Scripture is what makes it a weapon capable of cutting through every lie and scheme of the enemy.

Scripture and Spiritual Battles:

The Word of God is designed to help believers stand firm against Satan’s lies, discouragement, and temptations.

It’s not just for passive reading; it’s meant to be used in battle—prayed, spoken, and shared.

When spoken in faith, it disarms the enemy's attacks, as seen when Jesus declared, “It is written” during His temptation (Matthew 4).

The Power of Memorizing and Speaking Scripture:

Just as a soldier practices using their sword, believers must practice knowing, memorizing, and speaking Scripture.

Having the Word readily available in one’s heart and mind equips believers to respond to spiritual challenges effectively.

Active Engagement:

The Bible teaches us not to be passive but to engage actively in spiritual warfare by using the Word.

It is our main offensive weapon that allows us to cut through opposition and stand firm in the truth.

A Tool for Prayer:

Scripture is not just for individual defense but also for intercession.

Praying the Word of God is a powerful way to wield the sword of the Spirit, bringing God’s promises into every situation.

Biblical Examples

Helmet of Salvation: Point to the story of Elijah’s battle with depression after his victory on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19).

Even after a great victory, Elijah succumbed to despair, but God ministered to him and reminded him of His presence and purpose.

The helmet of salvation guards our mind, protecting us from the enemy’s lies of discouragement, failure, and hopelessness.

Application: Many people today battle with feelings of worthlessness, depression, and failure.

The helmet of salvation reminds us that our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in our circumstances or achievements.

It protects us from the lies the enemy uses to attack our minds.

Sword of the Spirit: Reference Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

When Satan tempted Jesus, He responded with Scripture each time.

Jesus used the Word of God as His sword to strike down the enemy’s lies and manipulations.

Application: In our spiritual battles, whether it's temptation, doubt, or fear, God’s Word is our weapon.

When we face discouragement, we can declare scriptures like,

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) or

“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Just as Jesus defeated the enemy with God’s Word, so can we when we arm ourselves with it.

Conclusion: Standing Firm in Victory

God has not left us defenceless. He has provided everything we need to stand firm in spiritual warfare.

But we must actively "put on" the armor—knowing that the enemy's attacks are real, but our God is greater.

We fight not for victory but from victory because Christ has already won the ultimate battle on the cross.

Appeal:

Today, I want to challenge you—are you fully armed?

Is there a piece of God’s armor you’ve been neglecting?

As we go about our week, let’s commit to daily putting on the full armor of God, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors.

Practical Application:

Take time this week to pray through each piece of armor, asking God to help you identify which areas you need to strengthen.

Memorize Ephesians 6:10-18 and let it remind you daily to put on your armor before stepping into the battlefield.

Share with someone the peace of the gospel this week. Just as the shoes of peace strengthen you, they can bring hope to others.

Summary:

The passage from Ephesians 6:10-18 emphasizes the importance of preparing for spiritual warfare by putting on the full Armor of God.

The introduction highlights how believers often step into the spiritual battlefield unprepared, making them vulnerable to the enemy's schemes.

However, God provides us with all the tools we need to stand firm.

Key Points:

Truth and Righteousness as the Armor’s Foundation:

The Belt of Truth holds everything together, providing core stability and strength in the face of spiritual attacks.

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects the heart, helping believers live in alignment with God’s will and guard against sin.

Righteous living reflects Christ's righteousness and keeps the heart vigilant.

Readiness and Faith for the Battle:

The Shoes of Peace represent the readiness to stand firm and share the gospel.

This peace strengthens believers amidst chaos and prevents distraction.

The Shield of Faith serves as the first line of defense, extinguishing the enemy’s fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation.

Faith, grounded in God's promises, allows believers to persevere and trust in God’s power.

Salvation and the Word of God:

The Helmet of Salvation protects the mind from the enemy’s attacks of doubt and despair.

It reminds believers of their ultimate victory in Christ and promotes a daily renewal of their minds through God's truth.

The Sword of the Spirit, representing the Word of God, is the only offensive weapon in the armor.

Believers are called to wield Scripture actively in spiritual battles, using it to counter the enemy’s lies and stand firm in truth.

Conclusion:

Equipped with God's armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—we can stand firm against the enemy, protected and empowered by God’s strength and promises.

Prayer and vigilance are crucial for staying alert and persistent in the spiritual fight.

TIO - Talk It Over

Summary of the Sermon: The sermon focused on the importance of putting on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to stand firm in spiritual warfare.

The armor consists of six essential pieces: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

Each piece plays a vital role in protecting believers from the attacks of the enemy, reminding them that victory comes through Christ.

Key Verses:

Main Verse: Ephesians 6:10-18 (focus on verses 13-17)

John 8:32

Proverbs 4:23

Romans 10:15

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 4:12

Small Group Questions

1. Start Talking - Spark Conversation:

Icebreaker: If you had to choose one piece of armor to wear in a real-life battle, which one would it be and why?

Yes or No: Do you think about spiritual warfare in your everyday life?

Fun Question: Have you ever felt like you were stepping into a battle unprepared? What was the situation?

2. Start Thinking - Deepen the Thought:

Question 1: Why do you think Paul used the metaphor of armor to describe spiritual protection?

Question 2: What do you think it means to “stand firm” in the context of spiritual warfare?

Question 3: In your opinion, why is faith described as a shield that extinguishes fiery arrows? What are some “fiery arrows” you’ve faced?

3. Start Sharing - Open Hearts, Share Stories:

Question 1: Can you share a time when you felt like your faith acted as a shield against doubts, fears, or temptations?

Question 2: How has the truth of God's Word helped you navigate a difficult situation?

Question 3: Have you ever had a moment where you saw the peace of God help you stand firm during chaos? How did it change your perspective?

4. Start Doing - Commit to Act:

Challenge 1: This week, commit to praying through Ephesians 6:10-18 each morning, focusing on “putting on” the armor of God as you begin your day.

Challenge 2: Identify one piece of armor that you feel you need to strengthen. Research scriptures related to that piece, and memorize one verse that strengthens you in that area.

Challenge 3: Reach out to someone this week and share with them the “shoes of peace”—bring the gospel message or a word of encouragement to someone in need.

Book Suggestion: "The Invisible War" by Chip Ingram – a practical guide on spiritual warfare. Website Suggestion: Visit BibleProject’s explanation on Ephesians for an in-depth understanding of the Armor of God.