Seeing the Unseen

Unseen Battles: Armored for Spiritual Victory

Bible Passage: Eph 6:10–20, 2 Co 4:16–18, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Kings 6:16–17, 1 Corinthians 2:14

Summary: This sermon explores the reality of the spiritual realm, emphasizing the unseen battles that occur daily in our lives and the necessity of being spiritually prepared and aware.

Application: Understanding the spiritual realm helps Christians recognize that their struggles are often not just physical or emotional but are spiritual in nature. This knowledge encourages believers to rely on God's strength, equip themselves with His armor, and actively seek His presence in their daily battles.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that believers are engaged in a constant spiritual battle, which requires them to be vigilant, equipped with God's armor, and aware of the influence of the spiritual realm in their lives.

Who, think you, are the more honest men,—those who tell you plainly what the Scriptures say concerning this wrath of God, or those who smooth it over, or deny it altogether? “Flee From The Wrath To Come”, Volume 46, Sermon #2704 - Matthew 3:7, Hebrews 6:18

Charles Spurgeon

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ is the ultimate source of victory over spiritual forces. His death and resurrection provide believers with both the armor and the strength to engage in spiritual warfare, illustrating that faith in Him is paramount in overcoming the challenges posed by the spiritual realm.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon is that as Christians, we must acknowledge the reality of the spiritual realm and actively prepare ourselves with the armor of God to stand firm against the unseen battles of life.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider diving into the theological implications of Ephesians 6 in your Logos library. You might explore commentaries that discuss the historical context of the armor of God, as well as studies on spiritual warfare to better understand the interplay between physical and spiritual struggles. Additionally, examine how different translations of key terms might enhance your understanding of the spiritual realm across the New and Old Testaments.

The first thing we have to realize is that the Christian life is a warfare, that we are strangers in an alien land, that we are in the enemy’s territory. This is a warfare that you and I have to wage. The Christian Warfare, 20

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

We must not get so busy counting demons that we forget the holy angels.

Billy Graham

We can call out even to the demons in hell, ‘Which of you is going to condemn me?’ And there will be no answer.

John Robert Walmsley Stott (English Preacher)

1. Empowerment from God

Eph 6:10–13

You could emphasize the importance of recognizing our need for strength from God. This passage highlights the spiritual warfare believers face and the necessity of being empowered by the Lord to stand against these forces. Perhaps convey that God's armor equips us to withstand the challenges posed by the unseen realm, reminding listeners to rely on His might.

2. Equipped with God's Armor

Eph 6:14–20

Maybe explore each element of the armor and its spiritual significance, suggesting that believers equip themselves daily with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Encourage prayer and alertness as vital components of the spiritual battle, fostering reliance on Christ who ultimately secures victory.

3. Eyes on the Eternal

2 Co 4:16–18

Perhaps highlight the contrast between the temporary and eternal, encouraging believers to fix their eyes on the unseen and eternal spiritual realities. This passage suggests that through faith in Christ, one can gain a perspective that transcends earthly troubles, reminding listeners of the victorious hope they possess in Him.

If you notice a lack of peace during family dinners or gatherings, it may indicate negative influences affecting your household. Begin a new tradition of lighting a candle before meals and taking a moment of quiet reflection together. As you do this, invite each family member to share something they are thankful for, even during challenging times. Following the gratitude moment, pray for peace in your home and ask God to reveal any negativity that might need addressing, turning your meals into sacred times of connection.

4. Stay Spiritually Vigilant

1 Peter 5:8

You could emphasize vigilance, warning believers of the enemy's prowling presence. Highlight that awareness and alertness are crucial in the spiritual realm, suggesting believers actively resist the devil, standing firm in faith provided by Christ. Encourage trust in the Lord’s protective and empowering presence in these battles.

In your home, you may feel a constant sense of tension that disrupts family harmony. To discern the spirits at work, start by creating a designated time of prayer where family members gather, each expressing what worries or stresses they're facing. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any negative influences or unspoken issues. As you share and pray together, you might uncover underlying conflicts or attitudes that are harming your home. Together, address these with a heart of forgiveness, welcoming peace and unity into your living space.

5. Confidence in God's Protection

2 Kings 6:16–17

Perhaps inspire confidence by illustrating God's protective presence, as demonstrated when Elisha’s servant sees angelic armies. Suggest that believers pray for spiritual sight to recognize God's power surrounding them in times of fear or doubt, encouraging trust in Christ's victory over all adversities.

6. Discernment through the Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:14

You could discuss the spiritual discernment provided by the Holy Spirit, suggesting that those in Christ are given the means to understand spiritual truths. This passage reveals that faith in Jesus opens one's heart and mind to God's wisdom in spiritual matters, encouraging reliance on Him and the Spirit's guidance.

If you notice fear or anxiety creeping into your home environment, recognizing it as a spirit of fear is essential. Gather your family for a scripture-based study focusing on verses about fear, such as 2 Timothy 1:7. Discuss the importance of faith and trust in God, and pray together actively renouncing the spirit of fear. Create an atmosphere of reassurance through praise and worship music in your home, filling your space with the peace of God. This will help transform your home into a sanctuary.

Questions:

What steps can you take to remain spiritually vigilant and aware of unseen influences affecting your life?