ephesians 6:12-17

intro: we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against rulers and against the authorities over the darkness. We are not in a battle against each other or your dad or moms cousin, our fight is against something more vile and not seen. We can choose to fight alone and in the dark and we’re going to get our bit handed to you. I don’t know if anyone tried to fight blindfolded, you're going to lose. In Ephesians God gives us the tools to stand against the enemy. 

Sermon Title:God gives you readiness for the battle you can not see. 

Text: Ephesians 6:12-20

“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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Introduction

Illustration: one thing for anyone who’s ever watched or know any thing about military operations you just don’t show up and fight blindly. Even the most experienced soldiers train and collect intelligence they may not know every danger but they don’t go into the fight completely blind. The devil has intel on us already. We are given God as our protector and he offers us these tools (armor ) so we stand a chance. 

Main Idea:Because the Christian’s battle is spiritual and the victory is Christ’s, believers must stand firm in the sovereign strength and provision of God, clothed in His armor and sustained by His grace through prayer.

Point 1:  we are not in a physical fight it is a  spiritual fight 

Scripture: v12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood

Illustration: imagine being a beginner boxer and they put you in your first fight against a seasoned world champion bad news not going over well. He knows and sees things you can’t. Certain things or ways you move that lets him know you're going to throw a punch or the look in your eyes that shows you're scared and don’t know what to do. The same way our battle is spiritual, our opponent knows everything he knows how and what he can do to draw you in. I suggest if you want to know how the enemy thinks read c.s. Lewis’ screwtape letters

Application: we are in a fight with the unseen and unknown every thing you’ve done the enemy knows he knows if you have a bad day at work what he can have your spouse say to you to set you ablaze or knows when you are down on your luck to send a person your way hey man I know you quit drinking but you look like you need one on me. The enemy has a play book and wants to distract and pull you away from God he can’t run up and attack then sheep by the shepherd cause he’s going to get sacked he’s gotta draw you and make separation so he can attack

Meaning :This reality humbles us. We can’t fight this battle with our own strength or wisdom. Our total depravity means that apart from grace, we are powerless against sin and Satan.Paul reminds us that our struggle is not ultimately with people but with the spiritual forces of evil opposing God’s kingdom.

Point 2: God gives us provisions to fight the evil one the armor of God 

Scripture:“v13-17

Illustration: whether it was a knight or a soldier or you at your job we always make sure every tool we use is in its best condition so that we can be efficient. Same way we should pray and put our armor on daily every part needs tested and prayed to be made stronger (explain the armor)

Application: Stand in what Christ has provided. Your righteousness won’t protect you, but His righteousness will. The strength to endure comes from Him alone. If we think for a second we can fight without God, well we walked in the enemies trap cause we are prideful. 

Meaning : Notice it’s the armor of God — not our armor, not our effort. God clothes us Himself, just as He clothed Adam and Eve after their fall. That’s grace in actionThe armor is not man-made; it’s divine. Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word are all gifts rooted in Christ’s person and work.

Point 3: prayer and perseverance pray without ceasing. 

Scripture: v18-20 1 Thessalonians 5

Illustration: planes rely on contact from air traffic controllers if they lost contact they would crash and burn all over. As Christians we need contact and communication with our savior we are not in this fight by ourselves there is a lot of ways to build yourself and others up God has given us tools and people in our life to help make us better soldiers 

Application: True perseverance is born out of prayerful dependence. A prayerless Christian is like a soldier cut off from his Commander — still armed, but without direction or strength.

Meaning : Prayer is the means by which God applies His sovereign will in the lives of His people. We don’t pray to change His mind, but to align ourselves with His purposes and power.After describing the armor, Paul immediately turns to prayer — showing that even with all the armor, we are powerless without constant dependence on God.

Conclusion

Recap: The battle is real, but so is the victory.The enemy is spiritual.The armor is divine.The victory is assured  Stand, therefore, in the sovereign strength of your God. You are not fighting for victory — you are fighting from victory, because Christ has already triumphed. We have the book  we’ve read back when Christ won.  

Call to Action:  I challenge everyone to read and pray these verses daily and build your confidence and faith to stand strong against the enemy. We are given all armor to protect us. Our only weapon is the sword of the spirit of God's living word.