Built For Battle: Spiritual Warfare for Everyday Christians

Series Introduction (not a slide)

Admit it or not, every Christian is engaged in a spiritual battle. Flesh over spirit for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt26:41; Rom7:18-19) God does not leave us defenseless or uninformed.

Through His Word, by His Spirit, and His Church, He equips us to not only recognize the enemy, but to stand firm against his attacks. and to advance the kingdom of the Lord, and live confidently in the victory that Christ purchased for us at the cross.

Series Key Verse: Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

When you think about spiritual warfare what do you think of? (pause for answers)

Write down the one word answers, repeat it back to them, this will engage the class even more.

(Transition) Over the next few weeks James and I are going to examine what Scripture actually says and compare it with some of our assumptions.

Know Your Enemy

So what does scheme mean, you may have heard that term before, but what does it truly mean?

Ephesians 6:11 ESV

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Based on Eph6:11 using the ESV what can we learn about our enemy?

He has a plan, he is deceptive and he is not random. Well maybe we did not totally get there yet, but let’s look at the definition

In the Bible, the word "scheme" generally refers to a carefully devised plan, strategy, or plot, often with a negative sense of deception, trickery, or evil intent.

Biblical Meaning of "Scheme"

A scheme can be:

A calculated plan

A strategy designed to accomplish a purpose

Often a deceptive or harmful plot

Something done with cunning or manipulation

Related Biblical Words

(2 Corinthians 2:11, KJV)Devices

(Ephesians 6:11, KJV)Wiles

(Psalm 37:12)Plots

(2 Corinthians 11:3)Craftiness

(Ephesians 4:14)Deceit

Simple Definition

Scheme: A deliberate plan or strategy, especially one intended to deceive, tempt, or oppose God's purposes.

Spiritual Application

The Bible teaches believers to be aware of Satan's schemes, which may include:

Deception

Discouragement

Division

Temptation

False teaching

Doubt

This is why Paul exhorts Christians to put on the armor of God and remain spiritually alert (Ephesians 6:10-18).

A concise biblical definition could be:

"A scheme is a cunning and deliberate plan, often used by Satan or wicked people to deceive, tempt, or hinder God's work."

Let’s now look at some scripture turn to Ephesians 6:10–12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The truth is many Christians ignore spiritual warfare completely or become overly fascinated with it. Scripture teaches neither extreme. The bible calls us to be aware, alert, and sober-minded. We do not fear Satan, but we must understand his tactics so we can resist him effectively.

Let me help by an illustration. Bank tellers are trained to look for counterfeit bills. They do it not by studying fake bills, but by handing real bills so much repeatedly they know the difference if feel or look. Likewise for the Christian, the believer becomes discerning not by obsessing over Satan’s schemes but by becoming familiar, comfortable with God’s truth.

The Battle is real (Ephesians 6:12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The enemy is not people, it is a spiritual battle, spiritual rulers, powers, world forces of darkness and wickedness in heavenly places.

As mentioned before we are all involved in it, want it or not, admit it or not; realize it or not. Our best thing is to admit that the battle is real and it is not a battle in the flesh, but it is a spiritual battle fought in the heavenly realms. That is what this series is focusing on so hold on if you do not get all the answers today or in this series. This is just a series to help you get some roots started regarding spiritual warfare.

Why do you think many Christians ignore spiritual warfare The while others become obsessed with it?

The biblical position is neither ignorance nor obsession but awareness.

What do you think is Satan’s most effective weapon in the church today?

Satan has a strategy (Eph6:11)

In the Bible, the word "wiles" refers to crafty, deceptive schemes, tricks, or strategies used to mislead and harm others, especially the schemes of Satan.

Biblical Definition

The Greek word translated "wiles" in Ephesians 6:11 is methodeia, from which we get the English word "method." It carries the idea of:

Cunning plans

Deceptive tactics

Strategic schemes

Crafty methods designed to deceive

What Are the Devil's Wiles?

Scripture shows that Satan often works through:

(John 8:44)Lies and deception

(Matthew 4:1-11)Temptation

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15)False teaching

(Genesis 3:1-5)Doubt and discouragement

among believers (Ephesians 4:26-27)Division and strife

Simple Definition

Wiles = deceptive strategies or cunning schemes intended to mislead, tempt, or destroy.

In Ephesians 6, Paul is reminding believers that the Christian life is not simply a battle against obvious evil, but against subtle, well-planned spiritual attacks that require vigilance and the full armor of God.

A concise devotional thought might be:

The devil's wiles are rarely obvious assaults; more often they are subtle deceptions designed to draw believers away from God's truth. The armor of God equips us to recognize and withstand those schemes.

Now that you have the definition, you have the description, can you see the direct, indirect and even subtle ways Satan can spiritual attack?

3. Believers Must Stay Alert (1Pt5:8-9)

1 Peter 5:8–9 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”

What commands do you see in these verses?

Be sober minded, be alert, Resist him, Stand firm in your faith

Which of these commands is the hardest for you? (you personally be ready to answer to get conversation going)

The enemy looks for vulnerable believers

Resistance requires vigilance and faith

Notice that it says the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren. You are not alone, others have suffered, been through the same!

Questions: (not a slide)

Can you think of ways that Satan deceives people today?

How can we remain alert, but not become fearful at the same time?

Finally, what does it practically look like to resist the devil?

Application

Prayerfully identify an area where you are vulnerable to deception.

Commit to daily time in God’s word this week and do it.

Begin praying each morning for spiritual discernment.

As someone has wisely said: “You cannot defeat an enemy you refuse to acknowledge.”

Closing: The battle is real. The enemy is strategic. The Believer must be alert. Christ has already won the victory. Andy, you cannot defeat an enemy you refuse to acknolege, but neither should you fear an enemy who Christ has already conquered!.