Fight the Battle

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: Understanding the Nature of the Battle

Today, we’re continuing our message series called “Bondservant.” A bondservant, serving the Lord, lays their life on the line for their master, and a servant is also a warrior or soldier for their Captain. Today, our message is entitled “Fight the Battle.”

Around the world today, there are many armed conflicts, and last year there were four conflicts with more than 10,000 deaths. An additional ten conflicts had more than 1,000 deaths and eighteen conflicts that had more than 100 deaths. These physical armed conflicts are simply outward symptoms of a spiritual battle.

The unseen war is between the kingdom of God and the dominion of Satan, and every person, whether they know it or not, is aligned with one side or the other. On the side of the kingdom of God are believers, and those who are not believers are aligned with the dominion of darkness. The Bible talks repeatedly of our responsibility as warriors in this conflict.

1 Timothy 6:12a (NIV) Fight the good fight of the faith.

The fight or battle that God commands us to fight is a good fight, and it is a fight of and for the faith. It is not a physical battle fought with human weapons, but a spiritual battle fought with God’s power. This distinction is critical for understanding how we engage in the conflict.

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

As warriors of Jesus Christ, we do not fight with swords or machine guns, and we do not use the weapons of the world. We fight with spiritual weapons that are divinely powered to destroy evil spiritual fortresses. The goal of this battle is over the most valuable thing on this planet, which is people.

The people on Satan’s side have been taken captive by him to do his bidding, and many do not even realize that they are in captivity. They are unknowingly fighting Satan’s battles and serving his purposes. God’s desire is very different from Satan’s agenda.

Colossians 1:13 (NIV) For he [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

The goal of the kingdom of Jesus is to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and bring them into God’s kingdom army. This battle is more complex than it may first appear because other powerful spiritual beings are involved. On the side of the kingdom of God is an amazing hierarchy of mighty angelic beings who help believers and wage war against evil.

For Satan, there is also a powerful hierarchy of fallen angels and demonic powers that wage war against God’s angels and against believers. Satan seeks to capture people and take them to hell with him for eternity, while God seeks to rescue people from Satan’s clutches and ultimately take them to heaven forever. The ultimate end of the battle, however, is not in doubt.

Colossians 2:15 (NIV) And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Because of Christ’s victory, we as believers have power over Satan and his demonic forces as we fight the battle. This morning, we are going to look at a passage in Ephesians 6 about spiritual warfare. In order to fight the battle, we must understand what God has provided for us and how we are to respond.

Be Strong in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

We cannot fight this spiritual battle in our own strength, and we were never meant to do so. God calls us to rely on His mighty power rather than our own limited abilities. When we attempt to fight in our own strength, we will inevitably fail.

Being strong in the Lord means learning to depend on Him daily and asking for His strength in the midst of the fight. It requires humility, faith, and constant reliance on God’s presence. This strength is available to every believer who seeks it.

Stand Against the Devil’s Schemes

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

The devil is cunning, and he has carefully crafted schemes designed to defeat you and your family. His schemes involve using temptations that you are vulnerable against and accusing you in areas that make you feel defeated. He also knows how to intimidate you and fill your mind with fear or worry.

Satan has plans to deceive you in areas where your understanding of God’s Word is weak. His schemes often involve driving wedges between spouses, between parents and children, and between believers in the church. Standing against these schemes requires intentional obedience to God’s command to put on the full armor of God.

Your Battle Is Against Evil Spiritual Forces

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

This is a very important verse because it reframes how we understand our struggles. The Greek word for struggle here implies hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing the intensity of the conflict. Yet Scripture makes clear that our true enemy is not other people.

We are struggling against levels of evil spiritual powers that are manipulating people and circumstances. Satan is not omnipresent like God, so he uses these evil spiritual forces to carry out his schemes. These forces range from demons that oppress and possess people to evil powers that exert influence over cities and nations.

Put On God’s Armor

Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The full armor of God is not merely armor that God supplies; it is the armor that God Himself wears in the battle. Isaiah 59 speaks of the Lord putting on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. This armor protects us against the devil’s schemes so that we can be strong in the Lord.

Notice that Scripture says “when the day of evil comes,” not “if the day of evil comes.” This means that every believer will face spiritual attacks and opposition. Because the battle is unavoidable, preparation is essential.

Living Daily in God’s Armor

Many people do not understand the armor of God, and some assume that believers automatically have it on. When God’s Word commands us to do something, it means it is not automatic and requires obedience. If we fail to put on God’s armor, we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack.

Without God’s armor, the devil or his forces can wound us through temptation, sin, addiction, and discouragement. A lack of armor can also lead to financial difficulties, relationship problems, sickness, and other struggles. While not every hardship is the result of spiritual attack, many difficulties arise because believers were not spiritually prepared.

Only Jesus perfectly wore the armor of God, and He was still persecuted and ultimately put to death on the cross. Wearing the armor does not mean we will never face problems, but it does mean we can stand against the attack and experience victory. Understanding how to put on each piece of armor is essential for every believer.

Stand Firm With the Belt of Truth

Ephesians 6:14a (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

The belt for the Roman soldier secured the tunic and held the sword in place, making it foundational to the rest of the armor. The belt of truth represents honest character and integrity, where our actions align with our words. It reflects a life free from hypocrisy and deception.

To put on the belt of truth is to put off lying and embrace honesty in every area of life. When truth is absent, Satan gains an opening to attack our character. Truth anchors us and holds the rest of the armor securely in place.

Wear the Breastplate of Righteous Conduct

Ephesians 6:14b (NIV) … with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

The breastplate protected the vital organs of the soldier, covering from the neck down to the upper thighs. The breastplate of righteousness refers to righteous conduct and living according to God’s Word. It involves consistently choosing to do what honors Christ.

Unrighteous conduct, or sin, opens the door for Satan to attack important areas of our lives. Righteous living guards our hearts and strengthens our resistance to the enemy. Obedience to God is a powerful form of spiritual protection.

Be Ready With the Boots of the Gospel

Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Roman soldiers wore hobnailed sandals with studs that provided firm footing in battle. These boots allowed them to stand their ground in close combat. Spiritually, the boots represent steadfastness and readiness grounded in the peace of the gospel.

To put on these boots is to remain alert, prepared, and firmly planted on Jesus Christ, our sure foundation. God’s peace stabilizes us when the enemy attacks. With our feet secure, we are ready to advance or stand firm as needed.

Take Up the Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 (NIV) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The Roman shield was large and layered, designed to protect the entire body. Before battle, it was soaked in water to extinguish flaming arrows dipped in pitch. This image powerfully illustrates how faith protects us from Satan’s attacks.

To take up the shield of faith is to resist doubt and trust God completely. It also involves standing together with other believers, forming a united wall of protection. When Satan launches his flaming arrows, faith extinguishes them.

Guard Your Mind With the Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17a (NIV) Take the helmet of salvation …

The helmet protects the head, making it critical to survival in battle. The helmet of salvation guards our minds from the enemy’s attacks and lies. It represents our assurance and hope of final salvation.

When our minds are secure in Christ, we are less vulnerable to fear and deception. Confidence in God’s saving work strengthens our resolve. This assurance allows us to face the battle with courage and clarity.

Wield the Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17b (NIV) … and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The sword referenced here is a short dagger used in hand-to-hand combat. It is the Spirit’s sword, emphasizing divine empowerment. The word used for “word” is rhema, referring to a specific word spoken by the Holy Spirit.

This spoken word of God repels the enemy and drives him back. Knowing Scripture and speaking it under the Spirit’s guidance is a powerful offensive weapon. With the sword of the Spirit, believers can stand firm and advance in the battle.

Avoiding Extremes in the Spiritual Battle

There are two dangerous extremes when it comes to fighting Satan. One is underestimating him and assuming he is no match for us. Scripture warns against arrogance and careless confidence.

The other extreme is overestimating Satan and becoming fearful, believing he is too powerful to resist. Satan uses this lie to intimidate believers and weaken their faith. Both extremes distract us from trusting fully in God’s strength.

An illustration from Alexander the Great shows how intimidation can be used as a strategy. By leaving behind oversized armor, he caused the enemy to lose heart. In a similar way, Satan tries to exaggerate his power in our minds.

When we put on God’s armor and wield the rhema word of God, Satan can be put to flight. Victory comes not from our strength, but from God’s power at work in us. This leads us to the final essential element of the battle.

Pray in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18a (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Prayer is an essential part of spiritual warfare and cannot be neglected. God commands us to pray in the Spirit at all times and in every situation. Prayer keeps us connected to God’s guidance and strength.

Praying in the Spirit means praying under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This can involve praying in an unknown language or praying with understanding in a known language. In both cases, the Spirit leads and strengthens our prayers.

Pray for the Church

Ephesians 6:18b (NIV) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Believers are called to pray for one another because no one is meant to fight alone. Each of us needs the prayer support of fellow believers in the battle. Prayer creates unity and mutual strength within the church.

When you are under attack, do not isolate yourself. Engage the support of other prayer warriors. Together, the church stands stronger against the enemy.

Pray for a Bold Witness

Ephesians 6:19 (NIV) Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

We are to pray for ourselves and one another to be courageous witnesses for Jesus Christ. Boldness in sharing the gospel is a key objective in the spiritual battle. The rescue of people from Satan’s dominion is central to God’s mission.

Prayer empowers our witness and aligns our hearts with God’s purposes. As we pray, God gives us the words and courage we need. Through prayer, the gospel advances even in the midst of opposition.

The Power of Prayer in the Battle

Lee Eclov tells a story that illustrates the power of prayer in spiritual warfare. One night, he awoke to the sound of a phone ringing and heard a menacing voice say, “You thought we’d forgotten you.” Fear filled his mind as he sensed something diabolical.

Unable to speak clearly, he finally cried out the name “Jesus.” Immediately, the fear left him, and he realized the phone was not even in his hand. The presence of evil fled at the power of Jesus’ name.

This story reminds us that prayer and the name of Jesus are powerful weapons. When we call on Him, the enemy must retreat. God’s peace replaces fear when we rely on Him.

Conclusion: Standing Firm for Victory

Fighting the battle with the evil one begins with being strong in the Lord. We are called to put on God’s full armor daily and stand firm in His power. Strength, protection, and victory come from God alone.

We must also communicate with our Commander-in-Chief through prayer in the Spirit. Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s will and alert to the enemy’s schemes. Through prayer, we receive guidance and strength for the fight.

Our goal in the battle is to stand firm and allow God to use us to rescue others from the dominion of Satan. With God’s help, we can look forward to many victories. Together, as His people, we fight the battle and advance His kingdom.

📘 Continue the Journey

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