Ready For Battle- The Armor of God in Everyday Life
Teaching Notes
Ready for Battle: The Armor of God in Everyday Life
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether it's struggles in your marriage, battles with addiction, financial stress, or family conflicts, there are moments when it seems like everything is falling apart at once. While some challenges are simply part of living in a broken world, the Bible teaches us that there's often more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.
Is Spiritual Warfare Real?
The concept of spiritual warfare might sound strange if you're new to faith, but Scripture is clear that we live in a world where both physical and spiritual realities intersect. Paul addresses this directly in Ephesians 6:10-20, explaining that "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 doesn't mean every problem in life has a demonic cause. Sometimes your car breaks down because you haven't changed the oil, not because of spiritual attack. However, when you're facing persistent temptation, destructive patterns, or attacks on your relationships and faith, there may be spiritual forces at work.
Why Does the Battle Intensify After Coming to Faith?
Many people expect life to get easier after putting their faith in Jesus, but Paul's placement of this spiritual warfare passage is significant. He discusses it right after talking about the new life in Christ, marriage, family, and work - suggesting that the battle often intensifies when we begin following Jesus.
Before faith, you weren't a threat to the enemy's kingdom. But the moment you step into God's calling on your life, you become a target. The enemy doesn't want you walking in freedom, having healthy relationships, or breaking free from destructive patterns.
If you find yourself in intense spiritual battles, it might actually be a sign that you're exactly where God wants you. As Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Fighting From Victory, Not For Victory
Here's the crucial difference in how Christians approach spiritual warfare: we fight from victory, not for victory. The ultimate battle has already been won through Jesus' death and resurrection. Satan is a defeated enemy, even though his influence is still dangerous.
Think of it like watching a recorded football game where you already know your team wins. Even when they fall behind during the game, you're not anxious because you know the final outcome. Similarly, we can face spiritual battles with confidence because we know how the story ends - God wins.
This is why Paul emphasizes that we must "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" and "put on the full armor of God." We don't fight in our own strength, but in God's strength and with His armor.
Understanding the Enemy's Strategy
His Agenda
The enemy's goal is simple: to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in your life. As Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
His Methods
The enemy operates through schemes - carefully planned attacks tailored to your specific weaknesses. He doesn't tempt everyone the same way because he knows what will most effectively lure each person away from God's best.
Temptation works like a fishing lure. A fish doesn't see the hook hidden inside what appears to be food. Similarly, the enemy disguises destruction as something attractive and desirable. He rarely starts with obviously destructive behavior but begins with seemingly innocent activities that gradually pull you away from God.
His Targets
The enemy aims for maximum damage by targeting:
Areas where you've experienced trauma or deep wounds
Your most important relationships - marriage, family, friendships
Old patterns and habits you're trying to break
Your calling and purpose in life
His Timing
Paul mentions being ready to stand "on the evil day." The enemy doesn't attack when you're strong and everything is going well. He strikes when you're vulnerable - during times of loss, failure, loneliness, or crisis. These are the moments when you need to be especially prepared with God's armor.
What Does Spiritual Warfare Look Like in Daily Life?
Spiritual warfare isn't always dramatic or obvious. It often shows up as:
Persistent negative thoughts about yourself or others
Sudden urges to return to destructive behaviors you've overcome
Unusual conflict in your most important relationships
Feeling spiritually dry or distant from God without clear reason
Overwhelming discouragement that makes you want to give up on God's calling
How Do We Stand Against Spiritual Attack?
Remember Whose Armor You're Wearing
The armor belongs to God, not you. You're fighting in His strength, not your own. This takes the pressure off trying to be strong enough on your own and puts your confidence in Christ's finished work.
Bring Darkness Into the Light
The enemy does his best work in darkness and isolation. When you're struggling, don't fight alone. Share your battles with trusted friends, join a small group, or seek professional counseling when needed.
Use the Sword of the Spirit
The Word of God is your primary weapon against the enemy's lies. When he whispers that you're worthless, God's Word says you're fearfully and wonderfully made. When he says you'll never change, Scripture declares that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.
Worship as Warfare
Lifting up the name of Jesus, especially during difficult times, pushes back spiritual darkness. Worship reminds you of God's character and power while declaring His victory over the enemy.
Life Application
This week, take an honest inventory of the battles you're currently facing. Are there areas where you've been trying to fight in your own strength instead of relying on God's power? Identify your personal "lures" - the temptations that most easily pull you away from God's best for your life.
Don't fight alone. If you're struggling with persistent sin, relationship conflicts, or spiritual dryness, reach out for help. Join a small group, talk to a pastor, or consider Christian counseling. Remember, needing help isn't a sign of weakness - it's wisdom.
Most importantly, anchor your hope in Christ's finished work, not your own performance. On your worst days, when you feel like you're losing every battle, remember that the ultimate victory has already been won through Jesus' death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection:
What "lures" or temptations do I need to be most aware of in my life?
Am I trying to fight spiritual battles in my own strength, or am I relying on God's power?
Who can I reach out to for support and accountability in my current struggles?
How can I better prepare for "evil days" when I'm feeling vulnerable or under attack?
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
The Joy- The Belonging Co.
How Great Is Our God- Passion
How Great Thou Art- Bethel Music
O Praise The Name- Hillsong
WFC Speedway
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong
No One Like The Lord- Bethel Music
Abide- Dwell Songs
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
