Part 3: Living What We Believe
Faith in Motion: Living What We Believe • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Series Title: "Faith in Motion: Living What We Believe"
Series Title: "Faith in Motion: Living What We Believe"
Part 3: Engaging the Battlefield – Spiritual Warfare in Action
Part 3: Engaging the Battlefield – Spiritual Warfare in Action
Key Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 – The Armor of God
Introduction: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Introduction: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The moment we choose to walk in faith and obedience, we step onto a battlefield. Many believers live unaware of the spiritual war surrounding them. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that the Christian life is a fight—not against people, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
In this lesson, we will explore:
The reality of spiritual warfare
The role of faith in battle
How to put on the armor of God
How to stand firm against the enemy
I. Historical and Biblical Context
I. Historical and Biblical Context
Authorship & Date: The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians around A.D. 60-62 while imprisoned in Rome.
Audience: The church in Ephesus, a city filled with pagan worship, magic, and demonic influence (Acts 19:18-20).
Purpose: Paul encouraged believers to recognize the spiritual battle and stand firm in God’s strength.
Background of Ephesians 6:10-18
Background of Ephesians 6:10-18
The Ephesians lived in a culture filled with idolatry and occult practices.
Paul reminds them that their struggles are not just physical but spiritual.
The key to victory is putting on God’s armor and standing firm in faith.
II. Passage Analysis – Breaking Down Ephesians 6:10-18
II. Passage Analysis – Breaking Down Ephesians 6:10-18
1. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12)
1. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12)
📖 Ephesians 6:10 (ESV) – "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."
🔍 Key Greek Word:
Endunamoo (ἐνδυναμόω) – "Be strong"
Means to be empowered, strengthened, or filled with might.
Used in 2 Timothy 2:1 – "Be strengthened (endunamoo) by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
📖 Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) – "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."
🔍 Key Greek Word:
Pale (πάλη) – "Wrestle"
A term from Greek athletics, meaning an intense, hand-to-hand struggle.
This battle is personal, direct, and requires effort.
Analysis:
The enemy is not people, but spiritual forces of evil.
Our strength must come from the Lord, not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
💡 Application:
Are you fighting the right enemy, or are you battling people instead of spiritual forces?
How can you rely more on God’s strength in your daily struggles?
2. The Armor of God – Our Defense in Battle (Ephesians 6:13-17)
2. The Armor of God – Our Defense in Battle (Ephesians 6:13-17)
📖 Ephesians 6:13 (ESV) – "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."
🔍 Key Greek Word:
Panoplia (πανοπλία) – "Whole Armor"
Refers to a complete set of protective gear for a soldier.
Used only in Luke 11:22 (where Jesus speaks of overcoming the "strong man").
The Six Pieces of the Armor:
Belt of Truth (v.14a)
Truth holds everything together—like a belt in Roman armor.
John 8:32 – "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14b)
Righteousness protects our heart and soul.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – "He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (v.15)
Peace keeps us steady and ready to move.
Romans 10:15 – "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
Shield of Faith (v.16)
Faith deflects the attacks of the enemy.
Hebrews 11:6 – "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
Helmet of Salvation (v.17a)
Salvation protects our mind from doubt and fear.
Romans 12:2 – "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind."
Sword of the Spirit (v.17b)
The only offensive weapon—the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 – "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword."
💡 Application:
Which piece of armor do you need to focus on strengthening?
How can you actively use Scripture as a weapon this week?
3. Standing Firm in Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
3. Standing Firm in Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
📖 Ephesians 6:18 (ESV) – "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."
🔍 Key Greek Word:
Proseuchomai (προσεύχομαι) – "Pray"
Means to offer up prayers with devotion and persistence.
Used in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – "Pray without ceasing."
Analysis:
Prayer is not just a request list—it is a battle strategy.
James 5:16 – "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
💡 Application:
How can you make prayer a weapon, not just a last resort?
What areas of spiritual battle do you need to start praying over daily?
III. Faith in Action – Practical Application
III. Faith in Action – Practical Application
Recognize the Battle (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The enemy is real, but he is defeated in Christ.
Put on the Armor Daily (Romans 13:12-14)
We must be intentional about equipping ourselves for battle.
Fight with Prayer and the Word (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus defeated Satan using Scripture.
IV. Study Questions for Reflection
IV. Study Questions for Reflection
How do you see spiritual warfare in your own life?
Which piece of the armor of God do you struggle to use?
What role does prayer play in your spiritual battles?
How can you stand firm in faith when facing challenges?
V. Sermon Outline: "Engaging the Battlefield"
V. Sermon Outline: "Engaging the Battlefield"
1. Recognizing the Battle (Ephesians 6:10-12)
1. Recognizing the Battle (Ephesians 6:10-12)
The enemy is spiritual, not physical.
2. Equipping Ourselves (Ephesians 6:13-17)
2. Equipping Ourselves (Ephesians 6:13-17)
God provides armor, but we must put it on.
3. The Power of Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
3. The Power of Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer is our greatest weapon.
