Armor of God | Week 1
- Jun 23, 2025
- 6 min read
INTRODUCTION:
If you've ever felt like you're under pressure... like something is working against you... like no matter how hard you try, something is trying to pull you back or take you down—you're not imagining things.
You may know C.S. Lewis was the writer of the Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, but he wrote over 30 books, and one was called the Screwtape Letters. A satirical novel in which a senior demon, Screwtape, writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood, offering advice on how to tempt a human "patient" and draw him away from God.
Through their correspondence, we see times of temptation, spiritual struggle, and the subtle ways evil operates in everyday life. An eye-opening quote from the novel states “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” — Letter 12, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Bible tells us there is a real spiritual war going on. Not just in the news. Not just in politics. But in your life—in your mind, in your heart, in your family, and in your faith.
In Ephesians 6:10–12, the Apostle Paul pulls back the curtain on reality. He shows us that behind the daily struggles we face—behind the stress, temptation, conflict, and doubt—there’s something deeper at work.
He writes:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…”
There it is: The real fight isn’t against people—it’s against powers.
It’s not just about what’s happening around us. It’s about what’s happening behind it.
But here's the good news: God doesn’t leave His people unarmed.
God gives us armor—His armor—because He never intended for us to fight in our own strength.
He’s calling us to stand, not in fear, but in His strength.
To face the battle, not unprepared, but fully equipped.
Over the next three weeks… we will be diving into Eph 6:10-20 in the section referred to as “The Whole Armor of God” and looking at
Standing strong in the fight
Being Dressed for Battle
Victory Through Prayer
So today, as we begin this series, I want to ask you: Are you dressed for the battle you’re already in? – Because whether you realize it or not—you are in one.
Let’s open our hearts to the Word of God today, and learn how to stand strong, dressed in His armor, ready for what’s ahead.
Let’s dive in…
Church, if we’re honest, many of us walk through life unaware that we are at war.
We think our biggest problems are financial, relational, emotional, or political.
But God’s Word tells us there’s something deeper. Paul says in Ephesians 6:12:
"We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers... the authorities... the cosmic powers over this present darkness..."
This is not fiction. This is the spiritual reality behind our everyday struggles. And Paul’s message is not one of fear, but one of preparation.
Let’s read our main text for today: vs 10-13
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.
Let’s look at vs 10. There is a command here to be strong in the Lord
Paul opens with a charge: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
This is not a call to muster human willpower. It’s not “just try harder.”
It’s: “Be strong in the Lord.” That's it.
God never intended you to fight in your own strength.
He offers His strength, His might, and His presence to every believer.
Application:
Ask yourself: Am I trying to fight spiritual battles with physical weapons?
You can’t defeat anxiety with busyness.
You can’t overcome temptation with good intentions.
You need His strength.
What does vs 11 say about the enemy, the schemes of the devil?
Paul says: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Notice—schemes—plural. The enemy doesn’t just attack one way. He comes through:
Deception – Did God really say…? Did “they” say that?
Temptation – Just this once… no one will know…
Accusation – You’re not worthy…
Division – Stirring conflict among believers.
Discouragement – You’ll never change…
The devil doesn’t need new tricks—his old ones work just fine.
He will attack your interest and desire for spiritual things.
Attacks or shifts your focus.
Magnifies your insecurities.
Wants to destroy your family.
Constantly reminds you of past mistakes and attacks your confidence.
Makes you question what God has called you to do.
Tempts you to keep your schedule busy or overloaded so you have no rest.
Confuses information to create disunity within your friends and within the church.
Application:
You must be alert. Don't be casual with your walk.
You don’t drift into spiritual strength—you choose it daily.
Verse 12 tells us that it's a battlefield, but not of flesh and blood.
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…”
This is important:
Your spouse is not your enemy.
Your child is not your enemy.
Your neighbor is not your enemy.
Your boss is not your enemy.
Your fellow church member is not your enemy.
So, who or what are we wrestling against?
Although your enemy can use a person, you need to know there are spiritual forces at work seeking to destroy unity, disrupt faith, and dismantle obedience to God. Can you see it happening?
Paul identifies our spiritual enemies by giving us a listing of "ranks" within the demonic armies (as suggested by the BibleRef Commentary).
"Rulers" seem to indicate a top level of evil spiritual forces.
"Authorities" refer to general forces of evil attacking believers.
"Cosmic powers" seems to refer to the worldwide nature of this spiritual battle.
"Evil in the heavenly places" again emphasizes a battle beyond this world.
You may be thinking… “Wait a minute, I didn’t think a demon could possess a believer!”
This is true… A demon can only oppress a believer. Not because of any power he has over the believer. You see, the believer gives overpower to the enemy when he/she doesn’t recognize what’s going on and does not use their spiritual weapons to fight the spiritual battle.
Application:
Before you “fight” with people, whether in person, over text or on Facebook—fight in prayer.
Don’t lash out—look up. The real enemy isn’t in front of you; he’s working behind the scenes.
Alright so what is the strategy then? Verse 13 tells us.
Paul tells us, “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.”
He doesn’t say to run. He doesn’t say to hide. He says: Stand.
Paul is using a military term.
To stand is to resist.
To stand is to refuse to give ground.
To stand is to say, “I will not quit. I will not give in. I will not bow to fear or sin or the enemy’s lies.”
**But you can’t stand without armor.
Next week, we’ll walk through each piece. But for now, understand this:
God has provided every spiritual resource you need to stand strong.
Application:
Don’t leave your armor on the rack. Put it on—every day.
Not just when things go wrong.
Not just when you feel weak.
Not just on Sundays.
Takeaways:
The main verbs in these verses…Be strong, Put on, Stand, Wrestle, Take up, Stand firm
Action is taking place here. We are making a move.
Conclusion:
Here is the deal. The evil day is here. But the victory is already won in Christ.
Jesus didn’t just fight for us—He won for us. At the cross, He disarmed the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). Now we fight from victory—not for it.
So stand strong. Not in fear. Not in confusion. But in the strength of the Lord, armed with His truth, and filled with His Spirit.
Personal Challenge:
Where are you experiencing spiritual opposition? Start your morning with this prayer.
“Lord, today I choose to stand in Your strength. Clothe me in Your armor. Help me recognize the real battle and trust You for the victory.”