Armor of God | Week 3

The Spiritual Fight You Didn’t Know You Were In

INTRODUCTION: 

Last week we talked about each piece of armor Paul instructs us to put on each day. Why?  Because we are in a spiritual battle every day.

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

—truth around our waist, righteousness guarding our heart, peace guiding our steps, faith shielding our souls, salvation covering our minds, and God’s Word as our weapon.

But there’s one more part of this—not a piece of armor but a power source.  

It’s not forged of metal, but without it, none of the armor works.

It is prayer.

Prayer is not a postscript to the armor; it is the power source.

Without prayer, the armor is a museum piece.

With prayer, it becomes a force that hell cannot overcome.

Paul didn’t end his list in Ephesians 6:17 with the sword.

No, he followed with a final charge—a whisper that rises like a battle cry:

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication...” (Eph. 6:18)

Let’s lean in close. Let’s listen to what Paul is saying.

Our scriptures for today Eph 6:18-20 

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Let’s look at these three verses in a little more detail…

Pray at all Times (v. 18)

“Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Did you know there are over 600 prayers in the bible?

And… There are many different kinds of prayer in the bible: Intercessory prayer, prayer of dedication and consecration, prayer of faith, prayer of agreement, prayer of commitment, prayer of examining, confessing, just to name a few.

Notice this verse says to pray in the Spirit. Spirit is capitalized so we know we are talking about the Holy Spirit. In order to pray in the Spirit, you have to be connected to His Spirit, listening to His direction and prompting within your heart.

Stay Alert with Perseverance (v. 18)

“To that end, keep alert with all perseverance…”

A soldier in armor who’s asleep at his post is still vulnerable.

Even the best gear can’t help you if your eyes are closed and your spirit is numb.

Paul says, “keep alert.”

Why? Because spiritual battles are won by those who stay awake.

The enemy doesn’t send a calendar invite.

Temptation doesn’t knock politely.

Doubt doesn’t wait for a convenient time.

That’s why we watch and pray.

We stay sensitive to the Spirit’s nudge.

We persevere—even when the answers don’t come quickly.

Prayer isn’t a vending machine—it’s a relationship.

And relationships require perseverance. They require us to stay engaged, even when God feels silent.

When you pray and the mountain doesn’t move—keep praying.

When you knock and the door stays closed—keep knocking.

When you cry out and only silence answers—stay alert. He is still working.

Intercede for Others (v. 18–19)

“…making supplication for all the saints, and also for me…”

Prayer is not just personal—it’s communal.

We don’t just pray for ourselves.

We pray for each other.

Paul, the great apostle—the bold preacher—the seasoned warrior—says, “Pray for me.”

That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.

Because soldiers don’t fight alone.

Shields were designed to link together.

So are we.

Your prayers matter—for your spouse, your kids, your church, your neighbor.

When you whisper someone’s name before God’s throne, He hears.

When you carry someone’s burden to Jesus, you are doing battle on their behalf.

Never underestimate what happens in the quiet moments—

when a grandmother prays for her grandchild,

when a teenager prays for their friend,

when a weary believer prays for their pastor.

Heaven hears.

Hell trembles.

Lives change.

Boldness in the Gospel (v. 19–20)

“…that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel...”

And here’s where prayer becomes power.

Paul doesn’t ask for comfort.

He doesn’t ask for release from prison.

He asks for boldness.

That’s a dangerous prayer.

That’s a prayer that says, “God, I’ll go. I’ll speak. I’ll stand.”

Because prayer doesn’t just protect you—it propels you.

Prayer doesn’t just comfort you—it calls you.

Boldness isn’t the absence of fear—it’s faith in action.

And prayer fuels it.

You may feel small.

You may feel ill-equipped.

But if you’ve prayed, and if you’re standing in the Spirit—you are more than ready.

Speak the truth. Share the hope.

Let the gospel move from your lips like fire from a torch.

You don’t have to shout it from a mountaintop.

Just whisper it in your world.

At the table. In the truck. At work. At home.

The gospel in your mouth is God’s power on the move.

Conclusion:  

So here’s the picture: You’ve got the armor. You’ve got the strength. You’ve got the Spirit.

But now… you need to pray.

Not once. Not when it’s convenient. But at all times.

Pray like your life depends on it—because it does.

Pray like someone else’s breakthrough depends on it—because it might.

Pray like God is listening—because He is.

Prayer is not your last resort—it is your first weapon.

It is not your fallback—it is your foundation.

And when warriors pray…Heaven moves. Chains fall. Giants stumble. And the gospel goes forth in boldness.

Paul says, “pray at all times.” That’s not poetic exaggeration—it’s a daily invitation.

Not just at the dinner table, Not just when the diagnosis comes, Not just when the bills are due or the kids are sick or the job is gone.

But all times. When the sky is blue and the road is smooth: pray. When the clouds roll in and shadows fall: pray.

When you're standing in line at the grocery store and have picked the wrong line, again like me, or stuck in traffic: pray.

When you have no words left, and all you can do is groan: the Spirit prays with you.

Prayer is not just an activity—it’s a lifestyle. A rhythm. A breath.

The constant awareness that God is near, and He listens.

So don’t wait until you feel good. Don’t wait until you’re desperate.

Just talk to Him. He’s already listening.

Personal Challenge:

Last week I encouraged us to add this prayer to our morning each day before everything else starts going on.

“Lord, today I put on…Your truth to hold me steady. Your righteousness to guard my heart…Your peace to guide my steps…Your faith to shield my spirit…Your salvation to protect my mind…And Your Word to fight back.”

This week, let’s also lift one another up in prayer. As someone pops up into your mind and heart, pray for them. As you are texting with someone, pray for them. As you hear someone’s name in a conversation, pray for them.  

Remember that prayer is the power source for the armor we put on.