Choosing to follow Christ means stepping into spiritual warfare. It’s something we can’t always see or recognize, but that doesn’t make it any less real. Our spiritual enemy is determined to disrupt our peace and leave us feeling defeated. The good news is, we can overcome this by relying on God’s strength, which is there for us at all times. All we need to do is start leaning into it.
What is Spiritual Warfare?
There is an invisible world beyond what our eyes can see, where a constant struggle is unfolding. This battle was sparked by our spiritual enemy, Satan, who is also known as the devil, the evil one, and the thief, among other names.
Satan thrives on deception, and every one of his tactics begins with a lie. Lies are his main weapon against those who follow Christ. If he can get us to buy into a false belief, that’s where the trouble starts. That’s why it’s crucial for us to know God’s truth, live by it, stand firm on it, and spread it to others.
We need to recognize that Satan is not everywhere. There are billions of people in the world, and while our amazing God is present with each of us, Satan isn’t. While other dark forces exist, Satan himself can’t be in multiple places at once. So, let’s avoid giving him more power than he really has.
When we decide to follow Christ, we enter into a spiritual struggle. Why? Because Satan can’t stand that we’ve chosen to walk with Jesus, and he’ll try everything to lead us astray. While Satan does have some influence, he’s nowhere near as powerful as our all-powerful God. In truth, Satan’s actions are limited; he can only do what God allows him to.
The First Pieces of God’s Armor: Belt, Breastplate, and Footwear (Part 1)
In the same way a soldier wears metal armor to protect themselves in battle, Ephesians 6 outlines the spiritual Armor of God and its role in our daily lives. This armor serves as a powerful metaphor, teaching us how to combat the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. Comprising six key components, the full protection of this armor is activated through prayer, empowering us to stand firm.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Just as a soldier’s breastplate guards their vital organs, living righteously serves as spiritual protection. When we choose to follow God’s ways, it shields us from attacks. Acting in alignment with God’s will reduces the opportunities for Satan to strike. It’s not about trying to earn God’s favor, but rather avoiding the struggles we create for ourselves through poor decisions. When we embrace sin, it’s like removing our breastplate, leaving ourselves exposed to the enemy. The goal isn’t perfection or following our own standards of “right,” but rather living in accordance with God’s truth.
The Belt of Truth
Like a soldier’s belt that is the first thing they wear, God’s truth is the foundation of our spiritual armor. It’s essential to put on His truth first, as it supports and holds everything else together. As followers of Christ, standing firm in God’s truth is crucial for guiding our prayers, protecting us from sin, and empowering us in times of fear. When we embrace God’s truth, we don’t have to change what we believe based on the circumstances we face. Our spiritual enemy thrives on deception, and the problem with deception is that it often blinds us. That’s why knowing and living by God’s truth is so vital.
The Footwear of Peace through the Gospel
Similar to how a soldier’s shoes shield and stabilize them, the gospel of peace acts as our steady ground in spiritual warfare. A soldier needs to trust their footing during combat, and likewise, the gospel provides us with unwavering security in the midst of life’s trials and Satan’s attacks. With this peace, we’re able to stay grounded and resilient. Furthermore, just as soldiers are always prepared to march into battle, we too must be ready to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ whenever the opportunity arises. This gospel offers salvation to all humanity, and it’s essential that we understand it, live by it, and be ready to spread it to others.
The Shield, Helmet, and Sword: Key Elements of the Armor of God (Part 2)
Salvation Helmet: Guarding Our Minds
Just as a soldier secures their helmet last, it is the most crucial piece of their armor, protecting their head. Likewise, the helmet of salvation safeguards our thoughts from the deceptions and attacks of Satan. The enemy’s goal is to make us question God’s love and even our salvation. Wearing this helmet shields our minds from such doubts. In moments of discouragement, we can find strength in the assurance that Jesus has delivered us from the consequences of sin and promises us eternal life with Him.
Shield of Faith: Defending Against Spiritual Attacks
A soldier’s shield offers crucial protection, and similarly, we must actively “take up” our shield of faith to defend ourselves against spiritual attacks. The enemy’s darts represent lies, doubts, and temptations that challenge God’s truth. Our faith, which grows as we trust in God, acts as a defense, blocking these attacks. By standing firm in God’s promises, we protect ourselves from the enemy’s deceptions.
The Sword of the Spirit: Our Weapon for Battle
The Sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, serves as both a defensive shield and an offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. Hebrews 4:12-13 calls it “alive and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword,” revealing truth and cutting through deception. Just as Jesus used Scripture to overcome temptation, we must know God’s Word to use it effectively in our battles. Regular study sharpens our spiritual sword, helping us combat the forces of darkness.
Final Thoughts
Your spiritual enemy holds no power over you because of God’s strength within you. Don’t let him hinder the victorious life you’re meant to live in Christ. Whenever he tries to remind you of past mistakes, counter it by focusing on what Christ has already done for you.