Evergreen Faith : Spiritual Warfare

A Message from FA Memphis

Spiritual warfare is the invisible struggle between God’s kingdom and spiritual forces of evil. It isn’t fought with physical weapons but through faith, truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit. By putting on the full armor of God, believers stand firm against deception and temptation. Understanding this battle helps you live victoriously, relying on Christ’s finished work rather than your own strength to overcome daily spiritual challenges.

The Battle You Can't See

Have you ever felt like you were hitting a wall that wasn't there?

Maybe you’re working the late shift, tired and alone, and suddenly a wave of anxiety hits you. Or perhaps you’re trying to make a positive change in your life, but everything seems to be conspiring against you.

In the Christian life, we recognize that there is a reality beyond what we can see, touch, or hear. We call this spiritual warfare. It isn’t a scary movie plot or something reserved for "super-Christians." It is the daily reality of every person who decides to follow Jesus.

At Boundless Online Church, we want to help you understand that while the battle is real, you aren't fighting it alone. You are equipped, you are protected, and the victory has already been won.

What the Bible Says

Before we dive into the "how-to," let’s look at the "what." The Word of God is our ultimate manual for this conflict.

Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For 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."

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

James 4:7 (NIV)

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Understanding the Conflict

To fight a battle effectively, you have to know who you are fighting.

The Bible is very clear: your spouse is not the enemy. Your boss is not the enemy. That person who cut you off in traffic? Not the enemy.

Our struggle is "not against flesh and blood." When we get distracted by fighting people, we lose sight of the spiritual forces behind the scenes. The enemy: Satan: wants to steal your joy, kill your peace, and destroy your witness. He uses deception, doubt, and temptation as his primary tools.

In the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, we believe in the reality of the spirit world and the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s power to live a godly life. Without the Spirit, we are trying to fight a spiritual war with physical hands. It just doesn't work.

The Full Armor of God

God doesn't send us into the battle empty-handed. In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier’s gear to explain how we can protect ourselves.

1. The Belt of Truth

The belt held the rest of the armor together. In a world of "your truth" and "my truth," we need The Truth. Knowing God’s Word protects us from the lies the enemy whispers. When the enemy says you are worthless, the Belt of Truth reminds you that you are a child of God.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate protects the heart. We don’t wear our own righteousness: because let’s be honest, we all mess up. We wear the righteousness of Christ. When we live with integrity, we leave no room for the enemy to find a "crack" in our armor.

3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Ever tried to walk on a rocky path barefoot? It’s hard to stay steady. The Gospel gives us firm footing. Whether you are at home, in a hospital room, or in a breakroom, you bring the peace of God with you.

4. The Shield of Faith

The enemy throws "flaming arrows": thoughts of fear, lust, or bitterness. Faith is our shield. Faith isn't a feeling; it’s a choice to trust God even when things look messy.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

Your mind is the primary battlefield. The enemy wants you to doubt your salvation. The helmet protects your thoughts, keeping you focused on the hope we have in Jesus.

6. The Sword of the Spirit

This is the only offensive weapon mentioned. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn't argue; He quoted Scripture. We must do the same.

Practical Steps for the Daily Battle

So, how does this look when you’re just trying to get through a Wednesday?

Stay Grounded in the Word You can't use a sword you haven't picked up. Spending time in the Bible daily: even if it's just a few minutes: sharpens your discernment. If you're looking for a place to start, check out our Sunday Sermons to see how the Word applies to real life.

Submit and Resist The order in James 4:7 is vital: Submit to God first, then resist the devil. You can't successfully resist the enemy if you aren't walking in obedience to God. Submission is where your power comes from.

The Power of Prayer Prayer is how we communicate with Headquarters. It’s how we ask for reinforcements. Spiritual warfare is won on our knees. If you feel overwhelmed right now, remember that we have a Prayer Wall where people are ready to stand with you.

Find Your Squad Soldiers don't fight alone. We are meant to be in community. Whether it's through our Bible Study Club or a local group, having brothers and sisters in Christ who can cover your back is essential.

Living in Victory

The most important thing to remember about spiritual warfare is this: The war is already won.

Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross. When we fight, we aren't fighting for victory; we are fighting from victory. We stand in the authority of Jesus.

Whether you are a shift worker struggling to find time for God, a caregiver feeling drained, or someone searching for hope in a dark place, know that the light of Christ is stronger than any darkness you face.

If you're new to these concepts and want to know more about what it means to live a Spirit-led life, you might find our article on what Pentecostal means very helpful. It explains how the empowerment of the Holy Spirit makes all the difference in our daily walk.

Don't be discouraged by the battle. The fact that there is a struggle often means you're headed in the right direction. Keep your armor on, keep your eyes on Jesus, and keep moving forward.

A Prayer for Strength

Heavenly Father, I thank You that I am never alone in the battles I face. I choose today to put on the full armor of God. I pick up the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart of the enemy. I strap on the belt of truth and ask that Your Word would guide my thoughts. Give me strength to stand firm. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can live with power and love. Thank You for the victory I have in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Next Steps

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online. If you have questions about spiritual warfare or just need someone to talk to about your faith journey, we are here for you.

• Join a Study: Check out our Clarion Call Bible Study to dig deeper into God's Word.

• New Here? Visit our I'm New page to get connected with our community.

• Need Prayer? We believe in the power of prayer.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.