EQUIPPING FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ps David Jones

20th of May 2025 – Team Night

Introduction

Romans 16:17–20 (NIV):

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."

The attack on believers often comes subtly—from within, or from close to home. Satan is cunning and seeks to deceive, divide, and destroy. Let’s not be naive—there is a spiritual war over your life, family, and church.

Let’s not be naive—there is a real and ongoing battle being waged over your life, your family, and your church. This conflict takes place in the unseen spiritual realm, where fallen angels, led by Satan, are actively at work. The enemy’s agenda is clear: to tempt, deceive, discourage, afflict, and ultimately harm people.

 Know Your Adversary

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV):

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."(Sober = Self Controlled, vigilant and watchful)

 Descriptions of Satan:

• Peter calls Satan the tempter

  
  

  1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV): “For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labours might have been in vain.”

  
  

• John calls Satan a serpent

  
  

  Revelation 12:9 (NIV): “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

  
  

• John calls Satan a murderer and liar

  
  

  John 8:44 (NIV): “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

  
  

The realm of demons in relation to people

Demons operate externally in the lives of believers, while they can operate internally in the lives of unbelievers. A believer cannot be possessed by a demon, but they can experience demonic oppression. To illustrate, our bodies are not like apartment buildings where the Holy Spirit might occupy unit 4A and a demon unit 4B—this is not how spiritual reality works.

For those who are outside of God's kingdom and not filled with the Holy Spirit, there is a greater vulnerability to demonic possession. In contrast, Christ’s followers are filled with the Holy Spirit, who does not share space within the soul. As Scripture says, “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” This truth gives us confidence that we cannot be overtaken by evil. However, we can still experience oppression. A demon may attach to a part of someone’s life in order to attack—for example, by whispering lies, implanting false thoughts, sowing division in relationships, or causing physical affliction. Such oppression can lead to irrational conflict and disruption. Still, while recognising the reality of spiritual warfare, we must be cautious not to make demonic influence our default explanation for every problem or dysfunction in life.

Putting on the Full Armour of God

We are not helpless, God has given us all we need to stand strong in the face of this oppression, we call this the Armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NIV): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour 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. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Armour Breakdown & Discussion Prompts

Belt of Truth Ephesians 6:14 - Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist

-          Are you living truthfully and grounded in God's Word?

-          How can truth bring freedom in your current struggles?

Breastplate of Righteousness Ephesians 6:14 - with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

-          How does Christ’s righteousness protect you?

-          Are there areas in your behaviour where you’re vulnerable to attack?

Gospel Shoes of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 - and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

- Are you prepared to share your faith and walk in peace?

-  How does your lifestyle reflect the gospel?

Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 - In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

-          What fiery arrows have come your way lately?

-          How can faith protect your family, ministry, and mind?

Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17 - Take the helmet of salvation

-          Do you struggle with thoughts of fear, doubt, or shame?

-          How can you guard your mind with the truth of your salvation?

Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)

Ephesians 6:17 - and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

-          Are you equipped to use Scripture to resist the enemy?

-          How well do you know the Word and speak it out loud?

Prayer (Not armour, but essential)

Ephesians 6:118 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

-          Are you consistently praying in the Spirit?

-          How can your connect group support one another in prayer?

Closing Questions for Reflection

• Are there areas of your life where you've given the enemy access?

• Which piece of armour do you need to strengthen most?

• Are you in a battle right now—emotionally, spiritually, relationally?

  
  

Let’s pray for one another—for strength, for protection, for clarity. If you’re weary, discouraged, or tempted to quit, this is your moment to be supported.

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV):“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”