September 27, 2026
How to Fight Against the Enemy
Paul is sounding the alarm!
“We are in a battle”
How do we fight against the enemy?
Ephesians 6:10-18
1. Recognize the enemy – Ephesians 6:10
Ignorance is vulnerability – v. 10
We don’t fight for victory; we fight from victory – v. 11
The enemy opposes God and seeks to deceive, accuse, tempt, and discourage – v. 12
Salvation marks the start of the battle, as the enemy already has control – v. 10
We can’t fight an enemy that we do not understand.
2. Know his schemes – Ephesians 6:11-12
Schemes = “methodia” methods
The enemy rarely attacks openly; he works subtly on your weaknesses.
“Wrestle” = personal, intimate, calculated, tailored
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – Peter, 1 Peter 5:8
Three primary methods of attack:
Attack on the mind – our identity
Blinds unbelievers and confuses believers
Suggesting doubts
Introduces false ideas
Attack on emotions – our relationships
Fear
Bitterness and hatred
Discouragement and despair
Irrational anxiety
Attack on behavior – our convictions
Distraction – temptation toward sin
Compromise
Imbalance behavior
The enemy pushes followers toward anything that distorts living as disciples of Jesus.
3. Stand firm in the Lord – Ephesians 6:13
We are not told to fight, but to be strong, stand, and put on the armor of God.
Armor of God – Ephesians 6:14-17
Truth defeats lies
Obedience silences accusation
Peace steadies our walk with Jesus
Faith extinguishes fear and anxiety
Salvation guards our identity in Christ
God’s Word defeats deception
Prayer keeps us alert and dependent on God’s power – Ephesians 6:18-19
The enemy is powerful, but defeated.
God’s armor is sufficient for every attack.
Jesus is everywhere, all-powerful, and all-knowing; the enemy is not.
“… be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” – Paul, Ephesians 6:10
