The Playbook
“How to fight against the enemy”
Ephesians 6:10-20
 
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