Victory in our cosmic battle

I. Fight in the strength and might of the Lord

* Spirit-filled Christians enjoy walking in triumphant victory!

1. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

2. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them, we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (Ephesians 2:1-3).

II. Fight in the full armor of God against the Devil

* Spirit-filled Christians are not ignorant of the devil's schemes!

  1. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
  2. So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).
  3. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

III. Fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness

* Spirit-filled Christians know their real enemy in this battle!

  1. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
  2. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19) unbelievers can?t see because, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4) Jesus sent Paul to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me? (Acts 26:18).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 8th, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Victor in our cosmic battle

An important Guideline of Life Groups:� Understanding that our spiritual battle is a truth encounter with our adversary who is the father of lies (John 8:44) empowers us to know Scripture and use it against his temptations. Share stories of spiritual victories with one another in your Life Group.

Getting Started:

  1. What are some practical ways that you can develop a warfare mentality as a good soldier in God's army (2 Timothy 2:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)?
  2. Think through some of the "divinely powerful weapons" that God has given us to fight this cosmic battle. (Discuss how to use God's Word, prayer, armor of God, worship, renewing our minds, Christian fellowship, Spiritual disciplines, and Spirit-filled living).

Discussing Truths:

  1. With our three different spiritual enemies: How do you fight the battle against the world (1 John2:15-17; 5:4); against the flesh (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:11) and against the devil and his demonic cohorts (1 Peter 5:8-10)?
  2. How well do you know the schemes of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Timothy 4:1-3)? What are some of the different "methods" of the demonic world in tempting and distracting Christians?
  3. In light of Christ's victory over demonic authorities (Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:8; Romans 8:37) how does that truth impact the way you fight from victory and not for victory?
  4. Print up the lyrics of A MIGHTY FORTRESS by Martin Luther and discuss the truths this hymn presents.
  5. Are you aware of any chinks (vulnerabilities/weaknesses) in your armor?

Now What? Application:

  1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 every day this week and put on your spiritual armor of God!
  2. Pray audibly in the name and authority of Jesus throughout your house against any spiritual forces of wickedness! Claim your house as a sanctuary of Jesus' presence!