Spiritual warfare is one of the most important truths a Christian must understand. The Bible teaches that believers are not simply living in a physical world. There is a real spiritual battle taking place around us, and every Christian is involved in it whether they realize it or not. Spiritual warfare refers to the ongoing conflict between God and the forces of darkness, and the believer’s responsibility to stand strong in Christ. This battle is not fought with swords or physical weapons, but with truth, prayer, faith, and obedience to God.

Ephesians 6:10 provides the foundation for understanding this subject. Paul writes, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Spiritual warfare does not begin with our own strength. It begins with God’s strength working through us. The believer is not told to fight Satan with human power. Instead, we are commanded to stand firm in the strength that comes from God alone.

Paul continues in Ephesians 6:11 with the command, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The word wiles refers to the tricks and strategies of Satan. The devil is not only powerful, he is deceptive. Jesus calls him a liar and the father of lies in John 8:44. Spiritual warfare often takes place in the mind, where the enemy attempts to plant fear, doubt, guilt, confusion, or false ideas that oppose the truth of God’s Word.

Ephesians 6:12 explains who our true enemy is: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This means our battle is not ultimately against people. Even when people oppose us, the real conflict is spiritual. Satan and his fallen angels operate in unseen ways to influence thoughts, tempt believers, oppose the gospel, and hinder the work of God.

Paul then describes the armour of God. Each piece represents a spiritual discipline or truth that protects us in the battle.

The first piece is the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” Truth keeps the believer stable. When we know the truth of the Bible, we can stand firm when lies come. Satan cannot defeat a believer who is grounded in Scripture.

Next is the breastplate of righteousness. This refers to both the righteousness of Christ that covers the believer and the righteous living that comes from obedience. When a Christian walks in holiness, the enemy has less opportunity to accuse or attack us.

The third piece is the preparation of the gospel of peace for our feet. This means the believer must be ready to move forward with the message of Christ. The gospel gives stability and direction. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.”

Paul then mentions the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” These fiery darts are temptations, doubts, fears, accusations, and discouraging thoughts. Faith blocks them. When we believe God’s Word more than our circumstances, we extinguish the enemy’s attacks.

The fifth piece is the helmet of salvation. The helmet protects the mind. When we understand what salvation means, and when we rest in the assurance of God’s promises, our thoughts are guarded from confusion and fear. Knowing that we belong to Christ gives security in every battle.

Paul also speaks of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This is the only offensive weapon in the armour. Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan during His temptation in Matthew 4. Christians must learn the Word, memorize it, meditate on it, and speak it when facing spiritual attacks.

The final command in this passage is prayer. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Prayer is how the believer stays connected to God’s strength. Without prayer, the armour cannot be used effectively. Prayer invites God into every part of the battle. Prayer brings protection, guidance, boldness, and clarity.

In practical terms, spiritual warfare includes resisting temptation, rejecting lies, walking in obedience, praying for strength, and standing firm in truth. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Victory begins with submission to God. The devil cannot defeat a believer who is standing in Christ by faith.

In conclusion, spiritual warfare is the daily battle that every Christian faces. It is not a fight to be feared, because Christ has already won the final victory through His death and resurrection. Colossians 2:15 says that Jesus spoiled principalities and powers and triumphed over them. Our role is simply to stand in His victory, put on the armour of God, and trust His strength. When we walk in truth, righteousness, faith, and prayer, we can face every attack with confidence, knowing that the Lord fights for us and that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.