This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday October 5, 2025.
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 NIV)We often forget that life is a battleground, not a playground. The enemy is real, and his schemes are aimed at one thing: destroying the strong foundation of faith you are striving to build. He doesn't want you to align your life with God's will.A playground implies ease, fun, and lack of real consequence; a battleground implies strategic opposition, constant vigilance, and high stakes. If we treat life like a playground, we will be easily caught off guard when difficulty, temptation, or doubt arises. Recognizing the battle prepares us to stand firm
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] 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. [13] Therefore put on the full armor 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. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [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. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Text
1 John 5:4 NIV for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
We often forget that life is a battleground, not a playground. A playground implies ease, fun, and lack of real consequence; a battleground implies strategic opposition, constant vigilance, and high stakes. This perspective is crucial because if we treat life like a playground, we will be easily caught off guard when difficulty, temptation, or doubt arises. Recognizing the battle prepares us for it and prepares us to stand firm.
The enemy is real, and his schemes are aimed at one thing: destroying the strong foundation of faith you are striving to build. He doesn't want you to align your life with God's will.
The Bible especially The New Testament consistently uses military metaphors to describe the believer's experience:
We are called to "fight the good fight of the faith"
1 Timothy 6:12 NIV says [12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
We are told to "put on the whole armor of God"
As it said in our scripture this morning at Ephesians 6:11 NIV Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
We are urged to be "good soldiers of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:3 NIV says Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Spiritual warfare isn't just a fight against the devil; it's a three-pronged conflict:
We have the World (System): which is the value system of society that is opposed to God. It pressures us toward materialism, self-focus, and defining success and morality apart from Scripture. We fight this attack as we choose what media, ideas, and goals to embrace.
Then we have the Flesh (Our Own Natural Desires): This is the internal struggle against our fallen nature, the tendency toward self-will, laziness, doubt, and giving in to temptation. We fight this. through self-examination, repentance, and choosing the path of self-control and discipline.
2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV tells us to Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Then of course we have our main enemy Satan/The Devil : This involves the direct attacks of Satan and his forces—accusation, lies, discouragement, and temptation designed to divide us from the church and pull us away from Christ. We fight by standing firm in the victory already secured by Jesus. As our text says “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Our main weapon here is the Word of God, the Scriptures.
Let’s be clear, the enemy (Satan/the devil) is not a mythological concept; he is a spiritual being with a focused, destructive agenda. His primary goal is to prevent you from living out the victory you already have in Christ. His schemes are not always dramatic confrontations; they are often subtle and designed to erode your faith gradually:
He uses Distraction: He uses the noise and busyness of the world—the pursuit of wealth, comfort, and temporary pleasure—to crowd out time for prayer, Scripture reading, and self-examination.
He uses Doubt and Discouragement: He attacks your identity in Christ and your memory of God's faithfulness. When you fail, he whispers condemnation instead of reminding you of God's grace. This undermines the confidence necessary for us to move forward.
That’s why Scripture says that we should stay connected to each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV says [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The enemy’s target is to Destroy Your Alignment with God's Will
As you are striving to align your priorities with God's will, you are essentially making yourself a target. Every step toward spiritual maturity is a direct threat to the enemy's kingdom, and he responds accordingly.
He doesn't want you to align your life with God's will because alignment with God’s will brings:
Peace: Because peace from God replaces worldly anxiety which robs the enemy of his ability to paralyze you with fear.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV says [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Alignment with God’s will gives clarity and direction, making you a productive force for good in the world, which counteracts the enemy's destructive work.
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Alignment with God’s will gives you Power: When you are walking in God's will, you are operating under His authority and power, making you a truly victorious force that the enemy cannot stand against.
Luke 10:19 NIV I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
The daily choice to pursue God's will—through disciplines like prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and self-examination—is an act of war. It confirms the victory you already have and builds a foundation that the enemy's schemes cannot overcome.
However we must understand and acknowledge The Source of our Strength: The key to victory is to not "Be strong in your willpower" or "Be strong in your discipline."
Our scripture this morning said Ephesians 6:10 NIV [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Spiritual warfare is won not by human effort, but by our divine reliance on God.
So our first step in becoming strong in the Lord and His power is to surrender to His power.
When the Apostle Paul was in a battle he asked for some help.
2 Corinthians 12:7-8 AMPC [7] And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. [Job. 2:6.] [8] Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me;
Here was God's response
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMPC 9] But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. (so Paul said) Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
In other words he said I surrender to your will and your way.
When we surrender God provides the things which will protect us and allow us to advance in this spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:11-15 NIV sets the stage[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] 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. [13] Therefore put on the full armor 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. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
The Apostle Paul who wrote this letter to the Church in Ephesus used the imagery of the Roman soldier's armor to describe the "Armor of God". This was not arbitrary; it was brilliant, relatable, and deeply symbolic. Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while he was a prisoner, likely under house arrest in Rome.
By using this imagery, Paul elevates the Christian's role. He is not just telling believers to model themselves after a disciplined Roman soldier; he is telling them to put on the character of God Himself—to be clothed in the Christ who is our Truth, our Righteousness, and our Salvation.
Paul used the Roman soldier’s armor because it was a relatable, powerful, and culturally relevant military image that served as a perfect blueprint for teaching profound truths about living a disciplined life of faith against a continuous spiritual enemy.
Let’s look at this armor because we should put it on and wear it every day;
1. The Belt of Truth “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,”
The Roman soldier's belt was the central, most vital piece of the armor. It was a wide leather strap that served three main functions:
In the ancient world, people wore long robes. To run, work, or fight, they had to pull the fabric up between their legs and tuck it into the belt, ensuring they wouldn't trip.
The belt held the breastplate in place, keeping it from shifting or scraping the body, and it gave the torso structure.
The belt was the holder for the sword, making it accessible.
Just as a physical belt holds everything in place, Truth holds our entire spiritual life together. Without a commitment to the reality of God's Word, the other pieces (righteousness, peace, etc.) become loose, subjective feelings that can't withstand spiritual attack.
To be “Buckled with truth means shedding the entanglements of deception and sin and to be prepared for swift, decisive action. It is a constant commitment to reality—about who God is, who we are, and what the enemy is doing. The enemy's chief weapon is the lie, and Truth demolishes it.
2. Next is The Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate protected the soldier's vital organs—the heart, lungs, and core abdomen—from mortal blows by sword or spear. Losing a breastplate was almost a guaranteed death sentence in battle.
The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our spiritual core: our conscience, affections, and will. This righteousness has two inseparable parts:
First this is Christ's perfect righteousness credited to us by faith.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV says God made him (Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This is the impenetrable armor against the enemy’s most crippling attack:The devil may justly accuse us of sin, but when we wear this breastplate, we can declare: as it says in
Romans 8:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
It is the assurance of salvation that gives us the confidence to fight.
The second part of this righteousness is that we are continuously being sanctified. A soldier who lives righteously closes the door on the enemy's opportunities. Aligning our priorities with God's will is the practical way we keep this breastplate tight and polished.
3. Then there are the Shoes the footwear of Peace
Roman military footwear was heavy-soled sandals with hundreds of small spikes driven into the soles. This footwear was critical for two reasons:
The spikes provided firm, unwavering traction on any terrain (mud, rock, sand), allowing the soldier to hold his ground without slipping or being easily pushed over.
They provided comfort and durability for long marches, ensuring the soldier was always ready to advance or stand firm.
In Paul’s description of the armor of God he wrote “with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
This is the sure, stable footing that comes from the Gospel of Peace.
We have peace with God through Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
This means our foundational relationship with the Commander in Chief is secure. This assurance is what enables us to stand firm against anxiety, fear, and doubt, which are the spiritual "mine fields" that the enemy plants.
When the world is chaotic, we stand on the unshakable reality of reconciliation with God.
The shoes signify an active readiness to move forward and share the Good News (the Gospel of Peace).
You see our spiritual fight is not just defensive; it involves advancing God's kingdom. The stability given by the Gospel of Peace equips us to take the message of peace to a world engaged in war, making us effective soldiers who can confidently advance into enemy territory without losing our footing.
Faith is the Victory Weapon
In addition to the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of the gospel of truth Ephesians 6:16 NIV adds [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.
Paul calls out the shield of faith as the critical, all-purpose defensive weapon. It is the core of our overcoming life, as we read in our text today
1 John 5:4 NIV for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
The enemy’s attacks are vicious and targeted: arrows of doubt, discouragement, fear, and temptation. They are designed to set your mind and spirit on fire, causing you to retreat from your foundational commitment to God.
Faith is simply trusting that what God says is true, regardless of what you see or how you feel. When the arrow of doubt strikes, your faith declares;
Romans 8:38-39 NIV [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When the arrow of fear hits, your faith remembers:
Philippians 4:12-13 NIV [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Faith is the daily choice to look past the circumstances and fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
That’s how we stay strong in the Lord's mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] 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.
Point 3: So now let’s go on the Offensive
Ephesians 6:17-18 NIV [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] 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.
We are not meant to just survive; we are meant to be victorious.
The Helmet of Salvation: protects the mind, where most of the warfare takes place. It is the assurance of your eternal security, which guards your thoughts against the lie that your struggle is hopeless.
John 10:28-29 NIV [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
The Word of God is our offensive weapon. When we encounter a thought contrary to God's will, we must stand on the written Word, just as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-4 NIV [1] Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Prayer isThe Lifeblood of Warfare: It is the ceaseless communication with our Commander-in-Chief.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests “
This is how we stay open to God's guidance in the battle.
Conclusion: Stand and Conquer
To live a life aligned with God's will is to accept the call to spiritual warfare. But take courage! We fight from a position of victory. The battle has already been won on the cross. Our task is to stand firm in gift the faith you have received, wear the armor of God and watch as God extinguishes the enemy's schemes.
Our role isn't to win the war—Christ has done that—but we are to stand firm and live in the reality of that victory.
Prayer
Almighty God, our Rock and our Fortress, we thank You that You have not left us defenseless in the midst of spiritual warfare.
We confess that often we rely on our own strength and are easily defeated by fear, doubt, and temptation. Forgive us for dropping our guard and for failing to keep our priorities aligned with Your perfect will.
Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we ask You to instill within us the discipline and the desire to put on the full armor of Christ every single day.
Strengthen our faith, that it may be a shield strong enough to extinguish every fiery dart aimed at our families, our calling, and our minds.
Help us to rely on the Belt of Truth, anchoring us to You when the world seems confusing.
Empower us to use the Sword of the Spirit, Your Word, to fight our battles.
And above all, keep us in a posture of unceasing prayer, maintaining a strong foundation in You and a continuous openness to Your guidance.
We know that the victory is already ours in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
