6-21-2026: The Call to Fight
Sermon Title: The Call to Fight
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:12; James 4:7
Sermon Focus: Spiritual warfare is not about fear, panic, fascination with demons, or mastering spiritual techniques—it is about standing firm in the victory of Jesus Christ. In the final message of our series, Pastor David invites us to bring our knowledge of the unseen cosmic conflict into our reading of Ephesians 6:10-18 as he unpacks what Paul means by the “armor of God” and how we are to engage in the spiritual fight against the forces of darkness through intercessory prayer and obedience to Jesus Christ.
Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:
1. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 silently to yourself and then have someone read it aloud. Throughout this series, we've explored the cosmic struggle between God and the powers of darkness. Considering everything we’ve learned about the “principalities and powers” in this series—that our battle is not against flesh and blood—how has your understanding of Eph. 6:12 and spiritual warfare changed?
2. Pastor David explained that the Armor of God is not a mystical ritual but a picture of a life shaped by Christ. Look back at Ephesians 6:13-17. Which piece of the armor stands out to you most right now? Why do you think Paul emphasizes "standing firm" rather than attacking or fearing the powers? What practical step can you take this week to "put on" that piece of armor and fight?
3. Paul concludes the armor passage by calling believers to persistent prayer. Why do you think prayer is so central to spiritual warfare? Recall the three cosmic rebellions in Gen. 3, 6, and 11, as well as Daniel 10. How does the cosmic conflict worldview help us understand the importance of intercessory prayer? Has it helped how you view prayer? Also, what tends to discourage you from praying consistently?
4. Pastor David said the following: “The three cosmic rebellions, Jesus’ reversal of those rebellions, and the ongoing spiritual conflict in the heavenly realms is not a distraction from real-world problems; it is the biblical explanation for why those problems are so deep. And the Church confronts the powers (as Jesus did) not by escaping the world, but by bringing the reign and rule of God into every corner of it through prayer, justice, mercy, discipleship, deliverance, reconciliation, and radical enemy-love. While also remembering that it is Christ alone who has disarmed the powers and will someday defeat them when he brings heaven to earth.” He went on to say, “Our prayers, our discipleship, and our acts of justice are not done because we think that we can rid the world of sin, death, and the devil—not that we are going to purge the earth of injustice—no, we do them as a witness to the One who will.”
If this is true, how ought this truth impact the way we pray and do justice?
5. Looking back over this 8-week series, what is the one truth, insight, or challenge that God has impressed most deeply on your heart? In what way have you been helped to understand spiritual warfare, our real enemy, and the need for prayer?
6. WEEKLY PRACTICE: Intercessory Prayer – “Put On Your Armor and Fight!”
• Challenge: Spend 10-15 mins daily interceding for others (e.g., leaders, family, friends, church, community, the world, etc.). • Invitation: Pray: “Lord, I’m joining the spiritual fight against evil. I intercede and pray for (he/she/them). Help them, Jesus!” • Goal: See being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he says as an act of spiritual warfare; make intercessory prayer an integral part of your faith formation and activism.
Finally, after each of you have shared how God is speaking to you through this series, and any specific invitation to engage more in intercessory prayer, use the remaining time you have to pray for each other as you put on your armor and fight.