Fighting the Good Fight of Faith (First Love Fire Part 11)
In our journey through the book of Ephesians, we've seen the apostle Paul lay out the incredible riches of our identity in Christ and the implications of living a Spirit-filled life. As we reach the final chapter, Ephesians 6, Paul turns our attention to a sobering but necessary truth: we are in a spiritual battle. The Christian life is not passive—it is active, intentional, and opposed.
The Call to Arms
Paul begins this section with a clear charge:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
— Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV)
The battle we face is not against people or politics. It’s a battle against spiritual forces—darkness that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our faith. And if we’re honest, many of us feel that fight deeply. The fatigue. The doubt. The fear. It’s real. But so is the armor God provides.
Equipped for Victory
Paul describes the armor of God with both defensive and offensive pieces: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation—and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14–17). This sword is not ornamental; it's our weapon against deception and fear. It is truth wielded in power, a weapon Jesus himself used in the wilderness when tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1–11).
The enemy has no true power over us—he has been disarmed (Colossians 2:15). But he still tries to deceive, discourage, and derail us with lies. And this is why we must learn to wield the sword of the Spirit. Not with bravado, but with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
Learning from the Master
In Matthew 8, we see Jesus model the way of the sword. He speaks healing to the leper (“I will; be clean”), he marvels at the centurion’s faith who believes Jesus only needs to “say the word,” and he calms the storm with a rebuke: “Peace, be still.” When Jesus speaks, things change. Demons flee. Storms cease. Bodies are healed. He carries authority because he is under authority.
In the same way, our authority does not come from our own strength, but from God's Word. When we speak the truth of Scripture out loud, in faith, we wield a sword the enemy cannot withstand.
Three Practical Ways to Wield the Sword
Speak Out Loud
Faith is not just internal; it’s vocal. Jesus spoke healing and freedom. When we’re battling lies, fear, or temptation, speaking the truth out loud is powerful. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).Stand in God’s Authority
We don’t battle in our own strength. We stand on the promises of God and use His words. When Jesus was tempted, he responded with “It is written…” three times—and the devil fled (Matthew 4).Protect Your Faith
The enemy’s number one target is your faith. If he can kill your faith, he’s won the battle. But when you wield the sword of the Spirit, faith grows stronger. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).
It's Time to Rise
Many of us have grown accustomed to living in defeat. But Jesus has already won the war. It’s not a fair fight. He disarmed the enemy at the cross and gave us everything we need to walk in freedom and victory. We are not called to retreat, but to advance. Not to shrink back, but to stand firm and move forward.
So what’s the next step?
It’s time to rise. Pick up your sword. Speak the truth. Resist fear. And walk in the authority you’ve been given in Christ.
Reflection Questions:
What lies have I been believing that need to be replaced with God’s truth?
Where in my life have I allowed fear to take root? What Scripture can I speak to confront that fear?
How can I practically wield the Word of God this week—in my conversations, my prayers, and my thought life?