Opening Prayer:
Lord, grant us wisdom and clarity to understand the nature of the spiritual battles we face, so we can stand firm in Your strength.
Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 2:2-3(NLT)
“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.”
To be effective in any struggle, you first have to know your opponent. The Bible makes it clear that the Christian life is a battle, but it’s not a simple, one-dimensional fight. This passage in Ephesians gives us a concise map of the battlefield, and it reveals that we are fighting a war on three distinct fronts.
First, it mentions “the rest of the world.” This isn’t talking about the planet or the people on it, but the world’s anti-God system of values and beliefs that constantly pressures us to conform. Second, it names “the devil,” the spiritual commander of the unseen world who actively works against God’s purposes. He is a real, personal enemy.
Third, and perhaps most personally, it points to “the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature,” often called “the flesh.” This is the internal enemy, the part of us that remains drawn to sin even after we are saved. For the rest of this week, we are going to look at each of these fronts individually, because understanding who you’re fighting is the first step toward walking in the victory that Christ has already won.
Disciple’s Life Tip:
As you go through your day, simply try to be aware. When you feel a pull away from God, pause and ask, “Where is this resistance coming from? Is it pressure from the culture, an internal desire, or a discouraging lie?” Just starting to identify the source is a huge step.
Closing Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us Your Word as a map. Equip us this week to be discerning soldiers, ready to face the world, the flesh, and the devil with the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
