This Is Not a Battle of Flesh and Blood

Every day, we are faced with conflict. Whether it's a disagreement with a coworker, tension in our family, political unrest, or the constant battles raging in society, it’s easy to believe that people are our true enemies. But as believers, we must recognize that our real struggle isn’t against human beings—it’s a spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:12 lays it out plainly:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV)

When we focus on fighting people, we lose sight of the greater battle. Satan is the true enemy, working behind the scenes, stirring up division, deception, and despair. His strategy is to make us believe that the problem is other people when, in reality, it's the unseen forces of darkness influencing the world. But God has given us the tools to fight—and win.

Fighting the Right Battle: The Armor of God

To stand firm against the enemy, we must put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:13-18. Each piece has a vital role in our spiritual defense, equipping us to withstand the attacks of the enemy and walk confidently in truth.

1. The Belt of Truth – The Word Holds Everything Together

Jesus said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Truth is our foundation. The Word of God—the Bible—is that truth.

The belt in a Roman soldier’s armor wasn’t just decorative; it held everything in place. Without it, the armor would be loose and ineffective. Similarly, without truth, our faith, righteousness, and every other piece of our spiritual armor would lack support. If we don’t know the Word, how can we recognize lies when they come?

The enemy thrives on deception, so anchoring ourselves in the Bible is non-negotiable.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Doing Right Protects Us

Romans 2:13 says:

“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (NIV)

Our law as believers is love (John 13:34), and when we live righteously—doing what is right—we protect ourselvesfrom unnecessary attacks and inner turmoil.

Here’s a real-world example: Just today, I got an email that looked like it was from myself. It claimed I had been hacked and that they had accessed my camera, supposedly catching me in "unrighteous acts" (cue ominous music... dum dum dum!!!).

But the thing is—I don't live that way. There’s nothing hidden that I need to be afraid of. And because I walk in righteousness, I didn’t feel fear or condemnation. Instead, I laughed it off, knowing it was a scam.

When we walk in righteousness, it guards our heart and vital spiritual organs. The enemy can’t accuse us of what we haven’t done.

3. The Shield of Faith – Extinguishing Lies with Truth

Ephesians 6:16 tells us:

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

What are these fiery darts? They are lies. Accusations. Doubts. Temptations. The enemy’s primary strategy is deception—planting thoughts in your mind that twist reality and contradict God’s Word.

But here’s the key: The shield of faith is truth.

Faith isn’t just believing blindly—it is belief in the truth of God’s Word. When those fiery darts come flying—“You’re not really saved. You’re a failure. God doesn’t love you. You’re alone.”—you don’t fight back with feelings, emotions, or willpower. You fight back with truth:

• “I am a child of God” (John 1:12).

• “Nothing can separate me from His love” (Romans 8:38-39).

• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

• “There is no condemnation for those in Christ” (Romans 8:1).

The shield of faith is effective only when it is built on the truth of the Bible. That’s why the enemy cannot touch us (1 John 5:18)—because the Word of God is our defense.

The enemy spoke to Jesus in the wilderness, throwing fiery darts of temptation and twisting Scripture. But how did Jesus respond? Every attack was met with “It is written…” followed by the truth of God’s Word.

That is how we fight.

This also makes it clear that you should stand in faith with other people because the Romans used their shield at times to create a sort of turtle shell in defense against arrows.

4. The Helmet of Salvation – Knowing You’re Saved Brings Peace

Doubt is one of Satan’s greatest weapons. He can shake your foundation if he can get you to question your salvation, worth, or God’s love for you.

But when you know you are saved—when you understand that your salvation is secure in Christ—it brings peace.

Imagine trying to fight a battle while second-guessing whether you’re on the winning team. That’s what the enemy wants—to keep you uncertain, to make you question God’s promises. But Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. That knowledge becomes a helmet that guards our thoughts, keeping us steady in the midst of attacks.

5. The Sword of the Spirit – Striking Back with the Word of God

Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. This is our offensive weapon.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, how did He respond? Every single attack was met with Scripture. Satan said, “If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread.” Jesus didn’t argue—He simply responded, “It is written…” and quoted the Word of God.

That is our model. We don’t reason with the devil. We don’t debate lies. We declare the truth of God’s Word.

6. Prayer – The Foundation of Our Strength

The armor of God isn’t just about defense—it’s about relationship. Prayer is our direct line to God, and without it, we are like soldiers cut off from their commander.

Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray at all times in the Spirit. Why? Because this battle is spiritual, and we need supernatural strength. Prayer invites God’s power into our lives, aligns us with His will, and keeps us connected to His presence.

When we pray, we are talking to the Creator of the universe, the One who has already won the battle. Why wouldn’t we take advantage of that?

Final Thoughts: Fight the Right Battle

So many of us spend our energy fighting people when the real battle is unseen.

• That rude coworker? Not the real enemy.

• That difficult family member? Not the real enemy.

• That social media troll trying to provoke you? Still not the real enemy.

Our fight is not against flesh and blood. It is against the unseen spiritual forces trying to destroy faith, unity, and love. But we have been given everything we need to stand firm.

So, before you react to conflict today, ask yourself:

Am I fighting the right battle?

Put on the full armor of God. Stand firm in truth. Love people. And fight the real enemy—God has already given us the victory.

P.S.
Romans 10:15 NIV And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Ephesians 6:15 NIV and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

The caligae were open shoes with hobnails in the bottoms, basically metal spikes, which helped the soldier gain traction in the terrain, and you could also use them as weapons to stomp on your enemies.

So basically, you take your sword of the spirit, the word of God, and you cut down the enemy, and then you stomp on them with the gospel

There was enmity between God and man, Jesus covered the gap in blood, now we have direct access to the Father through Jesus and his sacrifice

Gospel of Peace: Evangelism 3:16 One Sentence Method which can be written on a napkin: