A year-long journey through Ephesians brings us to one of the most profound and practical sections of Scripture: the Armor of God. In Part One, we explored Paul’s battle cry: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” We were reminded that believers don’t fight for victory, but from victory. Jesus already won it through His life, death, and resurrection.

This week, we go deeper—turning our attention from the exhortation to the enemy.

The Reality of the Battle

Paul’s urgency is clear: this isn’t a metaphorical struggle or poetic hyperbole. It’s war. The spiritual kind. And we are not spectators—we are enlisted. There is a real enemy. A dangerous one. And his name is Satan.

Paul writes:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:11–12)

Too many today dismiss the devil as myth. He’s not. He is real, active, and organized. And Paul does not mince words when describing our adversary: rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil.

The Nature of Our Enemy

Satan isn’t a cartoon character with horns and a pitchfork. He’s a former high-ranking angel turned enemy of God. He’s deceptive, subtle, and cunning. He wants to destroy lives, divide churches, and derail believers. He doesn’t just work through evil actions—he disguises himself as an angel of light. He works overtly through immorality and covertly through false religion. He tempts, deceives, accuses, and stalks.

He’s not all-knowing, all-powerful, or ever-present—but he is strategic. And he doesn’t operate alone. Paul tells us he leads a network of spiritual forces in the heavenly places.

The Danger of Misplaced Focus

Paul reminds us: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” People aren’t the real enemy. The abortionist, the corrupt politician, the drug dealer—they’re caught in the devil’s web. Our battle is not with them. It’s with the spiritual forces working behind them.

When we spend all our energy fighting people, we ignore the real threat. And Satan wins. The Church must stop wasting time on internal conflict and turn its attention to the true enemy.

The Strategy of the Devil

Paul uses the word “schemes.” In the Greek, it implies stalking prey. Satan studies us. He’s methodical. He tailors his attacks to our weaknesses. And often, it’s the subtle things—comfort, pride, compromise—that give him a foothold.

He loves to:

• Twist God’s Word (as in the garden)

• Sow division in churches

• Deceive through false doctrine

• Snatch truth away before it takes root

But There’s Good News: We Stand in Victory

Even though the enemy is fierce, we are not left helpless or hopeless. Paul says we can stand firm—because we’re not standing alone. We are standing in the power of Jesus Christ.

God has not left us unarmed. In the weeks ahead, we’ll explore each piece of the armor God has given:

• The Belt of Truth

• The Breastplate of Righteousness

• The Gospel of Peace as Footwear

• The Shield of Faith

• The Helmet of Salvation

• The Sword of the Spirit

But today, we are reminded to take this seriously. Suiting up is not optional. The battle is daily. The enemy is scheming. And neutrality is not an option.

So, Church:

• Recognize the enemy.

• Stop entertaining what you should be resisting.

• Resist the devil, and he will flee.

• Stand firm—not in your strength, but in God’s.

The battlefield is real. But so is our Savior. And because of Him, we don’t cower in fear—we rise in readiness.

Suit up. Victory is already yours.