Welcome to Episode 16 of Walking with Purpose’s series “Be Strong: The Armor of God.” In this episode, titled “The Spiritual Battle, Part 2,” hosts Lisa and Laura delve into Ephesians 6:10-18 and explore the invisible spiritual battle that surrounds us. They emphasize the importance of being aware of this spiritual warfare and provide insights on how to stand strong in the face of attacks. The podcast, called “Hope for Right Now,” is a Catholic women’s apostolate that focuses on Bible studies and applying God’s word to everyday life. Throughout the episode, Lisa and Laura share Bible verses, reflect on the enemy’s tactics, and encourage listeners to fight back and reclaim their territory.
In this captivating introduction, Lisa and Laura invite you to join them on their journey of exploring the spiritual battle. They highlight the significance of being aware of the spiritual realm and its impact on our lives. With references to Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, the hosts stress the need to stand strong and rely on God’s strength in the face of adversity. They share experiences, provide practical advice, and conclude the episode with a prayer for self-awareness and the ability to combat spiritual attacks. So open your heart, open your Bible, and join Lisa and Laura on this transformative exploration of the spiritual battle.
Discussion of Ephesians 6:10-18
Overview of the passage
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul urges believers to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God. This passage serves as a reminder that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, where our adversaries are not flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, and the spiritual hosts of wickedness. To stand against the enemy’s tactics, we must equip ourselves with the armor of God.
Exploration of the armor of God
The armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18 consists of several components, each serving a different purpose in spiritual warfare. These include the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece represents a vital aspect of our Christian faith and helps protect us from the attacks of the enemy.
Importance of Being Aware of Spiritual Warfare
Understanding the reality of spiritual battles
Being aware of the reality of spiritual warfare is crucial for every believer. While we may not physically see the battle taking place, it does not negate the fact that it exists. By acknowledging spiritual battles, we can better understand the source of conflicts in our lives and seek the appropriate spiritual solutions. We must remember that our true enemy is not human beings, but the forces of evil at work.
Recognizing the enemy’s tactics
Recognizing the enemy’s tactics is key to triumphing over spiritual battles. The devil wants nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy our relationship with God. By knowing his strategies, such as deception, discouragement, and division, we can actively resist his influence and protect ourselves from falling into his traps. The enemy often targets our vulnerabilities and wounds to exploit them, so we must be vigilant and equipped to counter his attacks.
Exploration of the Spiritual Battle
The invisible nature of the battle
The spiritual battle is largely invisible and takes place in the heavenly realms. While we may not physically see the demonic forces at work, their influence can manifest itself in various areas of our lives. It is essential to recognize that the spiritual battle is not fought on our own strength but through the power of God. By putting on the armor of God and relying on His guidance and protection, we can navigate and overcome the invisible challenges we face.
The role of prayer in spiritual warfare
Prayer plays a significant role in spiritual warfare. Through prayer, we can communicate directly with God and seek His intervention in our battles. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God, deepens our faith, and allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. By praying for discernment, wisdom, and protection, we invite God into our circumstances and give Him permission to fight on our behalf.
Teachings from Acts 29
Introduction to Acts 29
Acts 29 is a group of missionaries led by Father John Ricardo. The group is dedicated to spreading the Gospel and engaging in spiritual warfare to bring others to Christ. Their work is inspired by the teachings of the apostles in the book of Acts, specifically highlighting the ongoing mission of the Church to reach the lost and broken in the world. Acts 29 serves as a reminder that every believer is called to be part of this mission and engage in spiritual battles for the sake of the Kingdom.
Father John Ricardo’s leadership
Father John Ricardo, the leader of Acts 29, has played a vital role in equipping and guiding missionaries in their spiritual battles. His teachings emphasize the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of being aware of the enemy’s tactics. Father Ricardo encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, relying on the strength and armor of God. His leadership serves as an example of how one’s understanding of spiritual warfare can inspire and empower others to actively engage in the battle.
Missionary work and spiritual battles
Missionary work often entails unique spiritual battles. As missionaries engage with different cultures and confront spiritual strongholds in various communities, they face opposition from the enemy. However, through their faith and reliance on God’s strength, missionaries can overcome these challenges and bring light to dark places. Their experiences serve as a reminder to all believers that every setting is a battleground for spiritual warfare, and we must actively participate in the mission to advance God’s kingdom.
Personal Experiences and Reflections
Lisa and Laura’s experiences with prayer
Lisa and Laura share their personal experiences with prayer and how it has played a crucial role in their spiritual battles. Through prayer, they have witnessed God’s faithfulness, guidance, and protection. They emphasize the importance of consistent communication with God and seeking His wisdom and discernment in all circumstances. Prayer allows believers to tap into the supernatural realm and experience the power and presence of God in their lives.
Discovering one’s true identity and wounds
In the midst of spiritual battles, it is essential to understand one’s true identity in Christ. Believers are children of God, loved and chosen by Him. However, the enemy often seeks to distort this truth and exploit our wounds and insecurities. By acknowledging our wounds and seeking healing through God’s love and grace, we can find restoration and reclaim our identity in Christ. Understanding our wounds also helps us recognize the areas the enemy may target and allows us to be proactive in guarding against his attacks.
Fight back and reclaiming territory
Believers are not called to passively endure spiritual battles but to fight back and reclaim the territory stolen by the enemy. By standing firm in faith, relying on God’s strength, and utilizing the armor of God, we can resist the devil and his schemes. This involves actively engaging in prayer, declaring God’s truth, and seeking deliverance from areas of bondage and oppression. We have the authority through Christ to reclaim what the enemy has stolen and to advance God’s kingdom on earth.
Standing Strong and Staying Steadfast
The necessity of standing firm in faith
Standing firm in faith is a non-negotiable aspect of spiritual warfare. It requires unwavering trust in God’s promises, even in the face of adversity. Our ability to stand strong relies on our relationship with God, our understanding of His character, and our knowledge of His word. When we stand firm, anchored in our faith, we become unshakable in the midst of the storm, and the enemy’s attacks lose their power over us.
Relying on God’s strength and armor
True strength in spiritual battles comes from relying on God, not our own abilities. God provides us with the armor necessary to withstand the attacks of the enemy. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit are not mere symbols but sources of supernatural power. By putting on this armor daily and seeking God’s strength, we can confidently face the enemy and emerge victorious.
Recognizing the Enemy’s Tactics
Being aware of the strategies of the enemy
To effectively combat the enemy, it is crucial to be aware of his strategies. The devil is a master of deception, seeking to distract, discourage, and divide believers. He often uses subtle tactics to plant doubts, stir up fear, and create chaos in our lives. By recognizing his schemes, we can actively guard our hearts and minds, discerning truth from lies, and relying on God’s guidance to navigate the spiritual battlefield.
Protecting oneself from spiritual attacks
Protecting oneself from spiritual attacks requires a proactive approach. This involves cultivating a strong foundation in God’s word, spending time in prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers, and actively seeking accountability and support. Additionally, staying alert and discerning allows us to identify areas of vulnerability and respond with spiritual weapons such as prayer, fasting, and declaring God’s truth over our lives.
Conclusion: Prayer for Self-Awareness
Prayer for self-awareness of spiritual battles
In conclusion, it is essential to pray for self-awareness of spiritual battles. By seeking God’s guidance, we can recognize the enemy’s tactics, discern his attacks, and respond with the appropriate spiritual weapons. Prayer opens the door for God to reveal His truth, protect us from the enemy’s influence, and strengthen us in the battle. Through prayer, we invite God to lead us, empower us, and bring victory in every spiritual warfare we face.
Seeking God’s guidance and protection
Finally, as believers, we must continually seek God’s guidance and protection. Spiritual battles are ongoing, and we cannot rely on our understanding or strength alone. By surrendering to God, trusting in His wisdom, and following His lead, we can navigate the invisible battlefields with confidence and experience His victory in our lives. Let us continually seek His face and be mindful of the spiritual realm, so we can actively participate in the advancement of His kingdom.
Join us for episode 16 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura will be diving into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages, while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady in any circumstance. Today, Lisa and Laura continue to unpack the spiritual battle, focusing on the importance of being aware. If you’re not sure what spiritual warfare looks like, today’s episode was recorded for you! Open to Ephesians, stand strong, open your heart, open your Bible, and invite Him in.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:10–13: 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 wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
John 5:6: Do you want to be healed?
2 Kings 6:8–12 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/6?8)
2 Kings 6:15–17 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/…)
Luke 18:41–42: “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”
Invite Him in with this episode’s question for reflection.
Which of my wounds is the enemy trying to exploit right now?
Show mentions.
ACTS XXIX, The Rescue Project, https://www.actsxxix.org/
Fr. John Riccardo and Mary Guilfoyle, You Were Born for This Podcast
Saint Joan of Arc, “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.”
Ralph Abernathy, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future.”
