Clarity: How do I Engage in Spiritual Warfare?

In a world that’s rapidly changing, where the United States has o entered what some call the “Post-Christian Era,” we’re faced with a sobering reality: most people no longer attend weekly worship services or affiliate with any religion. 

During the Great Depression, church attendance surged as people sought hope and meaning amid the financial hardship they experienced. Since the turn of the century we see the opposite happening: the rise of the “Nones”—those who claim no religious affiliation. This change in reality isn’t just a statistic; it’s our lived experience. We live alongside, work with, and are friends with, and have family whose worldview—the lens through which they interpret reality—differs drastically from our own.

This difference in worldview matters. It’s not that those with a different way of looking at the world are inherently “bad” or “evil”; it does mean they operate from a distinct moral framework, pursue a different purpose in life, and draw authority from sources other than the Bible. Understanding this is crucial if we’re to build meaningful relationships and share the Gospel effectively. 

I think it also forces us to confront a deeper question: What do I believe? If we’re to withstand constant challenges to our faith and communicate the Gospel clearly, we must know what we believe and why we hold those beliefs.

That is the purpose behind this blog series, Clarity: Thinking Clearly about Life’s Tough Topics. My goal isn’t to hand you a list of “correct” Christian answers to common questions, but to show how the Bible equips us to wrestle with some of today’s toughest issues. We should not see the Bible as an instruction manual with step-by-step fixes for life’s problems. Instead, it’s a guidebook, that helps us construct a worldview that makes sense of the world. And to kick off this journey, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked or misunderstood: spiritual warfare.

The Spiritual Reality We Can’t Ignore

Let’s be honest—there’s some wild stuff in the Bible. A talking serpent in Genesis 3? A cherubim wielding a flaming sword to guard Eden? The “sons of God” marrying the “daughters of man” and producing heroic offspring? That’s just the opening act! 

Flip to Job 1:6, where Satan walks into God’s presence, or 2 Kings 6, where invisible armies surround Elisha, or Daniel 10, where angelic beings battle behind the scenes. Then there’s Jesus, confronting demons throughout the Gospels. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the unseen—it insists there’s more to reality than what meets the eye.

This brings us to Ephesians, a letter from the Apostle Paul to churches in Asia Minor. This letter were intended to be shared among the different churches. One of the recurring themes in the letter is the spiritual realm. Paul mentions it repeatedly—six times, by my count (e.g., Ephesians 1:21, 3:10)—urging believers to recognize the cosmic conflict unfolding around them. He wraps up the letter with a rousing pep talk in Ephesians 6:10-20, outlining our role in this spiritual battle.  What wisdom does the Apostle have for us?

What Ephesians Teaches Us About Spiritual Warfare

Paul begins, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Our strength doesn’t come from within—it flows from our relationship with God. We’re powerless to withstand this spiritual warfare our own, but God equips us with His armor. Who is the enemy? Satan and his forces, scheming to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). They wield influence in this world, that is why Paul clarifies: our real fight isn’t against flesh-and-blood people but against these spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12).

So, what part do we play in this spiritual battle? We stand firm. The image we should have in our minds is that of the Roman army, famed for its unyielding formations. Soldiers locked shields, planted their feet, and thrust spears forward—armor only on the front because retreat wasn’t an option. United, they were invincible. Likewise, we stand together, relying on God’s power, not our own.

Paul details the armor we’re given: the belt of truth (living with integrity), the breastplate of righteousness (right relationships with God and others), shoes of the Gospel of peace (sharing the good news of King Jesus), the shield of faith (loyalty to God), the helmet of salvation (assurance of our security in Christ), and the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word, our only offensive tool). This isn’t just poetic imagery— it comes from Isaiah 59:17 where God puts on His armor to save His people, and now He shares this armor with us.

At the end we see that prayer ties it all together. Prayer is how we lean on God, aligning our hearts with His. Paul’s point isn’t to sensationalize spiritual warfare—naming demons or picking fights with cosmic powers—but to ground us in a simple, steady response: resist by standing firm.

Our Part in the Battle

So, what’s our role in this unseen conflict? 

First, we stand united. Ephesians 3:10-11 reveals God’s grand plan: the Church, diverse yet unified, showcases His wisdom to the spiritual realm, advancing His mission to restore creation. Our job isn’t to chase down demons but to live faithfully—loving, serving, preaching the Gospel, seeking reconciliation, and offering forgiveness. This is how we push back darkness.

Second, we pray. Yes, pray for physical needs and healing, but also for Kingdom priorities—wisdom, courage, and the expansion of God’s reign. Let Scripture shape your prayers; ask for boldness to carry His love into the world.

Third, we don’t overstep. Jude 1:8-10 warns against those who arrogantly challenge spiritual powers they don’t understand. Our only offensive weapon is God’s Word, not because we’re weak, but because victory isn’t ours to win—Jesus already secured it. We’re not meant to start cosmic showdowns. Even when confronting evil (like the demon-possessed in Acts 19:13-16), we rely on prayer and Jesus’ authority, not our own authority.

Standing Strong in a Cosmic War

The Bible offers a glimpse into a reality far bigger than human sin. It’s a cosmic rebellion against God, spilling into our physical reality. Our mission? Stay faithful. Clothed in God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—we resist evil’s advance. United and prayerful, we don’t just hold ground; we reclaim it for God’s Kingdom.

The big idea is simple yet profound: engaging in spiritual warfare means relying on God and standing strong in faith. Jesus won the victory; we spread the victory by making disciples. Every act done in His name—every kindness, every witness—pushes back the tide of evil. Our call is to remain faithful.

A Daily Challenge

Here’s your challenge: pray Ephesians 6:13-17 daily. Ask God to clothe you in His armor—not just for yourself, but for your whole church family. We all need it to stand firm. This isn’t a battle against people (though they may be pawns in the war), but against rebellious spiritual forces. Our response? Put on God’s armor every day and stand.

Closing Prayer

This week in our prayers let’s: (1) Thank God for new life in Christ. (2) Ask Him to clothe us in His armor. (3) Commit to stand firm. This is how we engage in the battle—not with fear or frenzy, but with faith, unity, and reliance on God’s strength.

Transformed by Grace: Transformed for Impact

Imagine standing before a narrow two-by-four stretched across the floor. You could walk it easily, eyes fixed on the path, step by steady step. Now picture that same board suspended ten stories high between skyscrapers, wind howling, a crowd watching below. Suddenly, your focus wavers—your heart races, you’re thinking about the fall, the noise, the stakes. That’s the power of focus.

Coach Jimmy Johnson shared this illustration with his Dallas Cowboys before the 1993 Super Bowl, facing intense pressure from the crowd, media, and a formidable opponent. He told them, “Don’t get distracted by the hype or fear of failure. Treat each play like practice, one step at a time.” They listened, stayed focused, and dominated, winning 52-17.

In Titus 3, the Apostle Paul delivers a similar message. In a world buzzing with distractions—divisive arguments, cultural pressures, and the temptation to blend into Crete’s corrupt society—he urges believers to keep their eyes on God’s grace, good works, and unity in Christ. Like those Cowboys, we’re called to walk the path God has laid out, undeterred by the chaos around us. When we anchor ourselves in His grace, we can live confidently, no matter how high the stakes.

The Purpose of Titus: Living Transformed Lives

Throughout our series, Grace that Transforms, we’ve seen Paul’s emphasis on right living in his letter to Titus. He’s passionate about Christians in Crete representing King Jesus well. This requires competent leaders teaching sound doctrine, awareness of false teachers, and an understanding that right living flows from right teaching. Each group—older men, older women, younger men, younger women, slaves—has a role in reflecting God’s grace. The core truth? We are people transformed by grace, and this transformation carries a responsibility to steward God’s gift faithfully.

Paul wrote this letter to bolster Titus’s authority as his apostolic representative in Crete, equipping him to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Titus wasn’t a pastor or bishop but Paul’s delegate, tasked with ensuring the churches lived out the gospel. This final chapter ties it all together, showing how grace transforms us to live for impact.

Examining Titus 3: Living Out Grace

Verses 1–2: Living as Good Citizens
Paul calls believers to represent King Jesus in two directions: toward the state and toward others. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we might think earthly authorities don’t apply to us, but Jesus, Paul, and Peter all teach otherwise. We’re to pay taxes, obey laws, and live in ways that benefit society, as Jeremiah instructed the exiles. With those outside the church, we’re to treat them kindly, avoid conflicts, and foster good relations. Takeaway: Christians should live in a way that makes as few waves as possible, building bridges through respect and service.

Verses 3–8: The Gospel of Grace
Paul reminds us of our past: foolish, disobedient, enslaved to sinful desires, full of envy and hatred. But God’s kindness and love intervened—not because of our works, but through His mercy. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the Spirit’s work in baptism, we’re washed clean and given new life. This early creed (v. 8, “This is a trustworthy saying”) underscores that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, with confidence in eternal life. Takeaway: God’s grace saves us and enables us to live transformed lives, guided by the Spirit.

Verses 9–11: Avoiding Divisive Disputes
Crete’s false teachers stirred pointless debates over genealogies and Jewish law, distracting from the gospel and hindering good works. Paul instructs Titus to warn divisive people twice, then exclude them if they persist. Unity is critical—divisive behavior undermines our witness and shows a heart uninterested in following Jesus. Takeaway: Unity in the church is vital; we must address divisive behavior firmly yet graciously to protect our mission.

Verses 12–15: Supporting God’s Work
Paul closes by urging Titus to support missionaries like Zenas and Apollos and to encourage believers to meet urgent needs. Whether through giving, loving neighbors, or praying, everyone has a role in God’s mission. Takeaway: The church thrives when we actively support mission and serve practical needs, reflecting God’s grace in action.

Connecting to Today’s World

Like Crete, our world is divided—politically, socially, and even within churches. Social media and news amplify slander and disputes, tempting Christians to either join the fray or retreat. Titus 3 offers a third way: living out God’s grace through kindness, service, and unity. How? First, focus on what you can control—how you treat others. Practice “benevolent detachment,” letting go of the need to win every argument. Second, treat people with respect, avoiding slander. Third, remember you represent King Jesus in every interaction.

The grace that saved us (vv. 4–7) empowers us to live differently. Just as God showed kindness when we were “foolish” and “enslaved” (v. 3), we’re called to show compassion to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Instead of seeing the world as an enemy to defeat, see people as enslaved to sin, needing our love, help, and prayers.

Applying to Life: Representing God’s Grace

Paul’s message is clear: how we live matters. Our right living, rooted in God’s grace, extends beyond the church to how we engage the state and the world. We’re to love and respect others, remembering we were once lost in sin, just as they are. Our lives should extend God’s mercy, showing that His love and grace are real.

Big Idea: How we live gives credibility to God’s love, mercy, and grace. We can’t proclaim forgiveness and new life if our actions are marked by arrogance or hatred. People trapped in sin need to see that following Jesus makes a difference—that His love transforms lives.

Challenge: Ask God to help you represent His grace well. Your life—how you treat others, what you believe—may be the closest someone gets to the gospel. Live in a way that draws them to Jesus.

Final Thought: Gandhi once said, “One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.” This truth applies to following Jesus. We can’t love fellow Christians while slandering or fighting the world. We’re called to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and represent King Jesus in all we say and do. May this reality guide our lives, transforming us for impact.

Source for Gandhi quote: Stephen Covey, First Things First (Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 121, citing Eknath Easwaran, Gandhi, the Man (Nilgin Press, 1978), p. 145.

Sunday Prayer: Grateful for God’s Kindness

Prayer Based on Titus 3:3–8

Gracious and Merciful God,

We come before You humbled by the truth of who we once were—foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by our own desires. We confess that our lives were once marked by envy, strife, and hatred. But then—You intervened.

You revealed Your kindness and love through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Not because we earned it. Not because we were righteous. But solely because of Your mercy. Thank You for saving us, for washing us clean, and for giving us new birth and new life through Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You for pouring out Your Spirit generously, not sparingly, so we might be renewed from the inside out. Thank You for justifying us by Your grace and giving us the confident hope of eternal life.

Lord, help us to never lose sight of this trustworthy truth. May our lives overflow with gratitude. Let our trust in You be shown in our devotion to doing good—works not to earn Your love, but as a response to it. May our lives become living testimonies of Your grace and kindness, pointing others to the hope we’ve found in You.

Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in love, to serve with humility, and to shine with the light of Christ. These teachings are good and beneficial for all—may we live them well for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.