Sunday Sermon: Spiritual Warfare & Understanding the Battlefield

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:12).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today I want to talk about a battle that each one of us is born into, a battle between the forces of good and evil. It’s not a battle fought with physical weapons but with spiritual ones. We must recognize that we are either prisoners of the enemy, unwittingly manipulated by sin, or soldiers of Christ, armed with the armor of God.

Some among us may have knowingly chosen to serve the evil one, strategically positioned to sow confusion and discord among believers. But when we choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we switch sides, and our allegiance changes.

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:6-7).

The Battlefield

This spiritual warfare takes place primarily in the battlefield of our minds. It’s where Satan establishes his foothold and then spreads his influence to other areas of our lives. Remember, any sin first starts as a thought in the mind. The mind is the factory of our thoughts, and it’s here that repentance begins.

“Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart…for out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:18-19).

Our mouths reveal what’s in our hearts, and our hearts define our behavior. Love for God and each other resides in our hearts, shaping our actions and attitudes. This battle encompasses every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces, and even within our churches, where the spiritual warfare often goes unnoticed.

 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). It is the seat of love with which we love God and each other. “Jesus said to him, ” ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37).

How to Win the Battle

To emerge victorious, we must let the Holy Spirit search our hearts and minds. We must invite God to uncover any wickedness within us and guide us toward everlasting life.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Additionally, we need the full armor of God, including the helmet of salvation, to protect our minds. Without it, we are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Remember, we must wear the whole armor all the time.

Claiming a sound mind, one that reflects the mind of Christ, is essential. We should focus our thoughts on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Our thoughts should align with the obedience of Christ, as we bring every thought into captivity to His truth.

“.. whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

“…bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5),

We must also exercise control over our senses, as they are the gates to our minds. Just as you wouldn’t allow anything into a secure place like the White House without thorough screening, we must scrutinize everything that enters our minds. Protect your spiritual integrity by being discerning about what you watch and listen to.

In my own life, I’ve chosen not to watch television for many years. Instead, I opt for online streaming services that don’t bombard me with subtle and harmful messages. This decision has shielded me from the perversion and manipulation often found in today’s programming.

Dear brothers and sisters, God can help you protect your heart and mind from the influence of the enemy, just as He has done for me. Be vigilant about what you allow into your spirit through your eyes and ears, and trust in the Lord to guide you on this journey of spiritual warfare.

Remember, it’s a battle worth fighting, for our souls and the souls of those around us.

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and reflect on your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step and trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Bible verses:

Here is a list of Bible verses along with excerpts from each verse in the New King James Version (NKJV):

1. Romans 8:28-30: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
2. Ephesians 1:4-5: “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
3. 2 Timothy 1:9: “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”
4. Luke 3:3: “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
5. Matthew 11:11: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
6. Luke 1:39-45: “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.’”
7. John 1:6-9: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
8. Romans 8:6-7: “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.”
9. Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
10. Matthew 15:18-19: “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

These Bible verses cover a range of topics, from predestination and calling to repentance, the ministry of John the Baptist, and the importance of a transformed mind and heart. They provide valuable insights into various aspects of the Christian faith.

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About the writer:

Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. In addition to her passion for writing, Fyffe is actively involved in community outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.