1. What is spiritual warfare?

The fight between good and evil in the world.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. —Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. —Isaiah 14:12-15 (NIV)

2. Why should I care?

There’s a thief and murderer among us.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. —John 10:10 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. —1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

3. Should I be scared?

Yes! If you’re not walking with Jesus.

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. —Acts 19:13-16 (NIV)

4. How can I be victorious?

Submission and Scripture

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. —James 4:7-8 (NIV)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. —Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)

F3 Discussion Questions

Icebreaker: It isn’t fall without (you fill in the blank).

1. Ephesians 6:10-12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Put this passage in your own words. What does it say? What stands out to you?

2. Why is it important to remember who our enemy is and isn’t?

3. If we are at war, what do you think is at stake?

4. What does culture/Hollywood tell us spiritual warfare would look like? What does it actually look like? Provide daily examples.

5. What does it mean to resist? Why does the devil flee from us when we resist him?

Going deeper:

In what area of your life do you find yourself in a constant struggle? What is a Bible verse that can specifically help you stand against the devil’s schemes? Memorize this verse. When the struggle comes up, recite this verse and do what it says. When you do, be sure to journal about it.