Against the Schemes of the Devil

Our battle is a spiritual battle against spiritual enemies—the devil and fallen angels we commonly call demons. The spiritual war rages around us every day. If we’re going to fight well in this battle, we need strength, defense, and weapons that come from somewhere outside of ourselves.

Sermon Outline:

I. We Have an Enemy.

II. The Enemy Uses Schemes Against Us.

III. We Have a Strong Defense.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Paul reminds us that our battle is against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood. How does recognizing this shift in perspective influence the way we approach conflicts with others in our lives?

2. We heard several examples of schemes the devil uses to cause us to fall such as temptation and deception. Can you share a time when you recognized one of these schemes in your own life? How did you respond?

3. Paul encourages us to be “strong in the Lord.” What practical steps can we take to cultivate spiritual strength and reliance on God in our daily lives?

4. We should not be ignorant of the devil’s schemes. What areas in your life do you find yourself most vulnerable to spiritual attacks, and how can Christian community help in these areas?