Fighting What You Can't See

Topic Introduction:

Every man knows what it feels like to be in a fight—whether it’s for your family, your job, your integrity, your mental health, or your future. Some fights are obvious. But there are others we rarely name: discouragement, temptation, isolation, shame, and spiritual apathy.

These aren’t just personal struggles—they’re part of a larger, invisible war. The Bible is clear: we are in a spiritual battle, and every man is a soldier whether he realizes it or not. But here’s the hope: God hasn’t left us unarmed. He’s given us spiritual armor, a clear strategy, and the power of Christ to stand firm.

Opening Questions:

Have you been in a fight? What about —emotionally, mentally, or relationally?
Have you ever felt like something bigger was working against you—but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it?
Why do you think we tend to focus only on what we can see, instead of considering deeper or spiritual causes?
In your life, when do you feel most spiritually vulnerable or exposed?
If you believed you were in a real battle every day, how would that change the way you prepared yourself?

Main Talking Points:

1. There Is a Real Enemy

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
John 10:10a (ESV): “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”
Reflection: Where have you seen signs of this spiritual battle in your life or in the world around you?

2. God Has Equipped Us With Armor

Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV): “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 schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:13–17 (ESV): “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Reflection: What piece of spiritual armor do you tend to forget or neglect the most? Why?

3. The Word and Prayer Are Our Weapons

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Reflection: How would your mindset shift if you saw prayer and the Word not as “disciplines” but as battle tactics?

4. Victory Comes Through Jesus, Not Willpower

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (ESV): “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Romans 8:37 (ESV): “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
James 4:7 (ESV): “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Reflection: Where have you tried to fight spiritual battles in your own strength? How can you shift to relying on Christ?

Outro: Thought & Motion

🧠 Thought (Prayer):

Ask God to reveal what's going on in the spiritual. Look for ways the enemy could be influencing things.

🛡️ Motion (Action Challenge):

Read or recite Ephesians 6:10–18 and mentally “put on” each piece of armor. Take 3–5 minutes to pray through each one.