Jesus said the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Paul taught that the weapons of our warfare have divine power to destroy strongholds. Peter tells us to be sober-minded and watchful for our adversary. According to Scripture, there is a war being raged around us and against us. And while the enemy’s attacks are relentless, God has not left us helpless. He covers us with His armor, strengthens us in the fight, and shelters us with protection. We are not alone. Join us as we learn to fight from His strength and under His covering.
October 12, 2025
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Key Truth:
What you believe __ how you act, and how you act determines if you win.
What are basic pieces that we need to understand about spiritual warfare?
1. Our battle is __.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh…”
2. Our weapons are __.
“… for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”
There are three primary weapons that have the ability to advance God’s kingdom against evil influence.
• Weapon 1: The __ of God (Ephesians 6:17)
• Weapon 2: The __ of God (Exodus 14, Deuteronomy 1:30, Zechariah 4:6,
Jude 9)
• Weapon 3: The __ of God’s people (James 5:16b)
3. The attack is __.
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God…”
4. The mind must be __.
“…and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…”
Reflection/Response:
• What fortresses has the enemy built in your life?
• Where is the enemy distracting you (even with good things) and it’s keeping you from the best thing (knowing God)?
• Are you trying to fight a spiritual battle with fleshly weapons?
• Are you guarding the gate of the mind? If not, what areas need to be shut?
• Are you spending time in the Word of God and prayer daily?
October 19, 2025
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
1 Peter 5:6-11
How can you remain faithful while suffering?
• __ yourself before the mighty hand of God and let Him exalt you (v. 6).
• Cast all your __ on God because He cares for you (v. 7)
• Be sober and __ because the devil is looking for someone to devour (v. 8).
• The word “Satan” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “__ or opponent.”
• The word “devil” comes from a Greek word meaning “__ or slanderer.”
• As a __, Satan deceives (2 Corinthians 11:3).
• As a __, Satan devours (1 Peter 5:8).
In nature, a lion roars for several primary reasons. It roars…
• To signal an __ of its territory
• To show dominance among the pride
• To cause __ of its prey
• As a sign of being full after gorging itself on meat
Spiritually speaking, Satan follows a similar pattern. He will roar…
• When we get too close to areas under his control
• To make us think he is __
• To bring confusion among believers
• As he gorges himself on the __ of the saints
• __ the devil by being firm in your faith and know that other believers are winning the battle (v. 9).
• Remember that suffering has a __ purpose and a time limit (v. 10).
• Remember that God alone has ultimate __ and that will never change (v. 11).
October 26, 2025
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)
Ephesians 6:10-14
Key Truth: We cannot always pick our __, but we
can choose our level of __.
What causes believers to forfeit victory and live in defeat? There
are four primary issues…
• Lack of __ with God. (John 15; 1 John 3:24)
• Lack of __ about spiritual warfare. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
• Lack of __ over sin. (Hebrews 3:13; Romans 1; Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 66:18)
• Lack of __ in general. (Proverbs 1:32; Revelation 3:15-17; 1 Peter 5:8)
Principle 1: My __ is in God; therefore, I must __ Him (v. 10).
What does it look like to be strong in the Lord and allow Him to live through us?
• We __ recognize our limitations.
• We habitually ask for God’s __..
• We willingly __ to God’s plan.
• We __ obey God’s direction.
• We patiently trust in God’s __.
Principle 2: My orders are to __ firm and resist; therefore, I must stop __ (v. 11-14a).
The Bible speaks of believers and mobility in numerous areas.
• As __, we walk through the world.
• As witnesses, we __ to the ends of the earth.
• As __, we run the race set before us.
• As soldiers, we __ firm and resist.
Principle 3: My enemy is __; therefore, I have to be __ (v. 11a-12).
November 2, 2025
Paul Gotthardt
(#4 in series)
Ephesians 6:14-18
We cannot always pick our battles, but we can choose our level of victory. Victory is a choice, but it requires us to do things God’s way. We learned 3 principles about victory from verses 10-14.
Principle 1: My strength is in God; therefore, I must pursue Him.
Principle 2: My orders are to stand firm and resist; therefore, I must stop running.
Principle 3: My enemy is strategic; therefore, I have to be prepared.
Principle 4: God’s armor is __; therefore, I must __ Him (v. 14b-17).
God is not asking us to __ His armor when the attack comes; He wants us to __ His armor that’s already there.
What comprises God’s armor and how does it work?
1. __ of truth
2. Breastplate of __
3. __ shod in the preparation of the gospel
4. Shield of __
5. __ of salvation
6. Sword of the __
Every piece of armor speaks to who Jesus __ or what Jesus has __ for us.
1. John 14:6: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll __ you of the belt of truth.
2. Jeremiah 23:5-6: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll protect you with His righteousness.
3. 2 Corinthians 4:4: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll __ you to stand in the gospel of peace.
4. John 6:29: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll shield you through faith.
5. Acts 4:12: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll __ you assurance of your salvation.
6. John 1:14: Pursue Jesus, and He’ll help you know the Word of God and the God of the Word.
November 9, 2025
Paul Gotthardt
(#5 in series)
Ephesians 6:18
What do we pray for when we don’t know where to begin?
This is NOT a prayer to end your problems; it’s a prayer to begin
your conversation with God.
Simple Prayer: “Lord, help me to pray at all __, in the Spirit, with __ and perseverance, for all the __.”
Lord, help me to pray…
…at all times…
…in the Spirit…
…with alertness and perseverance…
…for all the saints.
Spiritually __ believers have chosen to deny self and __ in others.
Reflection/Response: When our prayer life matches the description in verse 18, it challenges some of our greatest barriers to victory.
1. __
2. Distance with God
3. __ and self-reliance
4. Selfishness
If we follow the teachings of verse 18, we go…
1. From prayerlessness to __ prayer
2. From distance with God to intimacy with God
3. From pride and self-reliance to God __
4. From selfishness to serving others