Divine Defenses: Strategies for Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6 is our guide to spiritual warfare. We need to know how to daily deploy our divine defenses. Here are the seven (7) strategies of spiritual warfare used to defeat the enemy. This post is rather long. Therefore, I created a PDF for you to download to read and study at your convenience.

1. Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)
• “So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14a)

• “So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (John 8:31-32)

• “Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)

Application: Each morning, identify one specific area where you might be tempted to compromise truth today. Write it down and consciously commit that situation to God, asking for strength to remain honest and authentic

2. Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)
• “…with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14b)

• “He made Christ who knew no sin, to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Application: Before facing your day, examine your heart for any unconfessed sin. Take a moment to confess specifically, receive God’s forgiveness, and ask Him to strengthen you in areas of weakness or temptation you anticipate facing today.

3. Feet Fitted with Readiness from the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)
• “…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

• “How beautiful and delightful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, Who brings good news of good [things], Who announces salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

• “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” (John 14:27)

Application: Identify one person in your path today who needs peace, salvation, or a word from God. Prepare a specific way to share God’s love with them—whether through an encouraging word, a helpful action, or simply a listening ear. Pray for this encounter before it happens.

4. Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
•  ^“Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

• “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].” (Hebrews 11:1)

• “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Application: Write down your biggest current worry, fear, or threat. Next to it, write a promise from Scripture that addresses this specific concern. Throughout the day when this worry surfaces, actively call to mind this promise and declare it as truth over your situation, and overcome it with the Word.

5. Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
• “Take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:17a)

• “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

• “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” (Acts 4:12)

Application: Set a reminder on your phone to pause three times each day. When it goes off, take 30 seconds to thank God specifically for your salvation and to refocus your thoughts on your identity in Christ. Identify any negative thought patterns and replace them with the truth of who you are in Him.

6. Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)
• “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17b)

• “For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

• “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

• “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Application: Choose one verse from this guide that particularly resonates with you today. Write it on a card or save it on your phone. Read it aloud three times, then spend 2-3 minutes meditating on its meaning. Revisit this verse throughout the day, especially when facing challenges.

7. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
• “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)

• “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; ¹⁷ be unceasing and persistent in prayer; ¹⁸ in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

• “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

• “This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

Application: Create a prayer rhythm by identifying three specific times each day when you will pause for intentional prayer (perhaps morning, noon, and evening). At each time, pray specifically for: 1) your own spiritual protection, 2) someone in your family or close circle, and 3) a fellow believer you know who is facing a spiritual battle.

As you faithfully put on each piece of God’s armor daily, remember that this spiritual discipline is not merely a ritual, but a relationship. The armor of God is not just protection against evil but equipment for kingdom advancement. Through consistent application of these truths from Ephesians 6, you are being transformed into Christ’s image and empowered by His Spirit. The battles you face are real, but so is the victory that has already been secured at the cross. Stand firm in this truth, covered in His righteousness, grounded in His peace, shielded by faith, assured of salvation, wielding His Word, and continually connected through prayer. In doing so, you not only survive spiritual warfare but thrive as Christ’s ambassador in a world desperately in need of His truth and love. SELAH! 

You can download your PDF here.