Week 1 of Armor of God (Sizing up the enemy)

The Armor of God: The Enemy Is Real, But So Is Our Savior What does it mean to live in the middle of a spiritual battle? As we begin the Armor of God study, Week 1 challenges us to recognize that although the battle may be invisible, it is very real. There is an enemy—but there is also a Savior who has already won the victory. In this devotional, we look at James 4:7–8 and what it means to submit and draw near to God, resist the devil, and take sin seriously through repentance. We’re reminded that our response to spiritual battle isn’t to try to fight on our own. Instead, we turn toward God, stand firm in Christ, and trust His promises. The Armor of God isn't about making us superheroes or giving us strength to win a battle ourselves. It reminds us that we belong to Jesus—and that Jesus has already won. So when life feels like a game of whack-a-mole, with one struggle after another popping up, don't forget to look beneath the surface. And don't be afraid. The enemy is real, but so is our Savior. And our Savior has already won. As you head into the rest of the Armor of God study, consider three questions: Am I drawing near to God? Am I resisting the enemy's lies? Is there something in my own heart that God is calling me to repent of? “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8