MESSAGE: Spiritual Warfare             Date: 1/11/2026

SERIES: Unseen Realm 

COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer

CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps fuel God’s mission and inspire others to join in.

WORDS THAT IGNITE: Spiritual Warfare 

• The Greek word: Pálē refers to hand-to-hand combat or wrestling, emphasizing close, personal, and ongoing conflict—not a distant or abstract war.  Anthistēmi means to resist, oppose, or stand your ground, often used in military contexts 

• Spiritual warfare is not about fear—it’s about awareness, resistance, and victory through Christ. When we stand firm in truth and stay dependent on God in prayer, we fight from a position of strength, not defeat. 

• How will you put this word into action and let it ignite your life this week?

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THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you. 

1. What is your favorite wartime movie, book, or historical period—and what makes it stand out to you?

2. In light of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell won’t prevail, where do you sense God inviting you to step forward in faith this year—and what’s one area of your life where you want to see real victory and growth? Is it worship, serving, giving, bolder in your faith, or a habit you need to start or let go of? 

3. Read 1 Peter 5:8 – Peter warns us to stay alert because the devil prowls like a roaring lion. Where do you see fear, intimidation, or isolation showing up most in your life right now? 

4. Read 1 Peter 5:9 and James 4:7 – When you face temptation, doubt, or discouragement, what does “standing firm” look like to you in real life?

5. Ephesians 6:10 calls us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. What reveals to you that you are trying to live life in your own strength instead of God’s?

6. Paul illustrates in Ephesians 6:13–14 (Belt of Truth) – What lies are you most tempted to believe—from social media, news, your own fears, coworkers, or friends—and how does God’s truth speak against those lies? 

7. Read Ephesians 6:14. Knowing that you’re covered by Christ’s forgiveness and righteousness—not your own performance—how does that shape the way you live and trust God, especially when you feel pressure to earn His favor or struggle with guilt or shame?

8. Look at Ephesians 6:16–17. What “fiery arrows” most often hit your thoughts—like doubt, fear, complacency, or condemnation—and how does trusting God and remembering who you are in Christ (your true identity) help guard your mind and heart? 

9. In Ephesians 6:17–18, God’s Word and prayer are powerful weapons. How can reading and praying Scripture help you walk in greater victory this year—and what truth can you say out loud to remind yourself that you’re standing firm in Christ’s victory?

10. When you think about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, which piece do you put on without much thought—and which one tends to stay hanging in the closet? _____________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYER OPTIONS: Practice praying out loud to grow and stretch your faith. Extra Credit: Try praying out loud with the people who love you and feel safe.

• Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord? 

• 1 & 1:  One thing to celebrate, one thing to bring to God.

• Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.

• Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week. 

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HUNGRY FOR SOME HOPE? THE BIBLE’S SERVING IT FRESH DAILY. 

• Read through the New Testament in one year – 1 chapter a day, 5 days a week, plus a bonus passage.

• Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available.

• Read it. Think about it. Live it out.

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CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith? 

Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively in the Canvas App. 

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