Week 5 - Combat Part 1
October 12, 2025
Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together. Never do they love one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other's hearts in prayer. Charles Finney
God is not locked in a spiritual tug-of-war. The victory has already been won through Christ! Scripture assures us that Jesus has triumphed over every power and authority (Ephesians 1:19–23; Colossians 2:15). So why, then, must we still pay attention to spiritual warfare?
Because the enemy of our souls still whispers lies. Satan wants us to believe he holds greater power than we do, hoping we’ll forget—or perhaps never realize—that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Ephesians 1:19). Too often we underestimate this truth and misunderstand the true nature of the battle.
God’s resurrection power was not given so we could fight in our own strength, but so that His church—His holy people, together—might follow Him and bear witness to His upside-down kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. This is our calling. And of course, the enemy will do all he can to convince us it cannot be done. Yet the gospel reminds us it can and will be done. As Paul writes, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10).
So we must ask: What does God’s upside-down kingdom look like breaking into the world today? How do we, as God’s people, live this out in the face of opposition? What does faithful resistance look like in the 21st century?
The answer begins with perspective. Spiritual warfare is not about trading punches with Satan—it is about persevering and doing the good works God has prepared for us, living in such a way that His kingdom comes and His will is done, right here where we are.
This week’s readings invite us to see more clearly what that upside-down kingdom looks like, and how we can faithfully bring it to life in the world around us. This is our first engagement in combat that matters.
Begin with the prayer and instructions on the How to Start page. Be sure you have spent time in worship. Finally, ask Holy Spirit to help you hear from Him before you read. Take time to listen.
As you read each day, write down what the upside-down kingdom of God looks like in today’s world. What things get in the way of this being the reality? How is God speaking to you about what your role is? How can you engage with God’s holy people to bring the upside-down kingdom to earth this week?
Day 1 Matthew 5 - 6
Day 2 John 17
Day 3 Ephesians 1 - 2
Day 4 Mark 4
Day 5 Romans 12
Additional Scriptures for the week
