Self-Defense In Spiritual Warfare: Know Your Enemies

The resulting corollary of the 5 SemperVerus components is SELF-DEFENSE.

Practicing SELF-DEFENSE is the strategic, tactical, and intelligent ability to responsibly protect yourself from menacing spiritual and physical threats.

Notice the inclusion of the spiritual aspect that is often overlooked when considering self-defense. In the SemperVerus Brotherhood™, where we Stay True to what is right and Stay True to our aim, we are vigilant to be situationally aware (including spiritually aware) so that we’re prepared to ward off the enemies of our soul.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Situational Awareness: Spiritual Self-Defense ]

The pastor of Ada Bible Church, in Grand Rapids, MI, Aaron Buer, preached the 4-part sermon series titled Enemies of the Soul, which examines the reality and nature of spiritual warfare in our daily lives. He explores how attacks to our soul come from three directions: the devil, the world, and our own nature (the flesh). His final sermon explains that we defend ourselves from these threats by consciously and constantly putting on the armor of God. Watch each of the videos below to sharpen your everyday defenses and protect your soul.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Secure Your Base (Your Soul) ]

The Devil

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

The devil operates as God’s adversary in the world, using lies as his primary weapon to destroy God’s good work in our lives. While we live in enemy territory, we can resist the devil’s schemes by standing firm in God’s truth. Our primary battle is choosing to believe God’s truth over lies while finding hope in the assurance that through Jesus’s death on the cross and resurrection, the devil is already defeated.

Or watch it here.

  • The Devil Is Real
  • The Devil’s Desires
  • The Devil’s Strategy
  • Resisting the Devil
  • The Devil’s Defeat

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness: How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible? ]

The Flesh

The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:17

Each person’s sinful nature distorts good desires and opposes God’s work in their lives. Victory comes through Christ’s transforming power. Spiritual growth requires both honest evaluation and decisive action. Move beyond simply managing your sinful nature to actively pursuing life in the Spirit through intentional spiritual practices and daily choices that shape your character to be more like Jesus.

Or watch it here.

  • The Enemy Within
  • Winning the War
  • Take Decisive Action

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Every Small Decision Leads to Winning or Losing in Spiritual Warfare ]

The World

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

The world is an enemy of the soul. Secular society normalizes behaviors that oppose God’s truth, often reshaping our thinking without us noticing. Victory requires choosing transformation over conformity, redirecting our affections, and identifying personal battlegrounds. Build your life on biblical truth rather than cultural values; recognize and resist this powerful enemy.

Or watch it here.

  • Confusion
  • Pressure
  • Different
  • Sent

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness Self-Defense: Seeing Temptation as a Threat ]

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

The 6 pieces of God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s Word—equip us to stand firm against the devil, the flesh, and the world. Putting on our spiritual armor requires intentional daily action. We’re designed to fight spiritual threats in community, not alone. Recognize the tactics of our spiritual enemies and take decisive steps in developing spiritual practices that will help you live the full life God created you for.

Or watch it here.

  • Be Strong
  • Stand Firm
  • Wrap Yourself in God’s Truth
  • Preach the Gospel to Yourself Every Day
  • Get In Formation

— Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS —

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