There is an Enemy | Rooted

Written By Jared Reiter

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to drift spiritually?

Most of us don’t wake up and decide, “Today I’m going to drift away from God.” But life gets busy. We get distracted. We skip prayer or reading scripture for a day… then a week… then longer.

Before we realize it, our dependence on God slowly shifts into self-reliance.

At Friends Church Sacramento, we recently explored this reality in our message on Ephesians 6 and the Armor of God. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Christian life isn’t just about managing our schedules or improving our habits — there is actually a deeper spiritual battle happening around us.

But here’s the good news.

The Bible reminds us that while the battle is real, the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ.

The Battle Is Real

Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This means that many of the struggles we experience — temptation, discouragement, distraction, spiritual drift — are part of a deeper spiritual reality.

But Christians are not called to live in fear. Instead, we are invited to stand firm in God’s strength.

Standing Firm in Christ

Paul tells believers to “put on the full armor of God.”

This armor isn’t about becoming stronger on our own. It’s about living in the identity and victory that Jesus has already secured for us.

When we live rooted in the gospel:

  • Truth protects us from deception

  • Righteousness guards our hearts

  • The gospel gives us stable footing

  • Faith extinguishes the enemy’s attacks

  • Salvation gives us confidence

  • God’s Word becomes our weapon

Ultimately, putting on the armor of God means living a life saturated in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: The Key to Spiritual Strength

Paul ends this passage with an instruction that often gets overlooked:

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer is not just a religious habit — it is the way we stay connected to God in the middle of the battle.

When we pray:

  • We rely on God instead of ourselves

  • We bring hidden struggles into the light

  • We receive peace, wisdom, and strength

  • We stand firm in the victory Jesus already won

A Place to Grow in Faith

If you’ve been feeling spiritually distracted, discouraged, or distant from God, you’re not alone. At Friends Church Sacramento, we are committed to helping people grow deeper in their faith and experience the transforming love of Jesus.

We are a family church in Sacramento focused on:

  • Bible teaching

  • authentic community

  • meaningful worship

  • growing together in Christ

If you’re searching for a church near you in Sacramento, we’d love to meet you.

📍 Friends Church Sacramento | 4001 E Street (East Sacramento)
Sundays at 10 AM

You can learn more at:
sacfriendschurch.org

We hope to see you soon!

Plan Your Visit

Related Resource:

Winning the War in Your Mind (book)
Jared Reiter
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