The War You Cannot See: Arming Yourself For Battle: By Vahe Sargsyan

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Brothers, whether we admit it or not, we are in a war. Not a war of bullets and tanks, but of spirits and souls. St. Paul reminds us: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

This war is not optional. Every Christian man is drafted the moment he is baptized. The only question is whether we fight well—or whether we fall unarmed and untrained.

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Training for Battle

When I first entered military service, they did not hand me a weapon and send me to the front. We had to learn how to hold the weapon, how to carry it, how to point it, and finally, how to fire it. Every movement had to become second nature, drilled into us until it was instinct.

The same applies in the spiritual world. Prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and belonging to the Church community—these are our drills, our daily training. Without them, we are undisciplined soldiers, easy prey for the enemy. With them, we are ready for combat.

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The Armor of God

St. Paul lays out the equipment of the Christian soldier (Ephesians 6:13-18). Each piece is essential:
• The Belt of Truth – In war, lies and deception are deadly. Truth keeps us steady.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness – Righteousness guards the heart. Without it, every arrow of temptation pierces us.
• The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – A soldier who cannot move is already defeated. The Gospel gives us footing, stability, and direction.
• The Shield of Faith – Faith quenches the fiery darts of doubt and despair. Like a shield, it must be lifted daily.
• The Helmet of Salvation – Protect your mind. Remember who you are in Christ, and do not let the enemy’s lies define you.
• The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God – This is our only offensive weapon. A soldier without his sword cannot fight. Scripture must not only be read but wielded, quoted, and lived.

And Paul adds: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Prayer is not just one piece of armor—it binds the whole together.

As St. Cyprian of Carthage exhorted: “Put on the whole armour of God, and in the name of the Lord fight against the devil; so shalt thou resist unto the end.” (On the Lord’s Prayer, Treatises 13).

St. John Chrysostom, commenting on Ephesians, reminds us: “The truth seeks righteousness, righteousness keeps peace, and peace mercy, mercy faith…” reminding us that every piece of armor belongs together, forming one complete defense.

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The Call to Arms

Brothers, we must stop living as if Christianity is a hobby. It is not a weekend activity; it is a battlefield. Every temptation you face, every doubt you wrestle with, every struggle against sin—that is the clash of swords.

But take courage: we are not sent into battle unarmed. Christ Himself has clothed us with His armor. The Church is our training ground. The Fathers are our instructors. The sacraments are our supply line.

As St. Athanasius of Alexandria wrote: “For it is not enough to have peace, but with peace to walk in purity, righteousness, self-restraint, faith, gentleness, patience.” (Letter to Serapion, §17).

Do not leave your armor hanging in the closet. Put it on. Train with it. Use it. The war is real, but the victory is already Christ’s.

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Final Word

Men of God, the time of spiritual laziness must end. Your wife, your children, your church, your community—all are counting on you to stand, to fight, and to lead.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13).

The battlefield is here. The time is now. Put on your armor.

@highlight

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- Vahe Sargsyan holds a graduate degree in Theology from Yerevan State University. For over 16 years he has been engaged in Religious Education and now serves in the Media Department of the Western Diocese, where he produces religious content.
His writings focus on faith, heritage, and everyday Christian life of the Armenian Orthodox Christian community.