Based on the sermon:

Gearing Up for Battle: Spiritual Preparation for 2025

By Chris Schroeder

As we stand at the threshold of 2025, many of us are making the usual resolutions—exercise more, eat healthier, save money. While these goals are worthwhile, there’s a more crucial preparation we need to consider: our spiritual readiness for the battles ahead.

Just as athletes gear up for competition, we need to equip ourselves for spiritual warfare. This isn’t about physical combat, but rather the daily challenges to our faith, character, and peace of mind. The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, used the armor of his guards as a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation. Let’s explore what this means for us today.

The Belt (our foundation): Integrity

Think of integrity as your spiritual belt—it holds everything else together. In today’s world of “relative truth” and “my truth,” standing firm in absolute truth is more critical than ever. Integrity isn’t just knowing what’s right; it’s doing what’s right even when no one’s watching. It means being the same person in every room, whether you’re at church, work, or scrolling through social media alone.

The Breastplate (our heart guard): Purity

The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart— what we watch, listen to, and focus on. In our media-saturated world, this is increasingly challenging. Sometimes, we need a “heart check”: Are we hurting? Exhausted? Angry? Resentful? Tempted? These states can make us vulnerable to compromise.

The Shoes (how we walk in peace): Serenity

Like choosing the right shoes for different occasions, we need to intentionally put on peace. It’s particularly challenging in our relationships—peace would be easier if we lived alone like monks! Yet, as Christians, we’re called to be peacemakers, bringing calm to chaos. When conflicts arise, our presence should diffuse tension, not escalate it.

The Shield: Certainty in God’s Promises

Our shield of faith needs to be ready for the enemy’s arrows—doubt, discouragement, delays, difficulties, and depression. These aren’t just emotional states; they’re spiritual attacks requiring spiritual defense. When Satan whispers “Did God really say?” or “Things will never change,” we counter with God’s promises. There are over 7,000 of them in Scripture—plenty of ammunition for any battle.

The Helmet (how we protect our minds): Sanity

The helmet of salvation protects our thought life. In an age of information overload and constant mental stimulation, guarding our minds is crucial. Salvation gives us a new perspective—things we once found acceptable now trouble our conscience. This renewed mind helps us recognize and reject thoughts that don’t align with God’s truth.

The Weapon (what we use in the offensive position): Maturity

The sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—is our only offensive weapon. But knowing Scripture isn’t enough; Satan himself knows Scripture. We need to apply it, live it, use it in battle. This requires more than casual reading. We need systematic study, meditation, and memorization. Make 2025 the year you move beyond surface-level engagement with God’s Word.

The Power Source: Prayer

Prayer isn’t just a spiritual bookend—something we do before meals or meetings. It’s our power source, our communication line with headquarters. In 2025, consider establishing a dedicated quiet time. Find a specific place and time to not just talk to God, but listen. Join others in prayer. Make it more than a ritual—make it your lifeline.

As we enter 2025, the world seems increasingly chaotic. Political tensions, economic uncertainties, and social upheavals continue to challenge our faith and peace. But remember: we fight from victory, not for victory. Christ has already won the ultimate battle. Our job is to stand firm, fully equipped, ready for whatever challenges come our way.

So while you’re making those New Year’s resolutions, consider your spiritual armor. Is there a piece that needs reinforcing? Have you been neglecting your sword practice? Is your prayer life powering all the other pieces? The battles of 2025 are coming, whether we’re ready or not. The time to prepare is now.

Stand firm, fellow warrior. Put on your armor. The battle is the Lord’s, but the preparation is ours.