What if the greatest battles in your life are the ones you can't see?

Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Yet in a world focused on what we can see, it's easy to overlook the reality of spiritual warfare.

In Week 3 of MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God, Pastor Dale Oquist explores Ephesians 6:10-12 and the unseen spiritual forces at work in our world.

Through the experiences of the early Church in Ephesus, the seven sons of Sceva, and the teachings of Jesus, we discover how the enemy works through deception, temptation, division, and discouragement.

But recognizing the battle is only part of the message. Pastor Dale challenges us to consider whether we truly know Jesus and live under His authority, or whether we're simply familiar with His name.

There is a difference between using the name of Jesus and living under His authority.

In This Message, You'll Discover:

-Why our struggle is not against flesh and blood

-What Scripture teaches about the unseen spiritual world

-How deception, pride, temptation, and division influence our lives

-Why the early Church recognized spiritual warfare

-What the seven sons of Sceva teach us about spiritual authority

-Why spiritual authority cannot be borrowed or manipulated

-How knowing Jesus and submitting to Him changes how we face spiritual opposition

Three Truths to Remember

1. There is more to life than what we can see.

The spiritual battle described in Scripture is real, even when its activity is not visible to us.

2. The enemy works through deception.

Recognizing the enemy's schemes helps us remain grounded in God's truth rather than being led by fear, temptation, or division.

3. Spiritual authority comes through relationship with Jesus.

Religious familiarity is not a substitute for knowing Jesus and living in submission to Him.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

Am I living with an awareness of the spiritual battle described in Scripture?

Where might deception, pride, temptation, or division be influencing my decisions?

How can I grow in spiritual discernment while remaining grounded in God's Word?

Am I depending on the Holy Spirit or my own strength when facing opposition?

Do I truly know Jesus and live under His authority, or am I simply familiar with Him?

Scripture References

Ephesians 6:10-12

Acts 19:11-20

2 Corinthians 4:18

Luke 10:17-19

John 8:44

Genesis 3:1-7

Matthew 4:1-11

2 Corinthians 2:11

2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

About This Series | MORE

There is more of God for you.

In MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God, we explore who the Holy Spirit is, why Jesus promised Him to His followers, and how His presence empowers us to live out God's Kingdom here on earth.

Discover what it means to be filled with the Spirit, transformed by His power, and equipped to make Jesus known in our world.

Pastor Dale Oquist | November 8, 2026

Peoples Church | Fresno, California

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