Ephesians 6:10–12 reminds us that the Christian life is a battle not against flesh and blood but against the unseen powers of darkness. Paul urges believers to be strengthened in the Lord’s power, for we cannot stand firm in our own strength. This passage calls us to put on God’s armor daily, knowing that only in Christ can we resist the schemes of the devil and remain steadfast in faith.

Revelation 12:7–12 unveils a war in heaven where Michael defeats the dragon, and Satan—the ancient serpent and accuser—is cast down. A heavenly hymn explains the meaning: Christ’s death and resurrection inaugurate God’s kingdom, silencing the accuser, and believers conquer “by the blood of the Lamb” and the word of their testimony, loving not their lives even unto death. Heaven rejoices, but earth faces the dragon’s fury for a short time—an already/not-yet call to courageous, faithful witness.

Psalm 35 is David’s cry for God to contend with enemies who attack him “without cause.” The psalm moves through scheming, mobbing, and gloating, yet each section ends in hope that God sees and will vindicate. For Christians, it points to Jesus, who was hated without cause, and it reminds us to pray honestly, trust God’s justice, and end with praise even in the face of injustice.

Paul says he does teach wisdom—but not the status-seeking wisdom of this age; it’s God’s hidden wisdom revealed in Christ and shared “among the mature.” The rulers of this age proved their blindness by crucifying the Lord of glory, unwittingly advancing God’s eternal plan. For those who love God, He has prepared a glory beyond anything eyes have seen, ears have heard, or hearts could imagine—calling us to cross-shaped maturity, not worldly acclaim.

Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute, astonishing the crowd and prompting speculation that He might be the Messiah. The Pharisees shockingly dismiss the miracle, claiming that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Satan rather than the Spirit. In response, Jesus highlights the division that such accusations represent and delivers a solemn warning that while most sins can be forgiven, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—denying the Spirit’s work—will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come.

Colossians 2:13–15 shows that though we were once dead in sin, God made us alive with Christ by forgiving all our trespasses. At the cross, He canceled the record of debt that stood against us, nailing it to the cross and erasing it forever. In doing so, God disarmed the powers of darkness and publicly triumphed over them, giving believers both freedom from guilt and confidence in Christ’s victory.

John 12:26–37 shows Jesus embracing the cross as the hour of his glorification and the Father’s. Though his soul is troubled, he prays for God’s name to be honored, and a voice from heaven confirms it. At the cross, the world is judged, Satan is cast out, and all people are drawn to Christ—so we are urged to walk in the Light while it is still with us.

Psalm 34 is David’s song of thanksgiving after God delivered him from danger, turning his fear into praise. It invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” reminding us that those who seek Him lack no good thing. The psalm assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted, delivers the righteous, and redeems His servants, pointing us to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s saving care.