What exactly is spiritual warfare?
Spiritual warfare is the ongoing conflict between the forces of good and evil and light and darkness between heaven and hell.
You may not always recognize what’s happening, but you’ll feel the effects of this battle in your life through temptation, oppression, and spiritual or physical attacks.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
Sound like a movie? Well, it’s not.
What Spiritual Warfare is Not
If you watch a lot of television or go to the movies, you know about “fantasy” or “science fiction” concerning the dark realms where the creepies come out to get you.
Have you ever heard the expression, “The truth is stranger than fiction?”
Where do most of the plots for these movies and shows come from?
Truth and reality. It’s the ongoing battle between good and evil.
But spiritual warfare is not a movie or show.
It’s truth and it’s very, very real.
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is often misunderstood and overlooked because it’s often portrayed as an action or science fiction movie.
Spiritual warfare is an unseen battle that has real and tangible effects on your physical person and your daily life.
1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
It’s imperative that you’re constantly aware of this spiritual warfare because the enemy seeks to undermine your faith and derail your walk with God.
And rest assured, he’ll do whatever it takes to make this happen. Anything and everything.
The Tactics of the Enemy
Satan is the enemy.
Understanding the tactics of the enemy is critical to defending yourself. He uses many strategies to hinder and deceive, with the ultimate goal of destroying you.
He wants to undermine your faith, rob you of your joy, and pull you away from the purpose God has for you.
John 10:10 describes his ultimate agenda: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”
To do this, he uses lies, temptation, fear, that good looking person at work, or whatever he wants. He knows what you like, and he’ll use it to turn you away from God.
He uses family, friends, television, movies, music, and more to trick you into thinking it’s okay when, according to the Bible, it’s not. He can be very subtle; if you’re not careful, he’ll have you right where he wants you.
What you think is “safe” or “okay” to watch, listen to, or participate in is just one of many tactics Satan uses to distract you from God.
A great example of how television and movies have “softened” society and made us think it’s okay to watch are bedroom scenes.
Bedroom scenes from the 1960s were rare and usually included twin beds. Later, there was a single bed, but the couple was more often on their own side.
Even later, they started showing more intimate scenes like snuggling and kissing.
But now?
Now it’s full-blown–scenes you definitely should not be watching—almost borderline porn. This is 100% biblically unacceptable to watch.
It’s the same with songs that contain curse words or “questionable” lyrics.
If you “feel” uncomfortable or “feel” like you shouldn’t be watching a show or listening to a song, that’s the Holy Spirit nudging you. Listen to that “feeling” and turn off whatever you’re watching or listening to. He’s teaching you a lesson here, so pay attention!
On the other hand, if you’re watching something that may be considered questionable by a friend or someone from church, but it doesn’t bother you, maybe you need to open your Bible and investigate what it says. Chances are, it’s not just “their problem.”
What you feed your mind through whatever medium matters. A lot.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
The Armor of God
Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side. God has provided us the power to defeat him by giving us the Holy Spirit (who lives within us), and His armor surrounding us.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul provides a detailed illustration of the spiritual armor that God has provided for believers to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
This armor includes the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness (v.14), the shoes of the gospel of peace (v.15), the shield of faith (v.16), the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v.17). Each piece of armor represents a vital aspect of our spiritual defense and equips us to withstand enemy attacks.
Verse 18 tells us to pray. In fact, praying is so important (and powerful) that it doesn’t mention it just once. This single scripture tells us three times to pray. It’s that important! Add prayer to the full armor of God, and you’ll be ready for the battle ahead!
The Authority of Believers
In addition to the armor of God, you’re given authority over the powers of darkness.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus declares, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
This verse highlights the authority every believer possesses in Christ. This authority enables you to resist the devil and see him flee.
We know this is true because James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The Power of Prayer and Intercession
As mentioned previously, prayer is a very powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Prayer enables you to access the power and resources of heaven.
Ephesians 6:18 exhorts us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
In the midst of spiritual battles, prayer allows you to petition God for strength, protection, and victory for yourself and others.
The Importance of Understanding
All believers face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ’s church.
Understanding spiritual warfare is crucial. It requires discernment, vigilance, and reliance on the power of God’s Word and Spirit.
You can stand firm against the schemes of the enemy and experience victory in the battles you face when you:
- Intentionally read and learn what’s in the Bible
- Put on the armor of God
- Exercise your authority in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit
- Engage in fervent prayer
Every day, you must move forward to gain a better understanding of spiritual warfare. In doing so, you will be strengthened by the knowledge that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
If you are newly saved, be especially aware.
Once you decide to follow Christ, the enemy knows how tender your faith is. He will launch his attacks from the most unusual places. So be on guard and have a trusted friend (or better, a circle of friends) who can help. Trust me on this.
“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:5
Read and learn the Word of God—the Holy Bible. And remember, if what you’re feeding your mind is not okay by God’s standards, it’s definitely not okay for you!
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Walk in the confidence of your identity as an overcomer in Christ!