What is Spiritual Warfare (Biblical Truth vs Modern Misconceptions)

Spiritual warfare is the inward and outward battle we face against the enemies of God. This is a universal fight. There are two kingdoms at war here: The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan and his demons. This is also known as the kingdom of light (God) and the kingdom of darkness (Satan).

This conflict doesn’t just involve a select few. It affects all Christians. You were enlisted in this fight even if you didn’t ask for it. But how do you fight against something you don’t see? How do you fight against something that you don’t understand?

By Faith. The bible says you only need faith as small as a mustard seed (Mathew 17:20-21). When you understand that concept, then you are halfway to victory.

The scripture that best explains this conflict is Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

I recall the moment I first realized I was in a war. I had no idea what I was fighting against or how to even fight. All I knew was that I was taking hit after hit. I went to church asking for help. Isn’t that where we were supposed to go in times of need? But the church couldn’t help me. They didn’t know how. If you never asked the Lord to show you, then how can you help someone, let alone yourself?

After 6 months of fear, struggling, frustration, confusion, and weariness, the Lord asked me if I was ready to fight. It was at that moment when I stopped running around in circles, looking for other people to deliver me, that the Lord taught me how to war.

Psalms 144:1-2 says, “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle-My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me.”

Before you engage in warfare, you need to know Ephesians 6:12. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Our problem is not people. Yes, Satan will use different people, places, and circumstances to forward his evil agenda. But these people and things are not the major problem. Don’t let Satan have you looking in the wrong direction while he secretly devises his wicked schemes.

There are some misconceptions about spiritual warfare:

·         If you ignore the devil, then he won’t mess with you

·         Spiritual warfare is fought in prayer only

·         I am a Christian, so I don’t have to fight

·         Jesus won the battle, so I don’t have to

·         Warfare is the job of pastors, apostles, evangelists, or any of the fivefold ministry leaders

·         My mind has nothing to do with the battle

·         The devil can just bother me at will

If the devil is constantly “bothering” you, then there is a problem. He can’t just attack at will.

In the book of Job 1:6-12, the Lord draws Satan’s attention to Job, which initiates a chain of events related to the rest of the book. In Job 1:12, Satan has to ask permission to test Job. (see also Job 2:6).

This indicates his authority is under God’s control, which also gives you, the believer, all power and authority over the enemy.

Luke 22:31 says, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.”

No matter what battle is going on, we should know that the Lord rules and reigns over “all.” That also means over Satan. He has to “ask” God for permission because even though he is the ruler of this world, there is an even greater ruler over him, and that is our heavenly Father!

We must understand where the battle takes place. The warfare is in the spiritual realm. This battleground takes place in the mind. We must realize that Satan is a defeated foe, but a crafty defeated foe.

With his highly organized kingdom, he builds strongholds in our minds, and it is our duty as God’s representatives to break down every lie and stronghold that the enemy uses against us. Your mind is a spiritual battleground, and you must learn the enemy’s strategies to defeat and overcome his assaults.

You can only do this when you know who you are and what you are fighting against. Satan deliberately sets up traps of deception and strongholds to get you to take your eyes off God, thus pulling you away from the destiny that was designed for you.

So what weapons are we to fight with?

Our spiritual weapons are:

·         The word of God

·         Prayer

·         Praise and Worship

·         Fasting

·         The name of Jesus

·         The armor of God

·         Our testimony

·         The blood of Jesus

·         Our faith

When we learn to apply the spiritual weapons that the Lord has given us, then we can come out victorious in any battle against the enemy. You can’t take a knife to a gunfight. Know your weapons!

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

This scripture reminds us that, when we learn to apply the spiritual weapons that the Lord has given us, we can come out victorious in any battle against the enemy.

                                                           Prayer

Father God, thank you that you are in every battle we face. You have given us all authority over the devil. We decree that the enemy is under our feet and we are free to live the abundant life you called us to. We apply your complete armor against all forces of darkness in the name of Jesus. No weapon that is formed against us will prosper in Jesus’ name. Anen

                                         Prophetic Declaration

You have been in a never-ending battle of confusion, despair, and loss of control. I decree that even the storm you are currently facing comes to an end today. No longer will you be tossed to and fro in the storm. The Lord is equipping you in every battle. You will know the strategy to defeat your enemy, and like David, you will pursue your enemy and take him over.