Spiritual Warfare

“The devil’s best trick is to persuade you that he doesn’t exist.”
Charles Baudelaire, The Generous Gambler

“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
George Washington

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
Mark Twain

“The only way to deal with fear is to face it.”
Linus (Charles M. Schulz), Peanuts

“The battleline between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.”
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius

We are in a fight, my friends—a supernatural conflict raging all around us. Do not be alarmed, this battlefield is not one of tanks and grenades, but of principalities and powers in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is crafty, using deception as his chief weapon, but we have the ultimate victory in Christ as He equips us for battle.

Know Your Enemy
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV). Satan is real, not a figment of our imagination or a mere symbol. He is a powerful fallen angel who rebelled against God, taking 1/3 of the angelic hosts with him (Revelation 12:4). Sinister and cunning, his single aim is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He is the father of lies (John 8:44), the accuser (Revelation 12:10), and your implacable foe, but do not be afraid. Yes, he schemes persistently against us, but his power is limited. Ultimate authority belongs to God alone. While Satan possesses some power in the present world, he cannot triumph over God’s sovereignty and will ultimately be completely overcome by Jesus in the future (Job 1:12; Luke 10:18-19). He has already been decisively defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15) and his doom is certain when Christ returns (Revelation 20:10).

Demonic Influences and Strongholds
“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” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV). While Satan heads (Matthew 12:24) the forces of evil, he is not alone. A vast army of demonic spirits (Revelation 12:7-9) aids him, once heavenly beings now corrupted by sin (2 Peter 2:4). Though invisible, these dark forces are highly influential in human affairs. They promote false religions (1 Corinthians 10:20), and propagate deception and philosophies (2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Timothy 4:1, Colossians 2:8) contrary to Christ. Demons aim to build strongholds in our lives, such as entrenched patterns of sin, deception (2 Corinthians 4:4), and oppression (Acts 10:38) that harden us to the truth. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV) says “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 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.” Paul uses the Greek word ὀχύρωμα (ochuroma) translated as “strongholds” which refers to a fortified place or fortress. In a metaphorical sense, it can mean anything that holds one captive or imprisoned mentally or spiritually such as arguments, mindsets, philosophies, and patterns of thought that are opposed to the truth of God. These become entrenched in a person’s mind and heart, setting up resistance against the knowledge of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Elsewhere, Paul refers to the same concept when he warns against being taken “captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8, ESV). Demonic forces aim to establish these mental and emotional strongholds through deception.

Paul’s teachings in passages like 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Ephesians 4:27 make it clear that believers can also give opportunities or footholds to the devil through unrepentant sin, deception, or failure to take every thought captive to Christ. In Ephesians 4:27, the Greek word translated as “opportunity” is τόπον (topon), which means a space, location, or foothold. So in this context, a foothold refers to any sin, compromise, or unrepentant area of life that allows the devil an opportunity to gain influence in a person’s life. When believers harbor unconfessed sin, bitterness, impure thoughts, desires, etc., it can provide a foothold, a base of operation, or open door for Satan to attack, accuse, and attempt to establish strongholds of deception. Continual renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) and disciplined obedience in Christ are required to tear down footholds. [Some other passages that support this concept of not giving the devil a foothold include 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, when not forgiving someone, or 1 Peter 5:8-9, in which Peter calls us to be sober-minded and watchful against the devil’s schemes to devour or gain footholds.] James 4:7 reminds us to resist the devil causing him to flee, implying he can gain ground in one’s life if not resisted. The difference is that believers have the indwelling Spirit, armor of God, and authority in Christ to aggressively resist and destroy any strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). While unbelievers remain blinded and dominated by the strongholds until transferred into the Kingdom of Light (Colossians 1:13).

Common Misconceptions to Avoid
While this battle is very real, we must be cautious of man-made ideas and sensationalistic teachings surrounding spiritual warfare that distract from biblical truth. Some incorrectly attribute every struggle or sin to demonic activity, failing to account for our own flesh’s weakness (Galatians 5:17), and laying blame at any door other than our own. Such individuals are then vulnerable to unbiblical ministries that lack scriptural basis and can open doors to further deception. A core tenet we must firmly uphold is that the Bible portrays outright demonic possession afflicting unbelievers who have not submitted to Christ as Lord and Savior. Possession implies being inhabited and controlled by evil spirits, such as the violent man who was host to legions of demons. We see this in passages such as Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39 as well as Matthew 9:32-34, Matthew 12:22-32, Mark 3:20-30, Luke 11:14-23, Matthew 15:21-28, and Mark 7:24-30. Yet they highlight Jesus’ power and authority over demonic forces and His compassion for those suffering under their influence. These accounts, however, depict a stark contrast to the condition of true believers who have been born again and secured by the indwelling Holy Spirit. There are no passages that speak about Spirit-filled believers needing deliverance from demonic possession. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is incompatible with the presence of evil or demonic influence within believers, as it would contradict the sanctity and purity of God’s presence within them (2 Corinthians 6). Habakkuk 1:13 portrays God as being so holy and pure that He cannot tolerate or look upon evil. Psalm 5:4 (ESV) reinforces this idea saying, “evil may not dwell with You.” Therefore, the idea that evil can coexist or share a place with God’s presence is contrary to the teachings of Scripture. However, for those who profess faith outwardly yet remain stagnant and carnal inwardly, not living in vital communion with the indwelling Spirit, higher levels of oppression and influence remain a potential risk. Though never full possession, the enemy preys on spiritual complacency and unrepentant sin (Ephesians 4:27). A stale spiritual life creates footholds and though they may sometimes linger, they have no sovereign foothold. We have the authority in Christ to firmly resist every attempted incursion (James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10-18). Even so, there can be an unhealthy preoccupation with demons among believers, ascribing to them more power than they possess. Demons are a defeated foe through the cross (Colossians 2:15)! Therefore, our focus must remain on living by the indwelling Spirit, not giving overwhelming attention to evil forces already conquered by our triumphant King (Romans 8:37-39).

Battlefields of the Mind and Heart
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV). The front lines of spiritual warfare is the mind. Satan’s primary offensive is to foster lies and sinful desires that corrupt from within. His “flaming darts” are deceptive thoughts aimed at your mind, accusations, anxieties, and temptations (Ephesians 6:16). Unchecked, they breed sinful behaviors and lifestyles that dishonor God. The battle is fundamentally one of identity and worship. Satan seeks to disconnect you from your identity as God’s beloved child and lures your heart away from wholehearted devotion to Christ through alluring false philosophies and cravings for sin (Ephesians 4:22, 1 John 2:16). Be sober and watchful over your thought life! Be cautious of unbiblical ideas that divide the person into separate and distinct parts requiring special rituals. We are an integrated unity of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The Bible teaches that when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they are born again or regenerated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-7, Titus 3:5). We are made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5, 1 Peter 3:18) and freed from bondage to sin and darkness through His sacrifice (John 8:36, Colossians 2:15). As new creations in Christ, we must firmly root our identity in Him, not past traumas or oppression (2 Corinthians 5:17). Clothed in His righteousness, we are called to the continual renewal of our minds, taking every thought captive to obey Christ (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5). The battlefield rages over the thoughts, arguments, and mindsets that need demolishing by the sword of the Spirit’s truth (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12). Will we conform our minds to sinful lusts as before, or by being sober-minded, will we prepare our thoughts for obedience to Christ as beloved children of God (1 Peter 1:13-14)? Satan aims to foster unbelief, but we must fortify our souls by setting our hope fully on the grace brought through Jesus’ coming. So guard your mind and heart, believer! In Christ, you have everything you need to demolish every anti- God argument and be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). No stronghold is too fortified for the living God and His Word that judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

The Armor of God: Your Spiritual Defenses
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). How do we withstand such a formidable foe? By clinging to Christ and donning the comprehensive spiritual armor God provides:
1. The Belt of Truth (v.14) – Commit to the truth of God’s Word as your core guiding principle. Lies and deception have no place.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14) – Live with moral integrity, fleeing sin and pursuing holiness empowered by Christ’s righteousness.
3. The Shoes of the Gospel (v.15) – Walk confidently in the peace, freedom, and readiness that come from embracing the good news.
4. The Shield of Faith (v.16) – Extinguish every flaming dart of temptation, anxiety, or falsehood through active, unwavering trust in God’s character and promises.
5. The Helmet of Salvation (v.17) – Rest securely in your eternal salvation and closeness to God, which the enemy cannot steal or undermine.
6. The Sword of the Spirit (v.17) – Wield the living Word of God to discern and defeat the enemy’s deceptions. Let it judge your thoughts and desires.
7. Pray in the Spirit (v.18) – Prayer is indispensable! Stay alert and persistent in petitioning God’s power and discernment in every spiritual battle.

Embracing Your New Identity in Christ
For those in Christ, you are a new creation! The old has gone; the new has come through the transformative power of the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your identity was once defined by sin and separation from God, but no more. In Christ, you have been reconciled and adopted as His beloved child (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5-6). This is no mere outward reformation, but an inside-out rebirth into righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Dwelling within you is the Holy Spirit Himself, the seal of your eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). He is the endless well of power to live out your new nature according to God’s will. As you walk in step with the Spirit, His fruit takes shape in your life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control (Galatians 5:22-23). What a radical departure from your former desires! The Spirit’s abiding presence in the assurance that you are forever enfolded into God’s faithful family (Hebrews 13:5).

Winning the Good Fight
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called”
(1 Timothy 6:12, ESV). The war has been won through Christ’s death and resurrection, but the spiritual battles remain until He returns. Satan is a ferocious fighter, exploiting every vulnerability. He will not let up until you resist him, being firm in your faith (1 Peter 5:9). So stay alert! Put on your armor daily through repentance, worship, and God’s Word. Demolish mental strongholds by taking every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). Above all, remain steadfast and immovable, abounding in Christ’s work because your labor is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)! In your fiercest spiritual battles, never forget that you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you (Romans 8:37). Yes, evil forces still scheme, but Jesus has already disarmed them at the cross, triumphing over every ruler and authority (Colossians 2:15). In Him, you are liberated from sin’s prison! Truly free indeed (John 8:36)! No condemnation and no weapon forged against you can prosper (Romans 8:1, Isaiah 54:17). For your identity is rooted in the unshakable victory achieved by your conquering King. You are an overcomer! Let that eternal truth burn in your spirit as you wage war against the enemy’s deceptions and strongholds.

As you go forth into each day’s spiritual skirmishes, dear reader, remember: The omnipotent God and Commander of Heaven’s armies goes with you (Psalm 24:8-10). His strength is yours for the asking. His victory is assured. So take courage, warrior! Hold your ground. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, whom even the demons shudder (James 2:19) before. Through His cross, Satan has been disarmed and triumphed over. Nothing can overcome the force of a life wholly surrendered to the King of Kings. Will you rise and take your stand on the battlefield? The Kingdom advances through overcomers like you. The fight is ferocious, but the prize is Life Himself. Stay alert, stay armed, stay faithful! Our conquering King has overcome!