Definition: Spiritual warfare is the battle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. As followers of Christ, we are engaged in this battle.
Biblical Foundation: Paul writes, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world” Ephesians 6:12. Understanding our spiritual enemies helps us fight effectively.
II. THE ARMOR OF GOD (EPHESIANS 6:10-20)
Belt of Truth: The belt holds the armor together. Knowing God’s truth anchors us against the lies of the enemy.
Exercise: Identify lies you have believed about yourself or God. Find scriptures that speak the truth and memorize them.
Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteousness guards our hearts. Living in alignment with God’s standards protects us from the enemy’s accusations.
Exercise: Write down areas where you need God’s righteousness to shine—relationships, habits, thoughts.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Be ready to share the Gospel wherever you go, bringing God’s peace to others.
Exercise: Pray each morning for opportunities to share God’s love and peace.
Shield of Faith: Faith blocks the enemy’s attacks—doubt, fear, discouragement.
Exercise: Write down past victories and answered prayers to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. Use these as shields against the enemy’s lies.
Helmet of Salvation: Our salvation protects our minds. It reminds us that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from His love.
Exercise: Daily declare your identity in Christ, “I am saved, I am loved, I belong to God.”
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): The Word is our offensive weapon against the enemy’s lies and temptations.
Exercise: Memorize and declare Scripture aloud during times of temptation or fear.
Prayer in the spirit: Pray continually, staying alert. Prayer keeps us connected to our Commander, and it’s essential for every part of the battle.
Prayers of the Saints: Make your requests known to others for group intercession and prayers that enable more.
III. OVERCOME THE ENEMY AND WIN
OVERCOME THE ENEMY BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY
THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY (REVELATION 12:11).
IT REPRESENTS JESUS’ ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, WHICH PAID FOR OUR SINS, DEFEATED THE POWER OF DEATH, AND DISARMED SATAN (COLOSSIANS 2:15).
BY RELYING ON JESUS’ FINISHED WORK ON THE CROSS, WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL’S ACCUSATIONS, DECEPTIONS, AND ATTACKS. ALONG WITH THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, OUR TESTIMONY—DECLARING WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE IN OUR LIVES—STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH AND ENCOURAGES OTHERS.
SHARING OUR STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION AND GOD’S FAITHFULNESS NOT ONLY OVERCOMES THE ENEMY’S LIES BUT ALSO SHINES LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS, ADVANCING GOD’S KINGDOM AND REMINDING US OF HIS CONTINUED VICTORIES IN OUR LIVES.
BY POSITION OF AUTHORITY IN CHRIST (COLOSSIANS 2:13-15; LUKE 10:17; MATTHEW 28:18)
As believers, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), meaning that we share in His authority over all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1:20-21).
Jesus has defeated the enemy and given believers authority to tread on “serpents and scorpions,” representing demonic forces (Luke 10:19).
This position of authority allows us to confront the enemy confidently, knowing that Jesus’ power is greater than any attack we may face.
Understanding this spiritual position transforms how we pray, resist the enemy, and approach spiritual warfare. It is not by our strength but through Christ’s authority that we win spiritual battles.
BY THE SHIELD OF FAITH AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit are two of the most powerful weapons in the believer’s armor (Ephesians 6:16-17).
Faith acts as a shield, extinguishing the fiery darts of the enemy—accusations, doubts, and lies—by trusting in God’s promises.
The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is both defensive and offensive, enabling believers to strike down the enemy’s lies and temptations.
Jesus exemplified the power of the Word when He resisted Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
By consistently standing firm in faith and wielding God’s Word effectively, believers can resist the devil’s schemes and see him flee (1 Peter 5:9).
BY CONTROLLING THOUGHTS AND BRINGING THEM INTO SUBJECTION
VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY BEGINS IN THE MIND.
SATAN OFTEN ATTACKS THROUGH NEGATIVE, DECEPTIVE, OR TEMPTING THOUGHTS THAT AIM TO LEAD US AWAY FROM GOD’S TRUTH. ROMANS 12:2 TEACHES US TO BE TRANSFORMED BY RENEWING OUR MINDS, WHICH INVOLVES ACTIVELY REPLACING LIES WITH GOD’S TRUTH. THIS REQUIRES BELIEVERS TO “TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE TO OBEY CHRIST” (2 CORINTHIANS 10:5).
PRACTICAL WAYS TO CONTROL THOUGHTS INCLUDE MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURE, CONFESSING GOD’S PROMISES, AND MAINTAINING A PRAYERFUL MINDSET.
BY SUBMITTING OUR THOUGHTS TO GOD AND ALIGNING THEM WITH HIS WORD, WE SHUT DOWN THE ENEMY’S INFLUENCE OVER OUR MINDS, LEADING TO GREATER SPIRITUAL CLARITY, STRENGTH, AND VICTORY.
IV. STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Know Your Authority: As believers, we have authority in Christ. Recognize that Jesus has defeated the enemy and that we are fighting from a place of victory.
Pray Scripture: Use God’s Word in prayer. Declaring Scripture aloud is a powerful weapon. Exercise: Write down specific scriptures that address areas of spiritual attack (e.g., fear, doubt, temptation) and use them in prayer.
Stay Vigilant: The enemy often attacks when we’re vulnerable—tired, discouraged, or isolated. Be aware of these times and draw closer to God. Practical Activity: Set up an accountability partner. Regularly check in and pray for one another, especially during difficult times.
V. PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES FOR PRACTICING SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Group Prayer Walk: Take your group on a prayer walk around your neighborhood or city. Pray for God’s presence to fill the area and for strongholds to be broken.
Intercessory Prayer Group: Dedicate one meeting a month specifically for intercession—praying for each other, the community, and for spiritual breakthrough.
Victory Declarations: As a group, declare God’s victory over key areas (fear, addiction, disunity) in people’s lives.
VI. COMMON TACTICS OF THE ENEMY
Deception: The enemy is called the father of lies (John 8:44). He deceives us about our identity, our value, and God’s goodness. Exercise: Identify lies that you believe and write down truths from Scripture that replace them.
Accusation: The enemy accuses believers, causing shame and guilt. Exercise: Confess any sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and refuse to let the enemy hold you captive through guilt.
Distraction: Keeping us busy or preoccupied with non-essentials. Practical Tip: Create a daily schedule with dedicated time for spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible reading, worship—eliminating unnecessary distractions.
VII. THE VICTORY IS ALREADY WON
Living from Victory: We fight not for victory but from victory. Jesus has already won the battle (Colossians 2:15).
Encouragement in Community: Stand together as a community. The enemy often tries to isolate believers; however, unity brings strength. Exercise: Form prayer chains or groups to intercede for each other.
