Christian

What Is Spiritual Warfare, Really?

Cindy Dawson

Many years ago, when I was in a Word of Faith church, I was wrongly taught that we had “revelation knowledge”. It was actually a prideful attitude, thinking we knew and understood so much more than that “religious” church down the street.

We naively sought understanding from the many books written by false teachers that could be found in our bookstore. Some of these errant teachings on spiritual warfare have permeated evangelical Christianity.

I decided to set aside everything I had learned from “Bible teachers” and books and to seek understanding about spiritual warfare from the Bible alone.

What the Bible says about spiritual warfare is straightforward and plain to see. There is no mysterious, hidden meaning that only the spiritual elite can understand. The Bible warns us about the ways of Satan. It also tells us how to stand against his schemes. Only by reading and studying God’s Word daily will we learn these things. There is no shortcut.

Spiritual Warfare isn’t some mysterious prayer technique. In fact, it really isn’t that complicated at all. In its purest form, engaging in spiritual warfare is proclaiming the Gospel and speaking the Truth in God’s Word.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Stop and think about that for a moment. The world today believes many lies that literally shock the senses! I won’t list them here because you already know what they are.

“True spiritual warfare is a battle for the minds of men because they are held in bondage to Satan by believing the lies that he (Satan) has told them.”

Jim Osman, Truth or Territory

The Christian’s battle (true spiritual warfare) is not a feeling, an intuition or an imaginative experience in the spirit realm – however real it might seem.”

Bruce Cooper, Reasoned Cases for Christ

To be a mighty warrior, we must trust in God’s Word. We must study it to be prepared. Consider this familiar passage on spiritual warfare. Notice that this passage is about how to “STAND”. Why do we need to know how to stand? Because in today’s world, standing for truth can have its dangers. You might not be executed if you are fortunate enough to live in the West. But you could lose your job, your friends, or be outright hated and persecuted.

“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. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Our battle is not against people. It’s against the devil and his demonic forces. Our only weapon is the Word of God, the Truth. But to stand against the devil’s schemes, we have been given “the armor of God”. Our faith (trust in God and His might) is our Shield.

Ultimately, spiritual warfare is not about a technique to battle demons. It is proclaiming God’s Word in a world under Satanic deception to a people who walk in darkness.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus (John 8:12 NIV)

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

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32 thoughts on “What Is Spiritual Warfare, Really?”

        1. I “travel” to Scotland every day to read your devotional! My friends here travel on jets, but I “travel” to visit my friends around the world through the Internet! And such wonderful friends they are!
          (If I was able to actually go to Scotland, the first place I would go would be to the Mustard Seed Fellowship!)

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  2. Thank you, Cindy! I’ve just completed another devotion on wisdom and “equipping” ourselves! Yes, the evil is not in the people~recently I had a conversation, very similar to your words, with two other Christ followers. Thank you for “sharpening” us with the truth ~found only in HIS living Word! God bless you, my friend.❤️🙏🏻

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    1. Good morning, my friend! I hope you are doing well today! The people who are walking in darkness and also people for whom Christ died. May they see the glorious light of the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord. Blessings, Karla and Finn! 🙏🐾💕

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      1. Amen! Finn and I send our love and hugs to you and Henry! I had my treatment and am sore~but moving. I’m so thankful to God. The cancer center is a fertile field to sow his seeds of truth, love, and the best~reconciliation, restoration, and salvation! Will you pray for me as I move forward in using that field to do some work? My twin sister is taking Finn and I to a festival where I might see a couple of actors from my favorite show, Little House on the Prairie. It’s a good day to be a duck, fish, or tree here in SW MO with all this rain we’ve had. It’s a good day to be here and walk in love and faith! I’m so thankful for you, my friend ❤️🙏🏻🐾

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        1. And I am thankful for you! I will absolutely pray for you in your ministry! And that is what it is! I am reminded of the Apostle Paul who said, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) Even though he was in prison, he viewed it as an opportunity to proclaim Christ.
          I hope you enjoy your “Little House” visit. I have seen the signs when I visited Springfield to see my sister. The next time I go, I will let you know and maybe we can meet!! God bless you today, Karla! 🙏 🐾 🤗

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    1. It can be difficult to erase errant teaching from one’s mind if immersed in it. I have found that it takes time, but the Lord will help us. Thanks for commenting Pastor Pete. God bless you today!

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  4. Thanks for this, Cindy. I recently visited a cult (don’t know what else to call it) at the request of someone I’ve been wanting to be a light to for many years. She had come to a real church the week before so felt it was only fair I visit this one with her. I prayed, was reminded of I John 4:4, and I felt no fear. We spent the night at their compound, and I was up extra early the next morning. I worshiped with my guitar, prayed, and walked around the living quarters, praying for the people. But the real warfare happened later, when I questioned their guru, quoting Jesus and pointing out that his “new revelations” were contrary to Scripture.

    We can “put on the armor” all we want, and it’s good to be protected. But our weapon for fighting back is the Word of God, and it’s hard to use the sword of the Spirit if we don’t know what it says. Otherwise, we’ll get sucked in by the next charismatic leader that comes along.

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    1. I couldn’t agree more! Thank you, Annie, for sharing this with our readers. You are very brave, but that doesn’t surprise me. You are bold and brave (which I am not). Thank you for all you do to further the Gospel. Praying for you as you speak the truth of God’s Word! 🙏

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  5. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
    Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
    and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’”
    Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”
    (Matthew 4:1-11 LSB)

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  6. How I love your strong stand for truth, the truth found only in God’s Word! As you said, the battle isn’t about a technique but about knowing and using the Word of God. My sword is laying on my desk and planted in my heart. It’s my responsibility to study and to use God’s Word, and watch God do the rest. Thank you once again, Cindy, for your wise encouragement.

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  10. Pingback: What Is Spiritual Warfare, Really? – Gospelchats.Com

  11. Excellent piece! I love that you decided to pick up your bible and study it. This is something I and my husband came to a conclusion about the Bible years ago… you are best of sitting alone with your bible (bring a pen and paper if you need) and just slowly read and let the words settle in your mind. The bible is written so a CHILD can understand the basics of how to conduct yourself as a child of God. All these false teachers and teachings wouldnt be a thing if people said “let me go check my bible in whatever nonsense was spewed and see if it checks out” 8/10 the person is NOT using the bible or manipulating texts to suit their POV which as been skewed by the devil.

    Spiritual warfare is not to joke about…and that’s why after God blessed me beyond my wildest dreams, I was like I will never be ashamed of Jesus again in front of a unbeliever.

    The father of lies HATES truth so I notice when I speak of Jesus and the Word how quickly someone I am friends with becomes hostile and defensive. Without even accusing them of anything, simply stating that God is Real and it is prudent to get to know Jesus and live a life according to his. I get it because when I was away from God, anything from the bible that didn’t tickle.my ear, my heart was cold and hard towards it.

    But in 2024 I’d rather have zero friends and connections if it means the truth of God was stood on and announced.

    Side note I have heard of Word of faith but have zero idea what that means. I assumed it people who believe they can speak things into existence….when that’s something only God can do

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    1. Yes, that’s one thing they believe, power of the spoken word, also known as “name it and claim it.” They teach that faith is a force that the believer has at his command to control circumstances. In truth, faith is trusting the Lord in all situations. Thank you for your message. May God bless you richly today, Lisa!

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