What is spiritual warfare?
"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." —Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
The forces of good and evil are constantly battling each other all around us—in both the physical and spiritual realms. We're mostly unaware of the spiritual battles because they can't be seen with the naked eye. But when the forces of darkness cause hardship and suffering in our lives or draw us away from what God wants us to do, this is spiritual warfare.
Darkness vs. Humanity
"Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God." —2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)
Satan launched his first strategic attack against humanity when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Once she and Adam chose to sin, human nature was forever changed to a nature that rejects God and is prone to following Satan's influence. Satan is responsible for establishing evil regimes, crime-filled communities, and abusive families. His demons control entire kingdoms (Daniel 10:12-14). In this way, Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Our spiritual enemy's influence is also evident tactically. He and his demons, and especially his world systems, attack us individually—right in our hearts and lives. Satan blinds people to Jesus' love, compassion, and offer of forgiveness (2 Corinthians 4:4). He discourages believers by planting doubts, anxieties, false guilt, and more.
We may know what God wants us to do but just not want to do it. Because of Satan's lies, we may feel too tired to pray or too unqualified to share the gospel or unworthy of love or even question our salvation. Enduring spiritual attack can be so exhausting. So how can we protect ourselves when spiritual warfare is all around us?
Enemy Strategies
One of the best ways to recognize an enemy's attack is to understand how they work. Satan's first and most successful strategy is to tell us that his offer is better than what God wants for us. He tries to convince us we that deserve something God has already told us will be harmful or dangerous (Romans 1:18-25).
The second strategy he uses is fear. Satan is behind the horrors of everything from war to the vicious gossip of classmates. His arrows hit us physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally. He leads us to doubt God, which is the greatest hardship of all.
Satan's more subtle strategy is to create inconveniences and mundane interruptions that ultimately pull us away from God's will (1 Kings 13). What may seem like quick distractions can keep us from things as small as sharing a kind word or participating in meaningful conversations. He may also use whispered lies to cause profound damage to our spiritual and mental well-being.
Learning to Fight Back
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." —Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Just as a Roman soldier would want full protection from his enemy's weapons, we must also put on our protections—the full armor of God. If we're not outfitted with spiritual defenses, any vulnerable area left open is a prime target for the evil one's devious plans. If we don't have the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:7), then we have no way to stand against, overcome, and destroy our spiritual enemy.
2 Corinthians 4 gives weary Christians powerful encouragement. While evil forces tempt us to abandon God's work, God reminds us we're to shine His light in the darkness. The world beats us up, yet God promises that this hardship is temporary. Even if we're knocked down, Satan can't destroy God's children.
In our daily lives, we encounter opportunities to do what's right in the eyes of God. If we say yes, it's almost certain something will happen that makes doing the right thing much harder. Honestly, that's sometimes evidence that you're on the right track! Whatever the situation, we need to rely on the power of God and not give in to fear. We can—and must—stand firm in the midst of spiritual warfare.
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." —2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)
ALSO SEE:
- What is the full armor of God?
- What is the sword of the Spirit?
- How much power does Satan have?
- What is the sin nature?
- If God knew Adam and Eve would sin, why did He create them?
- How can I know if I'm hearing God, Satan, or just myself?
- Are demons real?
- What do demons do?
- Is there evidence of demonic activity today?
- Are intrusive thoughts sin?
- How can I stop feeling guilty?
- What does the Bible say about doubt?
- How can I know God's will for my life?
TL;DR
Spiritual warfare is Satan's attempts to make us doubt God, reject His plan, and ignore His loving guidance. Satan's strategy for destruction fills the world with war, hate, and injustice. On occasion, demons attack us directly, filling us with doubts or fear or just distracting us from God's will. But God is greater than Satan. If we put on the armor of God and trust in His power, we don't have to fear spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 4:7).
