Does Spiritual Warfare Exist?

There are two primary issues to address regarding spiritual warfare.

First, does spiritual warfare exist?

Second, what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare?

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Our adversary or enemy refers to Satan, who is a real entity, not a mythical creature or invention. Other titles of Satan include the tempter the wicked one and the accuser of the brethren. Three of Satan's titles indicate his authority in this world: the ruler of this world, the god of this age, and the prince of the power of the air. Satan also transforms himself into "an angel of light," a description that highlights his capacity and inclination to deceive.

2 Corinthians 11:14(NKJV)

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

The idea that we can battle with a God given supernatural powers, is what Paul shows us in (Ephesians 6:10-18). Here, Paul notes that believers battle against the devil's schemes and that this is a spiritual battle, not a physical one. We are to be fully aware of Satan's evil plans. Paul further describes the warfare in which we are engaged as we battle throughout our lives "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). Clearly, such powers exist.The second question—what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare? The problem typically arises when we either over emphasize spiritual warfare by seeing every occurrence in life as part of it or under emphasize it by ignoring the spiritual realm altogether. Several biblical texts inform our understanding of this issue.

1.Christians must remember we are already conquerors and that Satan has already been defeated.

Romans 8:37(NKJV)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

2.The power of Christ within the believer is greater than the power of satan.

1 John 4:4(NKJV)

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

3.We have no reason to live in fear of satan or evil spirits as believers. Satan can harm, but he cannot defeat the believer in Christ. We must not forget that satan can be allowed to attack believers in order to fulfill God's perfect plan for His people. This was the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh and was also seen in the example of Job's life. Satan's power over us is limited, however, to only that which God allows for His purposes to bring His children to maturity and bring glory to Himself.

4.Satan's primary strategy is to blind us to God's plan for our lives.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4(NLT)

 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 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. 

Rather than a supernatural battle between angels and demons that is often portrayed in modern culture, the general tactic used by Satan is to turn our eyes away from God's truth and toward self. However, we cannot blame every temptation on Satan, since the Bible also teaches that we are tempted and enticed by our own evil desires.

5.The method to defeat Satan is to resist him and stay near to God.   

James 4:7-8 (NLT)

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

A close walk with God is the best protection against Satan's activities. 

6.Paul exhorts us to arm ourselves for the spiritual battle which is part of the Christian life by putting on the "whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil"

Ephesians 6:11(NIV)

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These weapons will enable us to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might". Ultimately, spiritual warfare is not about a technique to defeat Satan or his demons, but a heart that walks closely with God. When God is first and foremost in our lives, Satan lacks power over us, despite his attempts to weaken our efforts to pursue Christ.

As a final warning, it is important that we do not take our God-given power over Satan as an opportunity to display arrogance.

Acts 19:13-16 (NIV)

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

This stern warning should reveal our need to depend on a humble and personal walk with Christ to overcome evil rather than an external display to feed human pride. Spiritual warfare is a very real part of the Christian life, but should not be an opportunity for either fear or pride. Instead, the reality of satan and his evil forces should cause us to draw near to God all the more, realizing His power can conquer any foe we may encounter.

God Bless, Israel