Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood: Spiritual Warfare
Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood
Spiritual Warfare
7 minute read
The Statement of Faith
We believe that Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare against Satan, demons, and the forces of evil. This battle is real but not dualistic—God is sovereign, and Christ has already won the decisive victory. Our posture is defensive resistance and offensive advance through prayer, the Word, and Spirit-empowered living. We neither obsess over demons nor ignore them; we fight from victory, not for it.
What the Bible Says
"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."
— Ephesians 6:12
Our real enemies aren't human. Behind human opposition stand spiritual forces. This doesn't excuse human responsibility but adds a dimension of conflict we must recognize.
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
— Ephesians 6:11
God provides armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer. We're equipped for battle. Each piece serves a purpose; the whole enables us to stand.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
— James 4:7
The strategy is twofold: submit to God, resist the devil. Submission comes first—our strength is in God, not ourselves. Resistance is active; we don't passively accept demonic attack.
The Enemy's Tactics
Satan deceives (Revelation 12:9), accuses (Revelation 12:10), tempts (1 Thessalonians 3:5), blinds (2 Corinthians 4:4), and seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He's cunning but predictable; his patterns can be recognized and resisted.
Our Weapons
The Word of God—Jesus used Scripture to defeat temptation (Matthew 4). Prayer—especially corporate (Acts 12:5). Truth—lies are Satan's native language; truth exposes them. Faith—our shield against flaming arrows. The name of Jesus—authority that demons recognize (Acts 16:18).
How It Fits the Full Narrative
The serpent appeared in Genesis 3; his destruction is promised throughout Scripture and accomplished at the cross. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8). We fight in the aftermath of victory, not toward uncertain outcome.
Why This Matters
Awareness without obsession. Ignorance leaves us vulnerable; obsession gives the enemy undue attention. Healthy Christianity acknowledges spiritual warfare without seeing demons under every rock.
Fighting from victory. We're not trying to win; Christ already won. We're enforcing a victory already secured. This changes our posture—confidence, not fear.
Prayer is warfare. Prayer isn't just asking for things; it's engaging spiritual reality. When we pray, things happen in the heavenly realms.
Defending Against Critics
Objection: "Spiritual warfare is superstition."
Response: If Scripture is true, spiritual beings exist. Jesus regularly cast out demons. The apostles continued this ministry. Dismissing it as superstition requires dismissing large portions of the Bible.
Objection: "Some churches blame everything on demons."
Response: That's an error in the other direction. Not every problem is demonic; sometimes it's the flesh, the world, or simple consequences. Wisdom discerns the source. But the solution to overemphasis isn't denial.
Going Deeper
Key passages: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 10:17-20; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-20; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12.
Questions for reflection:
- Am I wearing the full armor of God, or are there gaps in my defense?
- Do I pray with awareness of spiritual realities?
- Am I fighting from Christ's victory or trying to earn my own?