Spiritual Warfare

I am not one of those guys who see a demon behind every bush and rock. I don’t blame sound system feedback on evil spirits and I have never personally encountered anyone who manifested clear evidence of demon possession. I do know demonic activity is real; however, and I know we as God’s people are involved in a spiritual battle with evil, continually.

In many foreign countries that have little or no Christian influence, many demonic encounters are reported by our missionaries in the field. The people in those countries are bound in false religious systems that are controlled by the demonic. The people are manipulated, controlled and intimidated by superstitions and false teachings. The goal of such evil influence is spiritual bondage and to keep people from hearing and responding to the truth of the gospel. The favorite tool is the lie. Victory over such bondage is found in Jesus and His truth.

In our American culture, demonic spirits seek to put people in spiritual bondage and keep people from responding to the gospel just as in more pagan cultures. The difference is that their approach is more sophisticated. Americans would dismiss demon possession as a mental illness and not be frightened into accepting a false religion just because they saw someone manifest demonic control. Our culture does not sacrifice a black goat and three white chickens to appease an evil spirit as some other cultures do. The satanic approach in America is more subtle and sophisticated, but the results are just as deadly. Here are three facts we need to keep in mind:

1. Our greatest defense is our personal walk with God. Ephesians 6:10-20 speaks of putting on God’s full spiritual armor so we can stand in the face of evil when that day of spiritual battle comes to us. The armor is a metaphor for our walk with God as we live according to truth, seek practical righteousness, keep our minds on God’s truth, stand ready to share Christ, and live by faith. As we align our lives with God’s Word and stay in contact with Him in prayer, we are indestructible until God calls us home to be with Him in glory.

2. We do not need to fear evil, for Christ is in us through the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:1-4 reminds us that Christ lives in us and He is greater than any spiritual force on earth. We should not be fearful or frightened of the demonic. We have nothing to be afraid of. Christ has delivered us and given us victory in this battle through His perfect redemption.

3. Prayer and the Word of God are our most powerful weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 reminds us that satanic lies bring spiritual bondage and God’s truth delivers us from those demonic strongholds. Satan’s goal is bondage, not to see people foam at the mouth and bark like dogs. His “mission” is to keep people from knowing Christ and following His plan for their lives. Our mission is just the opposite. As spirit-filled witnesses, we must win the battle.

Spiritual warfare is real and we are in the battle whether we like it or not. Satan’s sophisticated approach to bondage in America is very effective. Those who have been duped by the devil have no idea what is happening to them. We must not surrender the battle when so much is at stake.