Question: What is spiritual warfare, and how can we discern what is true from all the information available? Some people say it is not real, and some say there is a "demon behind every bush."
Answer: Spiritual warfare is real and part of everyone's life. However, much of it is subjective, mainly because it is based on feelings rather than the objective truth of God's Word. Let's start to develop a solid foundation slowly.
This is post ONE in the series "Winning the Invisible War."
“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.”
— Ephesians 6:10–11
Why This Matters
We live in a culture obsessed with what’s visible—what we can see, touch, and measure. But Scripture teaches that there’s a spiritual reality behind the scenes—a world we can’t see with human eyes, but one that impacts every part of our daily lives. That’s what makes spiritual warfare so essential to understand.
We'll fight the wrong enemies if we fail to recognize the spiritual battle.
We’ll blame people instead of the real adversary (Ephesians 6:12).
We’ll try to fix our problems with willpower instead of God’s truth.
We’ll wonder why we keep struggling with fear, shame, bitterness, or anxiety—and miss the invisible chains that keep us bound.
Neil Anderson puts it this way: “Most of the damage done by Satan is not the obvious stuff—it’s the subtle lies we believe.” You can't fight back when you don’t know you’re in a war. And when you don’t fight back, you stay stuck.
This matters because too many Christians are living in defeat while Jesus already secured their victory.
Jesus didn’t just save us to go to heaven—He saved us to walk in freedom here and now (John 10:10). But freedom isn’t automatic. We have to recognize the enemy, stand in truth, and fight the right way.
When you grasp the reality of spiritual warfare, everything changes. Your anxiety suddenly isn’t just emotional—it may be spiritual. That recurring shame might not be your voice but the enemy's whisper. And your daily choices—what you think, say, and believe—become acts of war.
This series exists to help you wake up, armor up, and walk in the victory that’s already yours in Christ.
The Biblical Reality of the Battle
1. You Are in a War, Whether You Know It or Not
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but… against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12
The Bible doesn’t leave room for spiritual neutrality. Whether you feel it or not, you’re engaged in a cosmic conflict between truth and lies, light and darkness.
2. The Enemy’s Primary Tactic: Deception
“He was a murderer from the beginning… for he is a liar and the father of lies.” — John 8:44
Satan rarely shows up in obvious ways. He works subtly—whispering lies that question God’s love, distort your identity, and keep you in shame.
3. The Battle Is Fought in the Mind
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
Victory begins when you recognize that not everything you think is from God or you. The enemy loves to plant thoughts that feel like your own.
Neil Anderson’s Insight
Neil Anderson writes, “We are not fighting for victory—we are fighting from victory.”
Jesus has already defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15), and when we align with His truth, we can walk in freedom and authority. But we must choose to stand in that truth daily.
Practical Application Steps
- Acknowledge the Battle
Don’t ignore the spiritual dimension of your struggles. Begin each day aware that you’re in a battle—and that God equips you to win. - Ask God for Discernment
Pray daily: “Lord, help me recognize lies from the enemy and replace them with Your truth.” - Start a ‘Truth Journal’
Each time you recognize a destructive thought (fear, shame, bitterness), write it down. Then, find Scripture to replace it with truth. Over time, this becomes your weapon of truth. - Read Ephesians 6:10–18 Daily for One Week
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what piece of God’s armor you’re neglecting and how to better “suit up” spiritually. - Speak Out Loud the Truth of Scripture
When Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). Do the same. Your voice declaring truth has power.
Resources
- Book: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
A powerful guide to understanding and walking in spiritual freedom. - Book: Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
It focuses on your identity in Christ, and knowing it sets you free. - Website: Freedom in Christ Ministries
Offers videos, discipleship tools, and “The Steps to Freedom in Christ” for personal spiritual renewal.
Bottom Line.
You are not crazy. You are in a war. And if you are in Christ, you’re on the winning side. The goal of spiritual warfare is not to scare you—it’s to wake you up. So rise, soldier. Stand firm in truth. And don’t fight alone.
