As Christians, we often hear the term “spiritual warfare” in church settings or during our personal devotions. But what does it actually mean? What does this battle look like, and how can we defend ourselves against it in our everyday lives? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of spiritual warfare, what the Bible says about it, and practical ways we can defend ourselves against the enemy.

What is spiritual warfare?

Spiritual warfare refers to the ongoing battle between God and Satan in the spiritual realm. As believers, we know that there is an unseen world beyond what we can see with our physical eyes, and that Satan and his demons are actively working to harm us and thwart God’s plans. Spiritual warfare can take many forms, including temptation, doubt, fear, and the attacks of the enemy on our relationships, health, and well-being.

What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?

The Bible has much to say about spiritual warfare, beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted them to disobey God, and they gave in, causing sin and death to enter the world. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see many examples of spiritual warfare, from the story of Job to the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Some key verses that speak to this concept include:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

"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).

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

How can we defend ourselves against spiritual warfare?

Although we know that the enemy is always seeking to harm us, we have hope in Jesus, who has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. As we seek to defend ourselves against spiritual warfare, we can do so by seeking intimacy with Jesus through prayer, Scripture reading, fellowship with other believers, and obedience to God’s Word.

Practical tips to seeking Jesus (& defending yourself against spiritual warfare):

Pray

Prayer is our most powerful weapon in the battle against the enemy. We can pray for protection, for strength to resist temptation, for wisdom in making decisions, and for guidance in all areas of our lives. Connection with Jesus through communication is key to blocking out the lies of the enemy and listening to the wrong voice.

Read the Bible

The Bible is our guidebook for life, and it contains many promises and truths that can help us in times of spiritual warfare. We should seek to be familiar with God’s Word and to apply it to our lives daily. When we know the truth, we aren’t as easily deceived by what sounds or looks kinda true but will lead us astray.

Stay connected to other believers

We were not meant to fight this battle alone. We need the support and encouragement of other believers, whether that’s through attending church, participating in small groups, or simply having a close friend to pray with and confide in. God said from the beginning, “it is not good for man to be alone.” We need each other.

Obey God’s Word

One of the best ways to defend ourselves against the enemy is to obey God’s Word. When we follow His commands and live according to His will, we will still face spiritual attack but we wont’ be as vulnerable. Obedience positions us safely within the refuge of God’s protection.

Trust in Jesus

Ultimately, our hope and strength comes from Jesus, who has already won the battle for us. When we place our trust in Him and seek to follow Him faithfully, we can have confidence in His protection and provision.

Spiritual warfare is an ongoing battle in the life of a believer, but we do not have to be afraid. By engaging in a growing intimacy with Jesus through prayer, Scripture reading, fellowship with other believers, obedience to God’s Word, and trust in Jesus, we can defend ourselves against the attacks of the enemy and live victorious lives. Let us be vigilant, remembering that the battle belongs to the Lord, and that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).