Spiritual warfare can be a dicey and controversial topic for many people. As missionaries, we have varying degrees of comfort and discomfort when it comes to discussing the unseen battles we face.
Some of us embrace it passionately and are ready to charge right in! Others prefer to avoid it because of a weird or scary experience in our past.
Whether we feel it’s in our wheelhouse or on our back shelf, there’s no ignoring it in Scripture. Spiritual warfare is real.
How can we understand what God wants us to know about this important topic in a way that empowers us, removes fear, and equips us to stand firm in our faith? Let’s start by getting on the same page.
In a recent conversation with Dean Sherman of YWAM, he broke this complex topic down simply and scripturally.
Defining Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the ongoing interaction with the spirit world and the powers of darkness that seek to deceive, bind, accuse, or hinder us in our life and ministry.
It’s a reality that has existed since the Garden of Eden and continues to this day. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
When we talk about spiritual warfare, we’re not discussing abstract concepts or far-off battles. This is about the everyday encounters we have with forces that aim to derail us from our mission and our relationship with God. It’s about the persistent adversary who thrives on our unawareness and exploits our weaknesses. Spiritual warfare is about recognizing these tactics and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word and the power of His Spirit.
It’s Not Meant to Be Scary
For those of us who feel nervous or have been put off by extreme teachings on spiritual warfare, it’s so important for us to understand that the topic is not meant to scare us but to equip us. Understanding Jesus’ victory over the enemy and our authority in His name can dispel much of the fear associated with spiritual warfare.
It’s not uncommon to encounter two extremes: those who see a demon behind every misfortune and those who dismiss the concept of spiritual warfare entirely. Neither approach is beneficial. The former leads to paranoia and fear, while the latter leaves us vulnerable and unprepared. The key is awareness, not obsession. Instead, we need a balanced, biblical perspective that acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare without being consumed by it.
Awareness, Not Obsession
We don’t need to put all our focus on the devil or the unseen realm in our daily conversations. Jesus gets our focus. What we can do is become aware.
Ignorance of spiritual warfare (whether accidental or on purpose) is becoming more common in the Western world especially. The Bible instructs us to be strong and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6), highlighting that spiritual warfare is about living a life that aligns with God’s truth and resisting the enemy’s schemes.
Awareness involves recognizing the subtle ways the enemy can influence our thoughts, relationships, and actions. It means being vigilant and discerning, understanding that our struggles are not just against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. This awareness should lead us to prayer, Scripture study, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
What Do We Teach Our Kids?
When it comes to teaching our children about spiritual warfare, it’s about balance and discernment. Let’s introduce them to Scripture in an age-appropriate way, allowing them to understand the reality of spiritual battles without instilling fear. This approach varies from child to child, and we should be guided by the Holy Spirit and the unique needs of each child. Engaging with other parents and sharing strategies can also be helpful.
As parents, we know our children best. We understand their sensitivities and their capacity to grasp complex ideas. With that in mind, we need to tailor our approach to each child’s developmental stage and temperament.
For younger children, verses like I John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” or simple breath prayers, like “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You,” can lay a foundation. As they grow, we can gradually introduce them to more detailed teachings about spiritual warfare, always emphasizing God’s power and love.
Sit, Walk, Stand
In the interview, Dean mentioned Watchman Nee’s teachings on Ephesians that emphasize the sit, walk, stand framework.
Ephesians 1 reminds us that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all powers and authorities. Ephesians 4 teaches us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, closing doors to the enemy through righteous living. Finally, Ephesians 6 calls us to stand firm against the devil’s schemes, equipped with the full armor of God.
Understanding our position in Christ is foundational to spiritual warfare. When we grasp that we are seated with Him in heavenly places, it changes our perspective. We no longer see ourselves as helpless victims but as victors who share in Christ’s triumph.
Walking in a manner worthy of our calling involves daily decisions to live righteously, which in turn, closes doors to the enemy. Standing firm, as Ephesians 6 describes, means actively resisting the enemy’s attacks with the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Your Environment is Oppressive
For those of us serving in environments where voodoo, witchcraft, and other occult practices are prevalent, spiritual warfare is a part of daily life. We must teach our families that Jesus has already defeated these powers and that we are protected by God’s armor. John 17:15 and the Lord’s Prayer remind us that Jesus prayed for our protection from the evil one, reinforcing our confidence in God’s safeguarding.
Living and ministering in areas steeped in occult practices can be intimidating. The visible manifestations of darkness can challenge our faith and courage. However, it’s crucial to remember that Jesus has already overcome these powers. Our role is to stand in His victory, using the authority He has given us. This includes regular prayer, declaring scripture, and maintaining a strong spiritual discipline that keeps us rooted in Christ.
Discerning Spiritual Battles
Have you ever wondered if something is a spiritual battle or just a result of living in a broken world? Discerning this can be hard at times. But we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in this, helping us to recognize the influence of the enemy. While not every negative event is a direct attack, when we do sense an attack of the enemy, it’s time to dig in our heels and fight with the power God has given us.
Sometimes, spiritual attacks can be obvious, like sudden, intense feelings of fear or discouragement, particularly when we are making significant strides in our ministry. Other times, they can be subtle, like persistent negative thoughts or relational conflicts.
Learning to discern the difference involves prayer, scripture, and the counsel of trusted believers. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, provides the insight we need to recognize and respond to these attacks effectively.
The Collective Strength of the Body of Christ
We are not alone in this fight. Remembering that we have a host of angels and fellow believers standing with us can be incredibly empowering. Romans 16:20 assures us that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” It’s God who crushes Satan, but He does so through our prayers and actions, as we exercise the authority given to us in Christ.
As missionaries, we often work in isolation, away from our home churches and support networks. This can make us feel like we are fighting alone. However, the truth is that we are part of a much larger body.
We have the prayers of fellow believers, the support of our sending organizations, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. Engaging with this broader community through prayer, communication, and mutual support strengthens us and reminds us that we are part of a victorious army.
Daily Spiritual Disciplines as Warfare
Are you aware of how often you are engaging in spiritual warfare? Probably more than you realize! Every time we worship, pray, obey God’s Word, or humble ourselves, we are engaging in spiritual warfare. These actions weaken the powers of darkness and affirm our authority in Christ.
Now that you know, do it on purpose! Being deliberate and intentional in these practices makes us more effective in standing against the enemy’s schemes.
Spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, worship, and Bible study are not just religious activities; they are powerful weapons in our spiritual arsenal. When we engage in these practices, we align ourselves with God’s will, build our faith, and resist the enemy’s influence.
Regular worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. Prayer connects us to God’s power. Obeying God’s Word closes doors to the enemy, and humility keeps us dependent on God’s strength rather than our own.
As missionaries, let’s be more aware of the spiritual dynamics around us. Let’s regularly ask ourselves how the spirit world is affecting us and how we are affecting it. By being deliberate and aggressive in our spiritual warfare, we can push back against the enemy and stand firm in our faith. Remember, we are already victorious in Christ, and our daily actions can reinforce that victory in the spiritual realm.
Let’s move from fear to empowerment, from ignorance to awareness, and from passivity to deliberate action. By embracing the full armor of God and standing firm in our faith, we can confidently engage in spiritual warfare, knowing that we are not alone and that the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ.
Our journey as missionaries is full of challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities to witness God’s power and faithfulness. As we face spiritual battles, let’s do it with confidence, knowing that we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Together, we can advance God’s kingdom, push back the darkness, and see lives transformed by the gospel.
You can watch Dean Sherman’s full interview here:
A Guide to Spiritual Warfare for Missionaries with Dean Sherman
