Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The Bible frequently speaks of Satan and demons, and there is no mistaking the teaching of Scripture on this one point: as there is a kingdom of God, so too is there a kingdom of Satan. And the two are embroiled in open conflict. Yet many Christians today are unaware of this battle and are woefully ill equipped to engage in the work of spiritual warfare. Or they believe Satan and the demonic are part of a worldview that has long since lost its usefulness and cogency. This is the 21st century, for heaven’s sake.
Sam Storms believes we cannot so easily dispense with the multitude of biblical assertions concerning the reality of Satan and his demonic hordes. The truth is that believers in Jesus are likely to encounter on a daily basis men and women of all ages who are sorely oppressed, tormented, and tempted by demonic powers. How do we respond to these people? Is there help we can offer them?
The good news is that Jesus offers deliverance and freedom from the influence of the enemy, and the resultant joy, peace, and spiritual flourishing that comes through the victory of Jesus dying and rising again. Understanding Spiritual Warfare explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and also shares numerous personal accounts of personal victories over the demonic, together with practical guidance on how you, too, can extinguish the “flaming darts” (Eph. 6:16) of the “cosmic powers” and “spiritual forces of evil” (Eph. 6:12) that so often bombard your life. Scattered throughout the pages of this book are real-life testimonies of men and women who have experienced deliverance from demonic oppression and now walk in the joy and freedom of inner spiritual healing, and in the case of some, physical healing as well.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare is useful as a reference to address common questions about spiritual warfare, but it also serves as a training manual for a ministry of deliverance and inner healing. It is perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual warfare today.
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- Explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare
- Addresses common questions and serves as a training manual for ministry
- Includes numerous personal accounts of personal victories
Top Highlights
“Other Christians are unprepared for spiritual warfare because they believe that, since Jesus’s victory was so complete and comprehensive, we need only rest passively in the security of our position in Christ rather than aggressively apply it on a daily basis. It is true, of course, that the victory Jesus secured in his death and resurrection has forever sealed the eternal fate of Satan and his demonic hosts. But protection against demonic attack is not automatic. Simply being a Christian does not insulate you from demonic oppression. The ‘flaming darts of the evil one’ (Eph. 6:16) continue to target Christians and require our diligent resistance.” (Pages 12–13)
“The fact is, all people, young and old, male and female, belong to one of two kingdoms: the kingdom of light or the kingdom of darkness. If people are not ‘in Christ,’ they are ‘in the power of the devil’—even if they have no visible, sensible awareness of being in the devil’s grip. Thus, not to serve God is to serve Satan, whether you are conscious of it or not.” (Page 10)
“Sadly, and dangerously, many Christians treat Satan and his demons in much the same manner. Whether through arrogant presumption or outright neglect or even a fear of being laughed at by others, people ignore the spiritual realm. They live as if it didn’t exist, or if it does, it has little to no bearing on their daily routines.” (Page 9)
“The first thing to remember about Satan is that he, like all other angels, was created at a point in time (Col. 1:16; John 1:1–3). Satan is not eternal. He is a finite creature. He is, therefore, God’s devil. Satan is not the equal and opposite power of God (contra dualism). His power is not infinite. He does not possess divine attributes. In sum, he is no match for God! At most, Satan is the equal and opposite power of the archangel Michael.” (Page 25)
