21 September 2026
What is spiritual warfare and how do I fight it?
By Matthew (Tolu) Olowoyeye
ScriptureEphesians 6:10-18
Spiritual warfare, dear young believer, refers to the ongoing cosmic conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness led by Satan. It's not a physical battle with earthly weapons, but rather a struggle against spiritual principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness that seek to hinder God's purposes in our lives and in the world. This warfare often manifests as temptations, doubts, fear, anxiety, and attacks on our faith, joy, and peace. Understanding this spiritual dimension helps us to correctly identify the true enemy and the true battleground.
The good news is that as followers of Christ, we do not fight this battle in our own strength. Jesus has already triumphed over Satan and his forces on the cross, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them (). Therefore, our approach to spiritual warfare is not about gaining victory, but about standing firm in the victory Christ has already secured for us. We are called to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from us when we draw near to God.
To fight effectively, we are equipped with the full armor of God, as detailed in . This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece is crucial for our defense and offense. Additionally, prayer is our most powerful weapon, allowing us to communicate directly with our Commander-in-Chief and to access His infinite power and wisdom.
Practically, this means saturating ourselves in God's Word, living righteously, maintaining a prayerful attitude, and walking in faith, trusting in God's unfailing promises. When lies are whispered, we counter with truth. When fear arises, we cling to Christ's peace. When temptation calls, we resist with the Holy Spirit's power. Remember, you are not alone in this fight; the Holy Spirit empowers you, and you are part of a community of believers. Stand firm, knowing that the Lord fights for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me for spiritual battle and for the victory already won by Jesus. Help me to put on Your full armor daily and to stand firm in faith against all the schemes of the enemy. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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