The Battle Cry: Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare

For many, the phrase “spiritual warfare” evokes dramatic, fictionalized images—epic battles between angels and demons, reminiscent of a classic horror movie. This view can make spiritual warfare seem distant, unreal, or even irrelevant to everyday life. For others, the concept feels foreign or unsettling, something best left unspoken. Yet Scripture reminds us through Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” Spiritual warfare is not just a dramatic theme for comic books—it’s a present reality that shapes our lives as Christians.

In our new sermon series, Spiritual Warfare: Standing Firm in Prayer and Faith, we will explore what spiritual warfare truly is and how the victory of Jesus Christ on the cross equips us to face these unseen battles with confidence.

Spiritual warfare is the unseen battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil led by Satan. It’s not a conflict of equal powers; rather, it is the resistance of a defeated enemy who seeks to deceive and destroy God’s people. Spiritual warfare isn’t about shouting at demons or dramatic displays but about living in the victory Jesus has already secured through His death and resurrection.

At the cross, sin was crushed, Satan’s accusations were silenced, and death was defeated. The victory is finished (John 19:30). Yet, while the war is won, battles continue to rage in the hearts, minds, and lives of believers. These battles often take the form of temptations, accusations, lies, and spiritual struggles designed to draw us away from God’s truth and the joy of the Gospel.

There are several reasons spiritual warfare may not be a common topic in Christian conversations. Some view it as an outdated concept or one tied to other cultures. Others fear appearing superstitious or overly focused on evil. Misunderstandings or fears of giving Satan too much attention can also lead to avoidance.

However, avoiding the topic doesn’t make it any less real. Martin Luther, the great Reformer, understood the reality of spiritual warfare well. He often referred to Satan as a defeated enemy but emphasized the need for Christians to remain alert. Luther’s confidence in Christ’s victory gave him a bold posture. When legend tells of Satan appearing in Luther’s room, Luther simply rolled over and said, “Oh, it’s just you,” and went back to sleep. This calm confidence didn’t come from ignoring Satan but from being grounded in the victory of Jesus.

1. Satan’s Power:
   A common misconception is that Satan is as powerful as God—omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. This is not true. Satan is a created being, and his power is limited. He is not God’s equal; he is God’s defeated enemy.
   
   
2. Dramatic Fear:
   Spiritual warfare is often depicted in horror movies as terrifying confrontations. But Scripture shows that our primary weapons in this battle are prayer, God’s Word, and faith in Christ. As Ephesians 6 reminds us, we are to put on the full armor of God—not to cower in fear but to stand firm in Christ’s victory.
   
   
3. Fear of the Unknown:
   Some Christians avoid discussing spiritual warfare because they feel unprepared or unsure of what it entails. The good news is that Jesus equips us with everything we need. Through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the support of the church, we are strengthened to resist Satan’s schemes.
   
   
4. Denying the Reality of the War:
   One of the most dangerous misconceptions is the belief that spiritual warfare isn’t real. A quote from The Usual Suspects captures this well: “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Satan operates through deception and denial, leading many to dismiss the reality of spiritual warfare. Ignoring it doesn’t make it any less real and leaves us vulnerable to his lies and schemes.

Recognizing the battle doesn’t mean living in fear—it means living with awareness and confidence that Jesus has already won the war.

Our 5-week sermon series, Spiritual Warfare: Standing Firm in Prayer and Faith, will focus on standing firm in Gospel truth and understanding how spiritual warfare shapes our daily lives as Christians. Each week, we’ll dive into different aspects of this spiritual reality:

• Week 1: What Is Spiritual Warfare? Who’s the Real Enemy?
  We’ll define spiritual warfare, uncover Satan’s tactics, and explore why understanding this unseen battle is crucial for every believer.
  
  
• Week 2: Spiritual Warfare in Your Relationship with Self
  Discover how the enemy uses lies and distractions to pull us away from God and how the truth of Scripture reclaims our identity in Christ.
  
  
• Week 3: Spiritual Warfare in Your Family Relationships
  Explore how spiritual warfare impacts our closest relationships and learn how God’s grace brings unity and healing.
  
  
• Week 4: Spiritual Warfare in Your External Relationships
  See how faithfulness to God often brings opposition, and find encouragement in biblical examples of standing firm in external conflicts.
  
  
• Week 5: Spiritual Warfare in Your Vocation and Creation
  Reflect on how spiritual warfare influences your work and calling, and identify distractions that pull you away from God’s purpose.

As we explore spiritual warfare, remember: we fight from victory, not for victory. Jesus has already crushed the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Though Satan roars like a lion, seeking to devour, we stand firm because the Lion of Judah has conquered (Revelation 5:5).

So, as we prepare for this series, approach it with an open heart and a readiness to grow in faith. Let’s stand firm together, not in fear, but in confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

This is our battle cry: Christ is victorious! And in Him, so are we.

Spiritual warfare isn’t a journey you need to face alone. There are ways to connect, grow, and be supported in your faith as you stand firm in Christ.

CG Cares
At Christ Greenfield, we’re here to equip and encourage you as you face life’s battles. Our CG Cares resources are designed to help you stand firm in your faith and find strength through God’s power.

Small Groups for Community
Victory in spiritual battles comes through connection and unity. Join a small group where you can share your experiences, find encouragement, and build relationships rooted in prayer and God’s Word.

Prayer Request:
Facing spiritual battles? Let us pray with you. Submit your prayer request below, and our team will lift your needs to God