Spiritual warfare is too often a topic that is discussed in abstraction rather than in dialogue with specific passages of Scripture in their proper context. Let’s try and leave aside our preconceived notions about spiritual warfare and to approach these texts with an open mind. Consider the passages listed below before addressing the comprehension task that follows.
Ephesians 6:10-20 Colossians 2:6-19
Matthew 13:24-30
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Luke 8:9-15 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Comprehension Task:
Consider the 12 statements found below; several are true and a few are false. See if you can spot the false and separate them out. Be prepared to share your reasoning with the rest of the group.
1.
Spiritual warfare is primarily about deliverance from demonic strongholds. Some people, even some truly born again Christians, are laboring under generational curses and need to be set free
2.
by the prayer of faith and the word of power.
Spiritual warfare is about learning to speak words of power and life over your body and your bank account so that they burst forth in fruitfulness. Speak to your bank account and say:
“Break forth! Multiply!” Speak to your poverty and say: “Poverty is a lie and a curse of the devil! I am Abraham’s heir and heir of the world and people like me!” Say this everyday and you will have breakthrough.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Spiritual warfare is about resisting the efforts of demonic adversaries to steal your faith and spoil your fruit. It mostly has to do with knowing the truth so as to resist error and deception.
It is very important to divide your time between offensive spiritual warfare and defensive.
Defensive warfare is about rejecting lies and curses, offensive spiritual warfare is about reclaiming territory from the devil. Offensive warfare often involves olive oil and physical blessing. It also helps to yell “fire” and “breakthrough” a lot.
The devil deals mainly in false teaching, empty philosophies and clever deceptions. He also makes use of lying signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
The devil’s tactics are particularly effective against those who do not love the truth and are not deeply rooted in it.
7.
8.
9.
Spiritual warfare, if it has an offensive side, would be about shining the light of truth on the devil’s deceptions so that people are not deceived.
One of the devil’s main tricks is to sow false things over top of true things. This gives him two possible positive outcomes. Either people will go beyond what is true into what is false or they will reject the true along with the false in an over-reaction of fear and caution. The devils wins either way making the “tare tactic” particularly dangerous.
The key to spiritual warfare is understanding geography and architecture. Buildings and homes have a geographical signature and many of these signatures more naturally incline themselves to demonic invitation. Some buildings are an absolute magnet for negative spiritual energy and need to be cleansed and exercised.
10.
Olive oil can be a great aid in spiritual warfare. In the same way that vampires are afraid of garlic, most demons are afraid of olive oil. The well attested Biblical practice of anointing a home or business with olive oil can help to ensure that it remains demon free for generations.
11.
According to the Bible, the best defense against demonic schemes appears to be Biblical depth and Gospel rootedness.

12.
A true, born again, spirit filled Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. Therefore, the best defense against spiritual warfare is true Gospel conversion. To avoid further harassments and potential loss of fruit, a true Christian should read the Bible, attend corporate worship, fellowship with true believers and beware of false teachers and deceiving doctrines.
Further Reflection:
Please spend a few minutes reflecting on the following:
1.
What do you think about home blessings? Granted that we don’t believe a physical home can be possessed of demons and granted that Christians can’t be possessed of demons, what then do we think about home blessings or anointing?
2.
Why do you think exorcism was such a big part of Jesus’ ministry and such a small part of our ministry today? Why is it that after the Gospels when the Bible is talking about spiritual warfare there is not a single text on how to cast our a demon? How do you make sense of that?
3.
Is there a danger in being too “into” the more extreme versions of spiritual warfare? I mean, so what if someone likes to travel with a case of olive oil in their trunk and is constantly researching family genealogies in search of generational curses – is there any real harm in that? Can’t we view it as a rather harmless and idiosyncratic hobby akin to stamp collecting or taxidermy?