Spiritual Warfare: Debunking Strategic Level Approaches

The concept of spiritual warfare often conjures images of intense battles with dark forces, yet scripture paints a different picture. This article dives into the biblical perspective of this conflict, offering practical steps for Christians to engage in this warfare effectively.

The True Nature of Spiritual Warfare in the Bible

Navigating the biblical narrative on spiritual warfare requires a clear understanding of both Old and New Testament teachings, particularly in debunking modern interpretations like “Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare” (SLSW).

Explore how the Bible’s depiction of spiritual warfare diverges from the dramatized battles portrayed in popular culture. Learn why the true fight lies in faithfulness to God’s Word and the Great Commission rather than in confronting spiritual entities.

Old Testament Insights on Spiritual Authority

Dive into the Old Testament’s portrayal of God’s sovereignty and roles of divine beings, providing a foundation for understanding how believers should navigate spiritual conflicts today.

• Deuteronomy 32 Worldview: Often misinterpreted as a basis for SLSW, this passage describes how God apportioned nations to lesser divine beings, reserving Israel for Himself (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). However, this does not prescribe a method of spiritual engagement where believers pinpoint and confront territorial spirits:
  • Debunking SLSW: The text does not imply that believers should engage in “spiritual mapping” to identify and name territorial spirits. Instead, it’s a theological exposition on God’s sovereignty and the roles of other spiritual beings in His plan.
  • Supporting Text: “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.” (Deuteronomy 32:8, ESV)
  • Additional References: While texts like Psalm 82 and Daniel 10 discuss divine councils and angelic conflicts, they do not command modern believers to replicate these ancient spiritual battles.
• Old Testament Practices: Instances of direct confrontation with evil spirits are more about God’s direct intervention or the authority of His appointed leaders (like prophets), rather than a strategy for everyday believers.

Applying New Testament Lessons to Modern Faith

Discover how teachings of Jesus and Paul in the New Testament lead believers away from direct spiritual confrontations and towards a focus on redemption, disciple-making, and living out the gospel daily.

• Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus’ approach to spiritual warfare was not about seeking out demons for battle but was part of His mission to manifest the kingdom of God through teaching, healing, and deliverance:
  • Debunking SLSW: Jesus did not command His followers to engage in power encounters with territorial spirits. His focus was on bringing redemption and demonstrating the in-breaking of God’s kingdom (Matthew 12:28).
  • Broader Context: The casting out of demons was a sign of the kingdom’s arrival, not an end in itself. Jesus emphasized disciple-making over demon-expelling (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Paul’s Theology: Paul’s teachings further debunk the notion of SLSW:
  • Ephesians 6:10-20: Paul outlines spiritual warfare as a preparation to withstand evil through personal holiness, truth, and prayer, not through confrontations with named spirits:
    • Debunking SLSW: There’s no mention of engaging specific territorial spirits or “spiritual mapping.” Instead, the emphasis is on the armor of God for personal and communal spiritual readiness.
    • Key Verse: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-6: Paul describes the battle as one of ideas, arguments, and thoughts against God’s knowledge, not a physical or even direct spiritual confrontation:
    • Debunking SLSW: The warfare here is about intellectual and moral obedience to Christ, not about engaging in spiritual battles with named entities.
    • Key Verse: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 10:3, ESV)

New Testament Emphasis:

• Great Commission: The overarching mission is clear – to make disciples of all nations, bringing them into the kingdom of God (Matthew 28:19-20). This is the true spiritual warfare, not the confrontational practices suggested by SLSW.
• The Defeat of Evil Powers: Christ’s victory on the cross and through His resurrection has already nullified the authority of dark powers (Colossians 2:15). Believers are to live in this victory by spreading the gospel, not by engaging in battles with spirits that have already been defeated.

The biblical narrative on spiritual warfare does not support the concept of Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare or the practice of spiritual mapping and direct confrontations with named spirits. Instead, it calls believers to a life of faithfulness, truth, righteousness, and disciple-making, reflecting the victory that Christ has already secured. The real battle is for the hearts and minds of people through the spread of the gospel, not through dramatic, localized spiritual confrontations.

What are Spiritual Attacks?

Contrary to popular belief and practices like those in Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare, spiritual attacks are not mainly about believers engaging in direct confrontations or power encounters with demonic entities. The New Testament does not command or exemplify this approach as the primary method of spiritual engagement. Spiritual attacks are better known as:

• Intellectual and Moral Assaults
  • Spiritual attacks, as described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, are more about intellectual and moral challenges. They involve:
    • False Teachings: Assaults on the knowledge of God through arguments, ideologies, or doctrines that oppose biblical truths.
    • Lofty Opinions: Prideful or humanistic notions that elevate themselves above the knowledge of God, leading believers astray from biblical truth.
• Temptation and Sinful Life Patterns
  • Spiritual attacks also manifest as temptations to sin or to adopt lifestyles contrary to Christian values, as highlighted in the broader context of living a life obedient to Jesus. This includes:
    • Deception: Being misled by the cunning and deceitful schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 4:14).
    • Moral Compromise: Falling into patterns of behavior that are not aligned with righteousness or the teachings of Christ.
• Personal and Communal Challenges
  • Spiritual warfare involves standing firm against these attacks through:
    • Faith and Truth: Using faith to extinguish doubt and deception (Ephesians 6:16).
    • Righteousness and Salvation: Living out a life that reflects one’s salvation and commitment to holiness (Ephesians 6:14, 17).
    • Prayer and Perseverance: Maintaining a prayerful life and enduring in faith, which are crucial for spiritual resilience against attacks (Ephesians 6:18).
• The Context of Two Kingdoms
  • Spiritual attacks are understood within the broader conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. The victory over these attacks is achieved not through direct confrontations with evil spirits but by advancing God’s kingdom through the Great Commission, disciple-making, and living out the gospel.

Spiritual attacks, are less about visible or dramatic confrontations with evil entities and more about the daily, often subtle, challenges to one’s faith, morality, and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ in a world influenced by the darkness. The response to these attacks is through steadfast faith, adherence to truth, and the active proclamation and living out of the gospel.

Practical Application:

As you contemplate these challenges, here is a brief list of things you can do to directly apply scripture to your Christian journey as you experience spiritual warfare.

1. Embrace the Truth (Ephesians 6:14):
   • Action: Study and pray on scripture daily to strengthen your understanding of God’s truth.
   • Description: Truth acts as the belt holding everything together in spiritual warfare. Knowing the Bible equips you to discern false teachings and stand firm in your faith.
   • Supporting Reference: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
2. Live Righteously (Ephesians 6:14):
   • Action: Practice a life of integrity and holiness, aligning your actions with biblical morality.
   • Description: Righteousness is your spiritual breastplate, protecting your heart from the accusations of the enemy.
   • Supporting Reference: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
3. Spread the Gospel (Ephesians 6:15):
   • Action: Look for opportunities to share your faith, whether through words or deeds, in your community or workplace.
   • Description: The gospel is the preparation of your feet, enabling you to move forward in peace and reconciliation.
   • Supporting Reference: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15)
4. Cultivate Faith (Ephesians 6:16):
   • Action: Exercise your faith through prayer, worship, and trust in God amidst trials.
   • Description: Faith serves as your shield, extinguishing the fiery darts of doubt and fear thrown by the enemy.
   • Supporting Reference: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
5. Secure Your Salvation (Ephesians 6:17):
   • Action: Reflect on your salvation, ensuring it is not just intellectual assent but a life-transforming relationship with Christ.
   • Description: The helmet of salvation guards your mind from despair or deception about your standing with God.
   • Supporting Reference: “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8)
6. Wield the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17):
   • Action: Memorize and apply scripture in your daily life and during spiritual attacks.
   • Description: The Word of God is your offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, used to counter false teachings and temptations.
   • Supporting Reference: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12)
7. Pray Continually (Ephesians 6:18):
   • Action: Develop a consistent prayer life, including intercession for others and spiritual vigilance.
   • Description: Prayer keeps you connected to God, providing strength, guidance, and the power to withstand evil.
   • Supporting Reference: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
8. Persevere in Obedience (Ephesians 6:18):
   • Action: Commit to long-term discipleship, seeking to grow in Christlikeness through trials and triumphs.
   • Description: Perseverance is about enduring in faith and obedience, knowing that the battle is long but the victory is assured.
   • Supporting Reference: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Instead of seeking out demons to confront, let’s seek out the lost to love. We engage in spiritual warfare by living out the gospel, nurturing our faith, and actively participating in the mission Christ gave us.

Credit: portions of this article are based on:

Heiser, M. S. (2020). Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness. Lexham Press.