Introduction
According to the preacher and writer C.S. Lewis, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
Each person exists simultaneously in both the spiritual and physical realms, but many of us do not understand what that means. The physical realm is the visible world as we know it and the spiritual realm is the unseen world in which our spiritual form or spirit man exists. It seems complex or frightening, so we do not think about it or try to understand it. For many people, this subject is a taboo. The Bible makes it clear, and we should take the time to try to understand it. Some movies have tried to show this but that often makes the idea more complex as they are not necessarily portrayed realistically. Movies tend to portray this in a way that scares people.
In the visible world, natural man contends with trials such as natural disasters, illness, the inevitability of aging, and interpersonal conflicts – everyday struggles that underscore the realities of living in a fallen, sinful world. Alongside these visible realities exists an equally significant but often overlooked spiritual realm. Here, unseen forces – angels and demons – wage battles that affect human lives. Our spirit man may be at war, and we are not fully aware. Spiritual warfare, characterized by its intangible nature, often perplexes and confounds believers. Satan, the adversary, thrives on this confusion, seeking to disrupt and hinder Christians in their spiritual journey and relationship with God.
These misconceptions and misunderstandings about spiritual warfare are widespread across Christian denominations and cultural contexts. They manifest differently but collectively impact the Christian faith and spiritual practice.
7 common misconceptions about spiritual warfare that warrant examination and clarification:
1. Neglecting Spiritual Warfare: A common oversight among Christians, particularly in Western societies, is the tendency to disregard or minimize the reality of spiritual warfare. Some perceive it as a phenomenon confined to Biblical times or relevant only within certain charismatic or Pentecostal circles. Catholics have their way of addressing such matters through their priests. Denominations like the Seventh Day Adventists do not acknowledge that this exists. However, ignoring the spiritual dimension leaves believers vulnerable to unseen spiritual influences. Satan’s attack on Job was spiritual warfare. The Apostle Peter warns, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV). We say things like, “My spirit doesn’t take to that person” or “My spirit is telling me this or that” but we use these terms only conversationally without understanding. Engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer and spiritual vigilance is essential for spiritual growth and protection.
2. Expecting Daily Attacks: While spiritual battles are genuine and ongoing, it is unrealistic to anticipate intense spiritual warfare daily. Attributing everything to demonic attacks can distract a person from doing what they should to deal with situations that occur in life. This can make them ineffective. God provides seasons of peace and rest amidst life’s challenges, as depicted in Psalm 23:1-3, where God, the Good Shepherd, leads His people beside still waters and restores their souls. Recognizing these periods of respite acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, including spiritual conflicts. We shouldn’t be blind or naïve to the unseen realm but should not allow knowledge of it to overshadow us and prevent us from functioning normally.
3. Misidentifying Trials: Not every difficulty or hardship experienced by Christians is necessarily a direct spiritual attack orchestrated by demonic forces. The trials that Joseph experienced with his brothers and in Egypt were to build him up for the role he would play. It was meant for good not just for him but for many others. Some people attribute every difficulty they face to demonic attacks. The Bible distinguishes between trials that refine and strengthen faith, tribulations resulting from living in a fallen world, and temptations designed to lead believers astray. Discerning these nuances requires wisdom and guidance from Scripture, as advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “But test everything; hold fast what is good” (ESV
4. Expecting Immediate Results: A misconception among new or zealous Christians is the belief that spiritual warfare always yields immediate and dramatic results. However, spiritual battles often unfold over time, requiring persistence and faithfulness in prayer. Daniel’s experience in Daniel 10:12-13 illustrates this principle, where his prayers were heard immediately but required persevering spiritual warfare before being answered. The angel said he was delayed by the Prince of Persia while on his way to answer Daniel. Luke 8:40-48 tells us that the woman with the issue of blood waited 12 years for healing. When she touched Jesus’ cloak she was healed immediately. Some of us are enduring long-term physical illnesses or ongoing spiritual battles and sometimes feel that it is too much or that we are neglected. Let us remember that to everything there is a season and to keep our hope and faith in God alive.
5. Sensationalizing Spiritual Warfare: Popular media and cultural depictions often sensationalize spiritual warfare, portraying it as dramatic and overtly supernatural, akin to scenes from horror films. While instances of demonic possession and overt spiritual conflict do occur, the majority of spiritual warfare involves subtler spiritual influences and battles fought through prayer, faith, and obedience to God’s Word, as seen in Acts 16:16-18. We should engage in bible study and not just allow movies to shape our knowledge about spiritual warfare.
6. Over-preparing or Neglecting Preparation: Christians often fall into two extremes regarding preparation for spiritual warfare. Some remain overly vigilant and hyper-focused on potential spiritual attacks, leading to anxiety and distraction from God’s presence and blessings in everyday life. Conversely, others disregard the reality of spiritual warfare altogether, leaving themselves vulnerable to spiritual attacks due to unpreparedness. Ephesians 6:13-18 encourages believers to equip themselves with the whole armor of God, ensuring readiness without losing sight of God’s peace and provision.
7. Forgetting the Ultimate Victory: Amidst the challenges and ongoing spiritual battles, Christians are assured of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and all spiritual forces of darkness. This victory, secured through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, provides believers with hope and confidence in the face of spiritual adversity. As 1 Corinthians 15:57 declares, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV).
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing these misconceptions about spiritual warfare empowers believers to engage effectively in spiritual battles. It helps them to discern and be prepared as they serve God. By grounding themselves in prayer, studying God’s Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Christians can navigate spiritual challenges with discernment, faith, and assurance in Christ’s victorious authority.