There is a short list of Christian beliefs that have as much mystery as spiritual warfare. While some things are really clear in the Bible regarding demons and demonic activity, there is a supernatural element to the unseen realm that humbles even the most educated theological student!
At the same time, it seems that many people have a variety of opinions based on their experiences, which is not necessarily a negative thing, but it can lead to a lot of misconceptions.
Some people blame the devil for everything while others ignore him altogether. Both approaches will leave you confused about spiritual warfare.
So let me walk you through four things Christians get wrong about this battle. See if you recognize yourself in any of these.
Misconception #1: There’s a demon behind every difficulty
Imagine a flat tire, a headache, a fight with your spouse, or a speeding ticket and the immediate thought, “The enemy must be attacking me!” Yes, he could be. But maybe you procrastinated getting new tires after they warned you at your last oil change that your tread was super low. Maybe you haven’t been drinking enough water, made a sarcastic comment to your spouse, and you were doing 60 in a 35…
I believe we need to be wise and aware of Satanic assault, while also being realistic about the possibilities behind difficult moments. Discernment means honesty about our own sin, awareness of demonic strategies, and humility when we are just sinning and blaming the devil for it.
There could be a demon behind that trial, but we don’t have to identify a demon behind every hardship to trust God through it.
Misconception #2: Spiritual warfare requires a dramatic showdown
When thinking about spiritual warfare, many people picture shouting, casting out demons, or finding the exact words that will send Satan running. I used to be very superstitious about this and feared that if I didn’t say the right formula in my prayers that the demons couldn’t be stopped.
But when you look at the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18, you find truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer as weapons (even though prayer is technically not in the armor) we can use to resist the enemy. Those things may never make you go viral with a dramatic deliverance video, but they will equip you to stand firm in everyday life as an everyday Christian.
Your confidence rests in Christ’s finished work. The volume of your voice adds nothing to His authority.
Misconception #3: Winning the culture war means winning the spiritual war
Christians should engage public life with conviction, truth, and love, and I would make the argument that the culture war is a huge part of Satan’s strategy of “steal, kill, destroy” (John 10:10).
But even still, Paul says our struggle is “not against flesh and blood.” We have to apply this to the way we think about the culture war. It’s not the people who are the demons (even if they are possessed by them!), it’s the demons who are the demons!
That person you’re furious with still needs the gospel, and it is only the gospel that will change their heart and mind! And even though politics is something Christians should engage in, political victory still cannot accomplish what conversion does. Conservative voters still need Christ! You can stop abortion, legislate morality based on Scripture (which would make for a better world), change laws about marriage and gender, but still be devoid of Jesus Christ in your life.
Furthermore, you can confront evil, defend truth, and yet exhibit a godless hatred for the people on the other side of the political aisle in the name of “winning the culture war,” and literally be playing into the Devil’s divisive strategy because you only make it about politics and not about the gospel.
Winning the culture war (or any battle of ideology) is downstream from gospel ministry, evangelism, and preaching Christ! Don’t forget that the battle is for souls, not political parties.
Misconception #4: Spiritual warfare is somebody else’s assignment
I hear Christians sometimes make the excuse about spiritual warfare being “for pastors” or mostly “on the mission field” or to be waged by Christians with “special gifts.” But when you look at the New Testament, you’ll find command after command for all Christians. Paul tells Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), the Ephesians to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11), and “stand firm” against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11–14). Peter warns that our adversary “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour,” then commands Christians to “resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8–9). James is equally direct, saying, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
You have a responsibility to pray, know Scripture, resist temptation, and stand firm in faith. You cannot outsource obedience to your pastor.
So which misconception have you been carrying? Open your Bible and let God correct it. God has given you everything you need to fight the good fight. Make sure you’re fighting His way.
