Spiritual Warfare: The Reality of Being Under Attack and the Biblical Call to Stand Firm
Preface
In recent months, I have had more and more people reach out to me, often in hushed tones or with heavy hearts, confessing that they feel as though they are under attack. These are not isolated conversations, nor are they confined to a certain age group, background, or stage of life. Young believers, seasoned Christians, pastors, parents, students, and friends, all have voiced the same struggle: “I feel like the enemy is after me.”
This is not surprising. The Bible reminds us that the Christian life is not a playground but a battlefield. The apostle Peter paints a vivid picture of our adversary, writing, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is cunning, persistent, and ruthless in his desire to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He whispers lies into our minds, stirs up division in our homes, and fans the flames of fear, guilt, and shame. His attacks may be unseen, but they are deeply felt.
And yet, there is hope. The same God who saved us has also equipped us. Paul, writing to the Ephesians, urges us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). These words are not poetic imagery or lofty ideals. They are practical instructions for daily living. God has provided His truth as our belt, His righteousness as our breastplate, His gospel as our shoes, His faith as our shield, His salvation as our helmet, and His Word as our sword. And over all of this, He commands us to pray, to remain in constant living fellowship with Him.
I have found that too many Christians walk into each day unaware and unprepared, forgetting that they are stepping into a war zone. We cannot afford to live casually when the enemy is strategizing carefully. This is why I encourage every believer to begin each morning by praying on the armor of God. It is not superstition, nor is it empty ritual. It is the conscious acknowledgment of God’s provision and the intentional act of clothing ourselves in His strength.
This blog was born out of these very conversations, out of the growing realization that many believers feel isolated, confused, or overwhelmed when they encounter spiritual opposition. My prayer is that what you are about to read will serve as both a warning and an encouragement. A warning that the battle is real, but an encouragement that the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ.
As you journey through this blog, I hope you will come to see that spiritual warfare is not something to fear but something to be prepared for. We are not left helpless. We are not called to fight in our own strength. Instead, we are invited to stand firm in the Lord, to resist the enemy, and to walk in the confidence that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
So, if you have ever felt the weight of unseen battles pressing against your soul, know this: you are not alone. You are not without hope. And you are not defenseless. The God who calls you is faithful, and He will equip you for every struggle ahead.
Let us then take up the armor. Let us pray with boldness. And let us enter the fight knowing that the outcome has already been secured at the cross.
Introduction
Spiritual warfare is not a metaphor or a poetic theme, it is a reality woven throughout Scripture. From the Garden of Eden to the final battle in Revelation, the Bible reveals a cosmic conflict between God’s kingdom and the forces of darkness. The enemy, Satan (Hebrew: שָׂטָן - śāṭān, “adversary”), seeks to deceive, tempt, devour, and destroy God’s people. The New Testament affirms this with even greater clarity, identifying Satan as the “accuser” (Greek: διάβολος - diabolos, “slanderer”) and “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Believers are not left defenseless. God equips His children with spiritual armor and divine weapons to stand firm. Understanding the nature of spiritual warfare, recognizing enemy attacks, and applying biblical truth are essential for victory.
1. The Reality of the Battle
Old Testament Perspective
The Old Testament reveals that spiritual battles have always existed, even if they are often seen through physical events.
Genesis 3:1–7 - The serpent (Satan) deceives Eve through questioning God’s Word. This is the first recorded spiritual attack, and it begins with doubt and deception.
Job 1:6–12 - Satan appears before God to accuse Job. The Hebrew word שָׂטָן (śāṭān) literally means “adversary” or “one who opposes in court.” Here, Satan’s tactic is to challenge Job’s faith by bringing suffering.
Daniel 10:12–13 - The angel sent to Daniel is delayed for 21 days by the “prince of the kingdom of Persia,” an evil demonic being, showing us that heavenly battles are ongoing even when unseen.
New Testament Perspective
The New Testament makes the spiritual realm explicit:
Ephesians 6:12 - "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." The Greek word for “wrestle” (πάλη — palē) means close, hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing the intensity and personal nature of spiritual warfare.
1 Peter 5:8 - "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The Greek word ἀντίδικος (antidikos) here is a legal term for an opponent in court, Satan is the one bringing accusations against us.
Revelation 12:10–11 - Satan is called “the accuser of our brothers” who accuses them day and night before God, but they overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
2. Recognizing Enemy Attacks
Tactics of the Enemy
Throughout Scripture, Satan’s methods remain consistent:
Deception - Twisting God’s Word (Genesis 3:1; Matthew 4:6).
Accusation - Bringing condemnation and shame (Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10).
Temptation - Enticing with sin (1 Chronicles 21:1; Luke 4:1–13).
Oppression - Physical, emotional, or spiritual heaviness (Job 2:7; Acts 10:38).
Division - Destroying unity among believers (Numbers 16; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13).
Signs You May Be Under Spiritual Attack
Unusual temptation in areas of past weakness.
Sudden overwhelming discouragement or hopelessness.
Confusion about God’s Word or calling.
Isolation from fellowship and community.
Increased conflict in relationships without clear cause.
Feelings of condemnation rather than conviction.
3. Equipping for Battle: The Whole Armor of God
Paul gives the most comprehensive New Testament teaching on spiritual defense in Ephesians 6:10–18. The imagery draws from the Roman soldier’s gear, but also reflects Old Testament armor imagery (Isaiah 59:17).
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." — Ephesians 6:11
a. Belt of Truth (ζώνη τῆς ἀληθείας - zōnē tēs alētheias)
Truth holds everything together. Jesus declared, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). In Hebrew thought, truth (אֱמֶת — ’emet) means stability and faithfulness, God’s unchanging reality.
Application: Begin each day affirming God’s truth over your life and rejecting lies.
b. Breastplate of Righteousness (θώραξ τῆς δικαιοσύνης — thōrax tēs dikaiosynēs)
This protects the heart and vital organs. Our righteousness is not our own, but Christ’s (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Application: Guard your heart by living in obedience and resisting compromise.
c. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (ὑποδήματα τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς εἰρήνης — hypodēmata tou euangeliou tēs eirēnēs)
Peace with God prepares us to stand firm. Isaiah 52:7 speaks of “beautiful feet” that bring good news.
Application: Walk daily in the assurance of your salvation and readiness to share Christ.
d. Shield of Faith (θυρεὸς τῆς πίστεως — thyreos tēs pisteōs)
Faith extinguishes the “flaming darts” of doubt, fear, and temptation. The Greek πίστις (pistis) implies trust based on relationship, not blind belief.
Application: In moments of attack, verbally declare your trust in God’s promises.
e. Helmet of Salvation (περικεφαλαία τοῦ σωτηρίου — perikephalaia tou sōtēriou)
Protects the mind—our assurance of salvation keeps us from despair. In Hebrew, salvation (יְשׁוּעָה — yeshu‘ah) means deliverance, pointing to Jesus (Yeshua).
Application: Renew your mind daily in Scripture (Romans 12:2).
f. Sword of the Spirit (μάχαιρα τοῦ πνεύματος — machaira tou pneumatos)
The only offensive weapon listed, the Word of God (λόγος — logos). Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1–11).
Application: Memorize Scripture and speak it aloud during attacks.
g. Prayer
Paul concludes with "praying at all times in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18). In both Hebrew (תְּפִלָּה — tefillah) and Greek (προσευχή — proseuchē), prayer involves communion, worship, and petition.
Application: “Praying on” the armor each morning can align your heart and mind for spiritual readiness.
4. Overcoming the Enemy Through Biblical Truth
Resist the Devil
James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The order is important: submit to God first, then resist.
Use the Word of God
Hebrews 4:12 calls it "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." Like Jesus in the wilderness, we must counter lies with truth.
Rely on the Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 12:11 - Believers overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus and their testimony.
Stay in Fellowship
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Isolation is dangerous; accountability strengthens us.
Conclusion
Spiritual warfare is real, and the Bible consistently testifies to its existence. The same enemy who deceived Eve, opposed Job, and tempted Jesus is at work today. Yet God has given His people every resource needed for victory: His Word, His Spirit, the fellowship of believers, and the armor of God.
By understanding the reality of the battle, recognizing the enemy’s tactics, and equipping ourselves daily, we can stand firm. The promise of Ephesians 6:13 remains true: "having done all, to stand firm."
Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.
Stay safe my friends.
Pastor Bart Goldbar
Goldbar Defense LLC
