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Study Guide: Lessons on the Battlefield

Sunday July 22, 2007 | Greg Boyd

Focus Scripture:


Brief Summary:

Spiritual warfare is a present reality in our war-torn world. There are principalities and powers, often unseen, which influence and distort what is true about God and His Creation. As followers of Christ, we do not need to fear these things. Rather, we are called to live in the truth of who we are in Christ, being filled with God’s Spirit and power, to come against and resist the strongholds and lies.


Extended Summary:

Spiritual warfare is a present reality in our war-torn world. There are principalities and powers, often unseen, which influence and distort what is true about God and His Creation. As followers of Christ, we do not need to fear these things. Rather, we are called to live in the truth of who we are in Christ, being filled with God’s Spirit and power, to come against and resist the strongholds and lies.

Principalities and powers, like demons, are real. In Luke 8:26-39 Jesus comes against a demon, and casts it out of a man. Episodes like this are extreme, although they do happen. Most warfare that occurs is more subtle, taking more wisdom to confront. It is important to know that as Christians we cannot be possessed by a demon, but we can come under spiritual attack. Any area of our life that is left open, whether it is by a stronghold, lie or something that holds us in bondage may have a demonic power behind it.

This may seem scary, but we do not have to live in fear about this. Even though we live in an enemy occupied territory, we have the assurance of Christ living inside of us, and the power of Christ to help us overcome any and all attacks from the enemy (see Ephesians 1:20-23; 2:6).

How then do we engage in this spiritual war? We don’t always know if something is either a result of a spiritual attack or is a result of some other circumstance. Because of this ambiguity, we are to simply pray to God asking if there is anything in the spiritual realm that might be coming under attack in our lives. We are also to ask God for wisdom in doing what we need to do in order to break free from any strongholds, lies or forms of bondage. That may mean seeking treatment and accountability or taking other measures needed to close the opportunity for spiritual attacks in our lives.


Reflection Questions:

  1. Why should we not fear the demonic influences present in our world? Read Ephesians 1:20-23 and Ephesians 2:6.
  2. In your life, what is one thing that wears on you, that makes you feel like a “legion” of soldiers is marching through your head, keeping you awake at night or torn at work?
  3. What areas in your life have you not surrendered under Christ’s authority, or have allowed Satan to have a stronghold in?
  4. How can you begin to take authority and action over these strongholds in your life?

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