“Spiritual Warfare” is Not in the Bible

When you hear the term, spiritual warfare, what comes to mind? Is it some form of spiritual violence? Perhaps, it’s some sort of militant posture against the devil, and his minions. Does it include screaming at the strongholds in the sky, so to speak? It is easy to romanticize this term, and create something in our minds that might actually conflict with the Word of God. Here some things to consider, and by all means search the Scripture to see if they be so, which is probably something we should do on a regular basis, anyway.
Let’s start with the term itself. Did you know the words, spiritual and warfare cannot be found together in the Bible? Of course, sometimes we use terms for quick snapshots of concepts. One example is the word, Trinity. It too, cannot be found in the Bible; nonetheless, the principle is definitely there. The question is, how do we define spiritual warfare? Perhaps, we could forego the term, altogether. “Blasphemy!” Okay, if one does not want to forego the term, maybe see what it actually means, or looks like.
Let’s start here: our warfare is to remain spiritual in whatever circumstance we might find ourselves. We do that by submitting to Holy Spirit, helps us keep from carnality. In addition, we need guard our hearts from using the Word of God in a carnal manner. We can ill afford to be self-willed, and bend Scripture to fit our our fancy.
Galatians 5:6 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Find the Example

One thing that would be beneficial is finding examples of the things Jesus, or the disciples did in relation to any concept we may find, or think we find. Obviously, our Best Example is Jesus, Himself. How did He exhibit spiritual warfare? Do we find Jesus or the disciples doing some of the things we say or do anywhere in the Bible? If not, perhaps we should consider if it is something we should actually be doing. We need to be careful about not adding to, or taking away anything from God’s Word. Let’s pick on a couple things that has been prevalent in some circles of the Church.
Did we ever see Jesus yelling or speaking to the devil when He prayed? For instance, “I bind you, Satan, in the name of Jesus!” “I’m serving you notice, devil,” and so on. Since when do we employ weapons that the devil uses? The devil binds people; we do not. Let’s do a quick sidenote here, and see if we can gain some clarity. There is a passage in Scripture that talks about bind and loosing. These terms might not mean what some think they mean.
Incidentally, screaming at the devil gives him too much undeserved attention!
Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (be sure to read verses 15-17 for full context).
Essentially, these are legal terms. To bind means to declare something is unlawful, and loose means to declare something is lawful. The New American Standard brings clarity to this verse: Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in Heaven.
In other words, these pronounce what is legal, or illegal based on the laws of Heaven. Just as Jesus said, “Your Kingdom come Your will be done in earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). For instance, unforgiveness would be an unlawful act, since we are commanded to forgive. Unforgiveness binds us from the blessings of Heaven; whereas, forgiveness opens them up.
Some embrace the idea that part of spiritual warfare is tearing down demonic strongholds. Have you ever read where Jesus tore down strongholds? Ironically, stronghold has a different meaning than the way some apply this word. Here’s a clue: it’s a stronghold. Okay, let’s see what the Bible says.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
This is the only place we find this term. The verse is parenthetical, and defines what is considered strongholds. They are imaginations (speculations) and every high thing (lofty thing) raised up against the knowledge of God. By definition, Stronghold,  (CHURMA [3794, Strong’s Concordance number]) is derived by another word (ECHO [Strong’s Concordance number, 2192]), which means to fortify, through the idea of holding safely. Stronghold is a fortification, or castle. In this case, it is a metaphor for an argument in which someone trusts, or where human confidence is imposed. So, “stronghold” is a stronghold for some.

Staying Spiritual

Being spiritual requires our being dependent on Holy Spirit. We cannot white-knuckle our way through life. It includes be merciful, and gracious towards others. Especially, the ones who “don’t’ deserve it!” After all, Jesus extended mercy and grace to us, even though, we didn’t deserve it either.
When you walk into a dark room, do you yell at the darkness, or turn on the light? We come against the enemy by being for others. We pray for them, speaking light into dark situations. When it gets down to it, darkness is the absence of Light. We extend mercy, so others may experience it, and find repentance. Being kind and forgiving toward others are aspects of our warfare. Remember, kindness leads to repentance (see Romans 4:4).
Staying spiritual means fellowship with God, as Jesus revealed to us by His constant communion with our Father.

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