The Bible is clear that Christians wage spiritual warfare against unseen powers (Ephesians 6:12). The weapons are not carnal but mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4). These verses arm believers for the daily battle — not in fear, but in the confidence that Christ has already won.
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers.”
The classic spiritual warfare text. Strength in the Lord, not in self.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God... having your loins girt about with truth... breastplate of righteousness... feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace... shield of faith... helmet of salvation... sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always.”
Six pieces of armor and one weapon: the word of God. Prayer wraps them all.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The two-step pattern: submit to God first, then resist.
“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations... and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
The battlefield is often the mind. Thoughts must be brought under Christ.
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Spiritual warfare's bottom line: God in us is greater than any opposing power.
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Not just conquerors — more than conquerors. Through Christ.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
The two weapons that defeat the accuser: Christ's blood and the believer's testimony.
Put on the armor of God daily (Ephesians 6). Pray Scripture. Resist temptation in Jesus' name. Submit to God first (James 4:7). Don't fear the enemy — Christ has already defeated him (Colossians 2:15). Keep your mind under Christ's lordship (2 Corinthians 10:5). Spiritual warfare is real — but the victory is already won.
Ephesians 6:12 — 'we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities... against spiritual wickedness in high places.' The weapons are 'not carnal, but mighty through God' (2 Corinthians 10:4). The armor is described in Ephesians 6:10-18: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, and prayer. The victory is already won in Christ (Colossians 2:15).
Six pieces of armor and one weapon (Ephesians 6:13-18): (1) belt of truth — God's word as foundation; (2) breastplate of righteousness — Christ's imputed righteousness plus pursued obedience; (3) feet shod with the gospel of peace — gospel-readiness; (4) shield of faith — quenching the fiery darts; (5) helmet of salvation — assurance; (6) sword of the Spirit — Scripture; (7) prayer — wrapping the whole.
(1) Submit to God first (James 4:7). (2) Put on the armor of God daily (Ephesians 6). (3) Pray Scripture. (4) Resist the devil — 'and he will flee from you.' (5) Use Christ's name. (6) Stand on Christ's finished victory (Colossians 2:15). (7) Keep your mind under Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Don't fear — 'greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world' (1 John 4:4).
Christians disagree on this. The historic consensus is that a true believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed (controlled) by demons, since the Spirit is greater than any demonic power (1 John 4:4). But Christians can be oppressed, harassed, or attacked. The remedy is the armor of God, submission, resistance, and standing on Christ's victory.