Question: What is spiritual warfare, and how can we discern what is valid from all available information? Some people say it is inaccurate, and some say there is a "demon behind every bush."
Answer: Spiritual warfare is real and part of everyone's life. However, much of it is subjective, mainly because it is based on feelings rather than the objective truth of God's Word. Let's start to develop a solid foundation slowly.
This is post TWO in the series "Winning the Invisible War."
Series Verse:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:10–11
Today's Verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20
Why This Matters
When it comes to spiritual warfare, the most common battlefield isn’t somewhere “out there”—it’s right between your ears. The enemy knows that if he can make you doubt who you are, he can make you ineffective, fearful, and powerless—even though you’re a child of God.
Every lie Satan tells attacks one of two things: God’s character or your identity.
Just look at the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Satan didn’t come with a weapon. He came with a question: “Did God really say?” He sowed doubt about God’s goodness and Eve’s standing with Him. He’s been using the same tactic ever since.
If you don’t know who you are in Christ, you’ll believe the lies that say you’re unloved, alone, unworthy, or defeated.
But when you embrace your identity in Christ, you begin to fight FROM victory, not for it.
The Biblical Picture of Your Identity
1. You Are a New Creation
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Your past no longer defines you. You’ve been made new—completely new. The enemy loves to drag your past into your present, but God doesn’t operate that way.
2. You Are Fully Accepted by God
“To all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
You don’t have to earn God’s love. You are not working toward acceptance—you are working from it. You are His child. Period.
3. You Are Spiritually Alive and Equipped
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” — 2 Peter 1:3
You’re not helpless. You have the Holy Spirit inside of you. You’ve been given authority in Christ (Luke 10:19). You have spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10–18). You are equipped to stand.
Neil Anderson’s Insight
Neil Anderson famously said, “The most critical issue for every Christian is to understand and believe what God has done and who they are in Christ.”
His book Victory Over the Darkness is built on this truth: when you know who you are, Satan loses his power to deceive you. You’re no longer easily manipulated by guilt, shame, or fear. Instead, you live from the solid foundation of your true identity in Christ.
Anderson offers a list called “Who I Am in Christ,” filled with Scripture-based declarations like:
- I am accepted (Romans 15:7)
- I am secure (Romans 8:38–39)
- I am significant (Ephesians 2:10)
These aren’t motivational quotes but biblical facts about your position as a believer.
Practical Application Steps
- Print and Meditate on “Who I Am in Christ”
Find Neil Anderson’s list (linked below) and spend time each day reading and praying through 2–3 statements. Ask God to help you believe them sincerely. - Identify Lies You’ve Believed
Write down negative beliefs you carry (e.g., “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never change,” “God is disappointed in me”). Then, find Scripture that tells the truth. - Replace Labels with Identity
Don’t say, “I’m just an addict” or “I’m broken.” Say, “I’m a child of God who struggles, but I’m not defined by that struggle.” - Declare Truth Out Loud
When you feel spiritual pressure or discouragement, say who you are in Christ out loud. Your voice matters—speak God’s truth into your atmosphere. - Start an Identity Prayer Journal
Begin journaling what God is teaching you about your identity. Include Scriptures, declarations, and answered prayers that reinforce who you are in Him.
Resources
- Book: Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
A powerful, practical book on identity-based spiritual warfare. - Resource: Who I Am in Christ PDF – Freedom in Christ Ministries
A free downloadable list of your identity in Christ, backed by Scripture. - Book: The Steps to Freedom in Christ by Neil T. Anderson
A guided process of confession, renunciation, and declaration for spiritual renewal.
Bottom Line:
Satan wants you to forget who you are. God wants you to remember.
The most dangerous Christian to the kingdom of darkness is one who knows they are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully equipped in Christ.
So don’t fight to earn your identity—stand in it.
You are His. That’s where the battle begins.
