Question: What is spiritual warfare, and how can we discern what is accurate 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 FIVE 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:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7
Why This Matters
Many believers want spiritual victory without spiritual honesty.
We want to be free from the enemy’s grip, but we don’t want to confront the things that gave him access in the first place. Sin we haven’t repented of. Bitterness we refuse to release. These become open doors that allow the enemy to torment, distract, and accuse us.
Repentance and forgiveness are not optional—they’re weapons.
They don’t make God love you more. They simply remove the barriers that keep you from walking in His freedom.
Neil Anderson reminds us: “You cannot bypass the cross and expect to walk in freedom. The path to victory always goes through repentance and forgiveness.”
What the Bible Says
1. Unconfessed Sin Gives the Enemy Room to Operate
“Do not give the devil a foothold.” — Ephesians 4:27
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…” — 1 John 1:9
Every believer still sins, but holding onto it—justifying it, hiding it, refusing to repent—gives the enemy space to accuse and torment. Confession closes the door.
2. Bitterness Is a Spiritual Trap
“Forgive one another… in order that Satan might not outwit us.” — 2 Corinthians 2:10–11
“If you do not forgive others… your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:15
Unforgiveness is a prison. You think you’re punishing someone else, but you’re actually binding yourself. Bitterness is fertile ground for spiritual oppression.
3. Forgiveness Frees You, Not Just the Other Person
“Bear with each other and forgive… as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt. It means releasing your right to revenge, trusting God to handle justice, and refusing to let the pain define you.
Neil Anderson’s Insight
In The Steps to Freedom in Christ, Neil Anderson walks believers through seven key areas of repentance and forgiveness. He emphasizes that freedom isn’t found in a formula—it’s found in aligning your life with God’s truth.
He writes, “You don’t forgive because the person deserves it. You forgive because you need to be free.”
Unforgiveness keeps you spiritually handcuffed. Repentance removes the chains. Both are acts of surrender that release God’s power in your life.
Practical Application Steps
- Ask God for a Clean Heart
Spend time in prayer asking, “Lord, is there any sin I’ve justified, hidden, or ignored?” Write it down. Confess it. Don’t rationalize—release it. - Make a Forgiveness List
Write the names of anyone who has hurt or wronged you—recently or long ago. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you truly forgive them by name and release the offense. - Pray a Forgiveness Prayer
Example:
“Lord, I choose to forgive [name] for [specific offense], even though it hurt. I release them to You. I cancel their debt. Heal my heart.” - Forgive Yourself Too
Often, the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves. But if Jesus has already paid for your sin, who are you to hold yourself in prison? Say out loud:
“I forgive myself because Christ has already forgiven me.” - Close the Door
After repentance and forgiveness, verbally renounce any agreement with the enemy. Example:
“I renounce the lie that I’m still guilty. I break agreement with shame and claim my freedom in Christ.”
Resources
- Book: The Steps to Freedom in Christ by Neil T. Anderson
A powerful tool for walking through repentance and forgiveness in seven key areas. - Teaching: Freedom in Christ Ministries – Online Steps Guide
Includes videos and digital guides for walking through spiritual freedom. - Book: Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall
A deep biblical dive into what forgiveness is (and isn’t), with helpful real-world application.
Bottom Line.
You can’t walk in freedom while dragging chains of sin and bitterness.
The enemy loves hidden sin and unresolved pain—it gives him ground to torment you. But repentance and forgiveness slam that door shut.
Freedom isn’t found in fighting harder but in surrendering deeper.
