Wrong Teachings about Spiritual Warfare

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Spiritual warfare is a topic that stirs deep emotions and questions for many believers. It’s the unseen battle between good and evil, light and darkness, God’s kingdom and the forces that oppose Him. The Bible is clear that this struggle is real as Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” Yet, over time, I’ve noticed how some teachings about spiritual warfare stray from biblical truth. These misunderstandings can confuse us, distract us, or even leave us vulnerable. Let’s explore a few of these wrong teachings and hold them up to the light of Scripture.

1. It’s All About Me and My Power

One common mistake is thinking spiritual warfare is about us being the heroes. I have heard people talk about “binding demons” or “claiming victory” as if it is all up to their words or strength. While it is true we are called to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13), the Bible never says we win by our own power. The victory belongs to Jesus. Colossians 2:15 tells us He “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them” on the cross. My role, and yours, is not to overpower Satan ourselves but to trust in Christ’s finished work. When we start thinking it is about our spiritual muscle, we have missed the point: it is His strength, not ours.

2. Every Problem Is a Demon

I have seen this one too often- someone’s car breaks down, and they’re quick to say, “The enemy’s attacking me!” Yes, the devil prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but not every struggle is a direct demonic assault. Sometimes, life is just hard because we live in a fallen world (Romans 8:20-21). Job’s story shows us that trials can come for reasons beyond simple spiritual attack. God Himself allowed Job’s suffering to test and refine him. Blaming everything on demons can make us paranoid, ignoring the bigger picture of God’s sovereignty. I’ve learned to ask: Is this a spiritual battle, or is God teaching me patience?

3. Fear Is the Right Response

Some teachings make spiritual warfare sound terrifying, like we are helpless against a looming evil. There are Christian believers who always feel jumpy, wondering if they have “opened a door” to the enemy. But the Scripture says the opposite. “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus told His disciples, “I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19). That does not mean we are reckless, but it does mean we do not cower. When we focus on God’s protection, like the armor in Ephesians 6, we find peace, not panic.

4. It’s All About Loud Prayers and Rituals

Shouting at the devil or repeating certain phrases has become popular in some circles. I’ve been in rooms where people yelled “I bind you, Satan!” over and over, as if volume wins the fight. But the Bible does not show this. When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He did not shout or perform a ritual, but He spoke God’s Word with calm authority. Jude 9 even warns against arrogance, noting that the archangel Michael did not curse the devil but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Spiritual warfare is not about theatrics; it is about faith rooted in truth. I’ve found quiet trust in God’s promises more powerful than any loud declaration.

5. The Battle’s Only “Out There”

Some teach that spiritual warfare is just about external forces: demons, curses, or evil spirits. But I have come to see it is also inside me. Galatians 5:17 talks about the war between the flesh and the Spirit: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh.” If we are being honest, some of our hardest battles are with pride, anger, or doubt. Ignoring this inner fight leaves us half-prepared. The armor of God that is truth, righteousness, and faith equips us not just against Satan but against our own sinful tendencies.

6. The Devil Made Me Do It

Here’s another one I have heard too often: “The devil made me do it.” It is an easy way to dodge responsibility by blaming Satan for every bad choice or sin. Sure, he tempts us; Genesis 3 shows how he deceived Eve, and 1 Corinthians 7:5 warns that he can exploit our weaknesses. But the Bible never lets us off the hook that easily. James 1:14 says, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” My sin starts with me, not just the devil’s whisper. When we point the finger at him alone, we miss the chance to repent and grow. Spiritual warfare includes resisting temptation, but we cannot blame Satan for what we choose to do.

What’s the Truth?

So, where does this leave us? Spiritual warfare is real, and we are in it every day. But it is not about our power, our fear, our noise, or our excuses. It is about Jesus: who He is, what He’s done, and what He’s promised. We put on the armor of God not to flex our strength but to stand in His (Ephesians 6:10). We resist the devil not by our cleverness but by submitting to God (James 4:7). And we fight not just “out there” but in our heart, trusting the Holy Spirit to shape us.

If you have been tangled up in wrong teachings, then take a step back. Open the Bible. See what God says. The battle’s already won by Christ, and our job is to walk in that victory, humbly and faithfully, day by day.

May God bless us all.