Question 326: What is spiritual warfare?

Answer:

Spiritual warfare is the ongoing struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil as we seek to live faithfully in Christ. It involves resisting temptation, enduring trials, combating lies with truth, and standing firm in the armor of God. Though our enemies are unseen, our victory is certain in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin, death, and Satan. By prayer, Scripture, sacrament, and obedience, we fight not in our strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 6:10–12, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, 1 Peter 5:8–9, James 4:7, Romans 8:37–39)

Full Scripture References

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:10–12 (BSB)

“For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (BSB)

“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith…” – 1 Peter 5:8–9 (BSB)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (BSB)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:37–39 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Spiritual warfare is the battle every Christian faces in this life, not against people, but against the forces of darkness that seek to destroy, deceive, and divide. Bishop Dan Gifford (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) writes, “To follow Christ is to enter into His conflict—a war not of swords but of surrender, fought in prayer, truth, and holiness.” (The Fight of Faith, 2022)

This warfare involves resisting temptation, rejecting lies, and persevering in faith. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “The devil doesn’t always roar—he whispers. Spiritual warfare is often subtle, fought in the realm of thought, motive, and desire. Victory comes by standing in the light.” (The Armor of the Everyday Christian, 2021)

Christ has already won the decisive battle. The cross and resurrection disarmed the powers of darkness, and now we fight as those who are already victorious in Him. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “We do not fight for victory—we fight from it. Every blow we strike in faith is backed by Christ’s triumph.” (Christ the Warrior King, 2020)

The Church equips us for this warfare through Word and Sacrament, training us in righteousness. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) notes, “The Eucharist strengthens us. Confession restores us. Scripture arms us. Prayer connects us to heaven’s power. This is not mystical theory—it is real battle formation.” (The Church as Training Ground, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Spiritual warfare is not drama—it is discipleship. It is the costly, daily resistance of sin and the unseen powers behind it. And it is also the joyful assurance that Christ reigns, and we are kept by His strength.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Let us not be ignorant of the enemy’s schemes. He strikes the mind with fear, the heart with doubt—but faith stands firm as a shield.” – Augustine of Hippo, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love, c. 420 AD

“We are soldiers of the King. Let us wear His armor, wield His truth, and trust His victory.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Spiritual Discipline, c. 370 AD

“Satan is overcome not by force, but by faith. The one who prays, fasts, and clings to Christ has nothing to fear.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Ephesians 6, c. 390 AD

“The Christian life is a battle. But Christ is our Captain, and the Spirit is our strength. Stand firm, and you shall not fall.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Christian Soldier, c. 250 AD