Spiritual Warfare In Evangelism Series

SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN EVANGELISM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:12

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Luke 10:19, Acts 26:17-18, Matthew 16:18

INTRODUCTION:

Evangelism is not just about sharing the gospel; it is a spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Every soul won to Christ is a soul delivered from Satan’s grip, which is why evangelism often faces opposition.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces that seek to blind minds and hinder the spread of the gospel. Satan knows that when people come to Christ, they are set free, so he resists evangelism through fear, doubt, distractions, and persecution.

As believers, we must understand spiritual warfare in evangelism and how to overcome the enemy’s tactics.

1. RECOGNISING THE ENEMY IN EVANGELISM

Satan fights evangelism through various means.

a) Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Many reject the gospel because the enemy keeps them spiritually blind.

b) Demonic strongholds resist the truth (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

False beliefs, traditions, and philosophies create barriers to salvation.

c) Fear and intimidation hinder evangelism (2 Timothy 1:7)

The devil instills fear to keep believers from boldly witnessing.

d) Distractions keep people from hearing the gospel (Luke 8:14)

Worldly cares, riches, and pleasures often choke the Word.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh resisting Moses’ call to let Israel go (Exodus 5:1-2)

Just as Pharaoh resisted the deliverance of Israel, Satan fights the salvation of souls.

2. THE POWER OF PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Prayer is essential in breaking spiritual resistance.

a) Prayer opens doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:3-4)

Paul requested prayers for open doors to preach Christ.

b) Intercession breaks satanic barriers (Acts 12:5-7)

The early church prayed, and Peter was supernaturally delivered to continue preaching.

c) Praying in the Spirit strengthens us (Ephesians 6:18)

Spiritual warfare requires the power of the Holy Spirit.

d) Prayer releases divine boldness (Acts 4:29-31)

The apostles prayed and received boldness to preach despite threats.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s prayer breaking through spiritual resistance (Daniel 10:12-13)

His 21-day prayer resulted in angelic intervention against demonic opposition.

3. USING THE ARMOUR OF GOD IN EVANGELISM

Spiritual warfare requires divine protection and power.

a) The belt of truth helps us overcome deception (John 8:32)

Knowing the truth of God’s Word helps us counter falsehoods.

b) The breastplate of righteousness protects us from guilt (Romans 8:1)

The enemy tries to discourage us, but righteousness in Christ keeps us firm.

c) The shoes of the gospel give us boldness to witness (Romans 1:16)

We must be ready to share the gospel at all times.

d) The shield of faith quenches satanic attacks (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith helps us overcome fear, doubt, and opposition.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus overcoming Satan’s temptations with the Word (Matthew 4:1-11)

He defeated the devil by declaring, "It is written."

4. TAKING AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY

God has given us power to overcome all satanic resistance.

a) We have authority over the power of darkness (Luke 10:19)

Jesus gave us power to trample upon the enemy.

b) Binding and loosing stops satanic interference (Matthew 18:18)

We can bind demonic forces and loose God’s power in evangelism.

c) Casting down imaginations breaks strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

False beliefs must be challenged with God’s truth.

d) Demonic forces must submit to Jesus' name (Philippians 2:9-10)

Every knee must bow at the name of Jesus.

e) Biblical Example: Paul casting out a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-18)

A demon-possessed girl was delivered, leading to revival.

5. PERSEVERING UNTIL THE VICTORY IS WON

Spiritual battles require persistence and endurance.

a) Do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9)

We must keep preaching, even when results seem slow.

b) Endure hardship as a soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

Evangelism is a battle that requires discipline and patience.

c) Keep pressing forward despite opposition (Philippians 3:13-14)

Our focus must be on the heavenly reward, not temporary struggles.

d) The gates of hell shall not prevail (Matthew 16:18)

No power of darkness can stop the advance of God’s kingdom.

e) Biblical Example: The early church overcoming persecution (Acts 8:1-4)

Despite persecution, the gospel spread and souls were won.

CONCLUSION:

Evangelism is a spiritual battle, and we must be fully equipped to fight and win. The enemy resists the spread of the gospel, but through prayer, the Word, spiritual authority, and perseverance, we can overcome.

Victory in evangelism does not come by human effort alone but through the power of God. When we engage in spiritual warfare, we will see souls saved, strongholds broken, and God’s kingdom established. Let us rise up as spiritual warriors, knowing that the battle is the Lord’s, and the victory is sure!