13 Sep Evangelism is Spiritual Warfare
Have you ever decided to speak with someone about Jesus, only to feel a sudden reluctance to say anything?
The opportunity is there. You know the person. You have prayed for the conversation. But when the moment comes, sharing your faith feels unusually difficult. You worry about saying the wrong thing, damaging the relationship, or being asked a question you cannot answer. So you say nothing.
Some of this is ordinary fear. Some of it comes from being unprepared. We should not blame the devil for every awkward conversation or missed opportunity. But Scripture also tells us that evangelism takes place within a real spiritual conflict. The gospel confronts darkness. It exposes lies. It calls people out of one kingdom and into another.
That is why evangelism often involves resistance.
The people around us are not our enemies. They are people God loves, people he has placed within our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and daily routines. You can discover the mission field already around you by considering the relationships God has already given you. The enemy works to keep those people from seeing the glory of Christ. He also works through fear, distraction, temptation, and accusation to keep Christians silent.
Our weapons are therefore not pressure, manipulation, political power, or clever arguments. God has given us truth, prayer, faith, righteousness, his Word, and the gospel itself.
These fifteen passages explain the conflict and show us how to enter it faithfully.
Evangelism Enters a Conflict Between Two Kingdoms
Evangelism is sometimes presented as the simple transfer of religious information. We know something about Jesus, and we tell it to someone who does not know it.
That is true, but it is incomplete. The Bible describes salvation as a rescue, a transfer of citizenship, and the breaking of an enemy’s power. Something much larger is happening when the gospel is proclaimed.
1. Matthew 28:18–20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Great Commission begins with authority. Jesus does not begin by examining the ability, courage, or experience of the disciples. He begins by telling them who he is. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to him.
This is important because the commission he gives them is humanly impossible. Eleven disciples cannot make disciples of all nations in their own strength. But they are not working in their own authority, and they will not go alone. The King who sends them promises to remain with them.
When you speak about Christ, you may feel weak. That does not make Christ weak. The authority behind the mission belongs to him.
Consider: How would your approach to evangelism change if you consciously began with Christ’s authority and presence?
2. Colossians 1:13–14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Paul describes salvation in the language of two domains. God delivers us from darkness and brings us into the kingdom of his Son. We do not negotiate our own release. Christ rescues us.
This means conversion is more than adopting Christian beliefs or improving one’s behavior. God changes where we belong. He gives redemption and forgiveness through his Son.
Consider: What does this passage teach you about what is actually happening when someone trusts Christ?
3. 1 John 3:8
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. His death and resurrection defeated sin, death, and the enemy’s claim against us. Every person who turns to Christ is another demonstration that Satan could not stop what Jesus came to do.
We participate in that mission, but we are not its heroes. Jesus destroys the enemy’s work. We announce what Jesus has done.
For a broader study of how this mission runs through the entire Bible, read Bible Study on Missions: How Scripture Transforms Spectators Into Participants.
The Enemy Works to Keep People Spiritually Blind
Why can one person hear the gospel and recognize the beauty of Christ while another person hears the same message and remains unmoved? Scripture gives several answers, including the sobering reality of spiritual blindness.
This should make us compassionate. Unbelievers are not the enemy. In fact, every Christian once stood in exactly the same condition.
4. 2 Corinthians 4:3–6
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Satan wants to prevent people from seeing the light of the gospel. Notice that Paul does not say unbelievers merely need a better argument. Their problem is deeper. They cannot see the glory of Christ.
This also explains why Paul refuses to make himself the center of his ministry. “What we proclaim is not ourselves.” Evangelism is not the presentation of an impressive Christian life, personality, or organization. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
Then Paul takes us back to creation. The God who once commanded light to shine into darkness must shine into the human heart. We speak, reason, answer questions, and explain the gospel as clearly as we can. But only God can make someone see.
That truth does not make evangelism unnecessary. It makes prayer necessary.
Consider: How should this passage change the way you pray for someone who appears completely closed to the gospel?
5. Ephesians 2:1–5
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience, among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved.
Paul identifies three forces at work in humanity’s rebellion: the world, the flesh, and the devil. This is a grim description, but Christians have no grounds for pride. Paul says, “among whom we all once lived.”
We were not smarter or spiritually better than the people we hope to reach. We were dead too. The turning point is found in two words: “But God.” God loved us. God showed mercy. God made us alive with Christ.
Remembering this changes how we evangelize. We can speak with conviction without contempt and urgency without manipulation. Salvation is by grace.
6. Acts 26:16–18
But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
Jesus’ commission to Paul connects evangelism and spiritual warfare directly. Paul is sent to open eyes so people may turn from darkness to light and from Satan’s power to God.
The result is not simply freedom from darkness. They receive forgiveness and a place among God’s people. The gospel brings people into a new family.
International Project has assembled an additional collection of Bible verses about sharing the gospel that can be used to pray for the people you are seeking to reach.
God Gives Us Spiritual Weapons
The language of spiritual warfare attracts speculation. People can become more interested in identifying demons than in obeying Jesus. The New Testament takes us in a clearer direction. We stand in God’s strength, resist the devil, speak the truth, pray, and remain ready with the gospel.
7. Ephesians 6:10–20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul tells us twice to put on the whole armor of God. We cannot select truth but neglect righteousness, or carry the sword while leaving behind faith. God supplies what his people need for the conflict.
Look carefully at the armor. It includes readiness given by the gospel of peace. Spiritual warfare and gospel proclamation belong together. The Christian soldier is prepared to stand, but also prepared to speak.
Paul ends the passage by asking the church to pray that he will proclaim the gospel boldly. This is surprising. Paul was an apostle and experienced evangelist, yet he still needed prayer for the right words and the courage to speak them. We need the same.
Scott Hubbard develops this connection between God’s armor and an advancing church in Be Ready to Speak of Jesus: Evangelism as Spiritual Warfare.
Consider: Which part of God’s armor are you most likely to neglect when preparing to share the gospel?
8. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Our weapons match the nature of the conflict. Human pressure cannot produce spiritual sight. Anger cannot bring thoughts into obedience to Christ.
Paul does not tell us to avoid hard questions or false ideas. Arguments that oppose the knowledge of God must be answered. But our goal is not to humiliate the person across the table. We want that person to know Christ. Truth and love must remain together.
9. James 4:7–8
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Resistance begins with submission. Spiritual authority does not come from a forceful personality or specialized vocabulary. We submit to God, draw near to him, and turn from our own sin.
Our private obedience and public witness cannot be separated. If we want God to use us in the lives of others, we should allow his Word to confront our own lives first.
NewSpring Church has also collected 10 complete Bible passages on spiritual warfare for further study.
Prayer Opens Doors and Gives Us Boldness
Prayer is sometimes treated as preparation for evangelism, something we do before the real work begins. The early church saw prayer as part of the work itself. They asked God to open doors, give them words, and make them bold.
10. Acts 4:23–31
When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’ — for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
The church had been threatened. What did they ask God to do? They did not ask him to remove every hostile person or make their work comfortable. They asked for boldness to continue speaking.
Their confidence rested in the sovereignty of God. The rulers who opposed Jesus could not overturn God’s plan. Neither could the leaders who opposed his witnesses. God answered by filling ordinary believers with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak.
Consider: How does this prayer differ from the way you normally pray when you face resistance?
11. Colossians 4:2–6
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
This passage gives us a wonderfully practical pattern. Pray for an open door. Pray for clarity. Walk wisely. Use your time well. Speak graciously and learn how to answer each person.
Notice that Paul does not choose between spiritual dependence and careful communication. He asks God to work, and he takes responsibility for speaking clearly. We should do both.
12. 1 Peter 5:8–10
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Peter calls us to watchfulness, not panic. The devil seeks to intimidate, isolate, and devour. Christians resist him by standing firm in faith and remembering that we do not suffer alone.
God has the last word. He will restore and strengthen his people. This promise has sustained Christians proclaiming the gospel in difficult places throughout the history of the church.
Mission teams preparing to serve in an unfamiliar place can also work through 10 Bible passages every mission team should study.
We Fight From Christ’s Victory
A poorly formed view of spiritual warfare can leave Christians anxious and preoccupied with the enemy. The New Testament keeps returning our attention to Christ. Satan is real, but he is not Christ’s equal. Jesus has defeated him, rules over every power, and will bring his victory to completion.
13. Luke 10:17–20
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
The disciples returned from their mission amazed by the authority they had witnessed. Jesus confirmed that their work was part of Satan’s defeat, but then redirected their joy.
Our deepest joy is not spiritual power. It is belonging to God. Jesus keeps spiritual warfare from becoming a source of pride, fear, or unhealthy fascination.
14. Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
God is the one who crushes Satan, yet Paul says he will do it under the feet of his people. The church participates in a victory God guarantees.
The title “God of peace” matters. His victory does not turn Christians into angry or combative people. We carry the gospel of peace while God defeats the enemy.
15. Revelation 12:10–11
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
Satan accuses. He reminds believers of their sin, failures, weakness, and unworthiness. We do not overcome those accusations by proving our goodness. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
The believers in Revelation also overcome through the word of their testimony. They openly identify with Jesus, even when that witness is costly. Their confidence is in what Christ has done, not in their own spiritual performance.
Put On Your Gospel Shoes
Expect resistance when you seek to make Christ known, but do not become obsessed with it. Remember who the enemy is, and who the enemy is not. The family member who disagrees with you is not the enemy. Your skeptical coworker is not the enemy. The neighbor who seems uninterested is not the enemy.
Pray for God to open their eyes. Ask him to open a door for his Word and give you clarity when the door opens. Put on the armor God provides. Speak about Jesus with courage, patience, and grace. Then trust God with the result.
Choose one person in your oikos this week. Pray one of these passages for that person each day. Then ask God for one natural opportunity to listen, serve, tell your story, or speak about Jesus.
Christ has already won the decisive victory. We have been sent to announce it.
Additional Reading
- Missions Isn’t Just Something That Happens Overseas
- Bible Study on Missions: How Scripture Transforms Spectators Into Participants
- Mission Trip Bible Study: 10 Passages Every Team Should Study
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.