I need not tell you that the Christian life is one intense struggle. You know what it’s like to be involved in the subject of Ray Stedman’s book, Spiritual Warfare. As he explains, we are involved in a life-and-death battle with spiritual beings that are beyond us in power and intelligence. As mere humans operating in our own strength, we are no match for such foes. However, “in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10) we can stand firm.
Stedman writes as a seasoned veteran, who fought in many battles during his more than 60 years of walking with the Lord.
Stedman’s theses, as well as his overall purpose for the book, are clearly stated in the opening chapter.
First, we as human beings are under heavy spiritual and moral attack, and are surrounded by the devastation of this warfare.
Second, this attack is for the purpose of destroying man, especially those who follow Christ. It is a life-and-death struggle.
Third, the enemy behind this attack is the devil, “the ruler of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and the demonic hosts who follow him. He writes:
Our enemy is legion–a deadly pantheon of spiritual hosts of wickedness…These forces operate under the authority of the one who is the father of lies, the prince of darkness….
Fourth, only by recognizing the devil as real can we begin to understand the desperate conditions around us in the world.
Finally, the author makes it clear that we are helpless to face such an enemy in our own strength. Should we try, we are guaranteed to fail! He states that God has given us three specific steps for victory:
* We must lay hold of the complete armor of God;
* Once fully armed, we must learn the secret of prayer;
* In the face of Satan’s attacks, we are to stand firm in our faith with the certain knowledge that the battle is the Lord’s. Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world, a victory already accomplished at the cross.
Stedman then clearly delineates:
The purpose of this book is to help you where help is most needed: in the day-to-day conflict where our enemy continually attacks us.
The author discusses the nature of the struggle, and shows that all that manifests itself outwardly in this visible world is driven by forces and beings in the invisible spiritual world. These evil forces seek to wage war either by destruction and/or by deception.
As the ten chapters unfold, Stedman discusses beginning the battle, the tactics that Satan uses against us, and the specific spiritual armor that God has provided, stating that ultimately, the armor is Christ.
There is logical thought flow throughout the book. The treatment is biblical, using Ephesians 6:10-18 as the primary passage. Numerous cross-references are utilized. There is warmth and compassion that obviously comes from a shepherd’s heart.
The chapters are relatively short (averaging 15 pp.). Numerous illustrations are used (quotes, true stories, some testimonies, etc.). This makes an interesting read, as well as effective teaching.
The book is written in a clear and lucid style; it is easily understood, and not weighed down with difficult theological jargon. When theological terms are discussed, they are explained and illustrated.
Though a minor complaint, I was disappointed that there was no Scripture index nor a recommended reading list. There were no endnotes citing sources. These tools should be included in every book pertaining to biblical studies.
In my view, more true-to-life illustrations could have been used to illuminate the spiritual principles. Though many illustrations/quotations are used, they are not always relevant to the experience of today’s average Christian.
There are a few points of biblical interpretation where I do not agree 100%. But in spite of those things, I would recommend that you read this helpful book in preparing for battle.
Published by: Discovery House Publishers; Paper: 202 pages; ISBN: 1572930446