Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Pt. 2): Battle Tactics (with Audio from me)

Struggling with feelings of powerlessness or overwhelming negative thoughts? You're not alone. Learn how recognizing demonic tactics can help you reclaim your mind and soul in Jesus' authority.

Apr 17, 2025

If you’d like to listen instead of read: Voice Notes from the Margins is my Substack Podcast where I read my newsletter to you with added stories, analogies, and insight as I was writing. Listen if you prefer it to reading, or to get a deeper dive into the content.

Spiritual warfare often sparks strong reactions. Some people see demons lurking around every corner, while others roll their eyes and dismiss it as fantasy. I remember a moment in college when a friend told me her church taught that speaking in tongues was demonic. It hit me just how varied our views on the supernatural are. But Scripture is clear: we do have a spiritual enemy, and understanding his tactics is key.

When the Word Feels Powerless

I can relate to this struggle personally—my mom went through a long period where she was controlled by a spirit of fear. When discussing the idea of demonization with her recently, it really resonated. She’d quote Scripture, pray, and do all the ‘right’ things, but it felt powerless.

But here’s the question: how can a Christian, armed with the Word of God, feel powerless against the enemy?

It’s because we think we’re fighting another enemy—the world, our flesh, mere thoughts we can “positive-self-talk” away. Or we don’t recognize the tactic our enemy is using in order to fight back correctly (you can’t diffuse a nuclear bomb with a bullet). That’s why we need to understand the distinctions between demonization vs. oppression and how to fight back with the right weapons.

In this post, we’re going to talk specifically about 'demonization.' If you're unfamiliar with the terms demonization, possession, and oppression, I encourage you to check out my previous post where I break down the differences.

Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Demonization: More Than Just a Concept

Many Christians silently suffer from mental torment—demonic whispers of hopelessness and despair. We need to recognize that demonization isn’t just a theological concept; it’s deeply personal and urgent.

Demonization occurs when a Christian is not possessed but is under more than just typical spiritual attacks. It feels like you’re doing everything right—quoting scripture, praying—but it feels powerless. The enemy isn’t fully in control, but he’s trying to control your mind and emotions, even if he haven’t fully taken over.

First, let’s talk about how Christians can become demonized, especially when we’re talking about more than just spiritual attacks. In Ephesians 4:25-27, Paul writes:

"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

This is an example of habitual sin—repeated sin that you struggle with over time. It gives the enemy a foothold, a place to take ground in your life.

Have You Allowed a Foothold?

The word "foothold" comes from the Greek word topos, which means a place or territory. This is a military term, where the enemy takes ground in your life. Imagine a game of Risk, where each side is trying to take territory. When you hold onto anger, unresolved trauma, unforgiveness, or habitual sin, you’re giving the enemy space to take ground in your soul.

I’m going to ask you what I’ve had to ask myself: Have you ever noticed areas in your life where habitual sin or unresolved anger might be giving the enemy a foothold? Maybe it's an old hurt, a grudge, or something you keep circling back to—without realizing it, these things can allow the enemy to take ground.

Unboxed Spirituality

Discussion about this post