The Warrior Mindset: Spiritual Warfare for Christian Men

Men always have fantasized about the prospect of being a warrior in a grand, epic battle. Whether it be a Jedi Knight in a galaxy far, far away, a medieval fighter clashing swords with the intruding armies over matters of honor and glory, or perhaps a Roman gladiator or a samurai warrior battling hordes of opposing forces for your loved kingdom, we guys have longed for the fight. Men want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They desire to be in a fight that matters. One that will not only affect themselves and their nation but also secure victory and safety for their wife and children.

Being a warrior is an innate trait of men that’s cooked into our DNA. We are hardwired to battle, defend, and conquer. Yet here in our soft, pampered 21st-Century lives, guys have no idea or concept of how to be a warrior. If the average couch potato male were suddenly thrust into battle, he would have no idea what to do, especially when it comes to the garden-variety, lukewarm Christian. At its core, there is no genuine warrior mindset that matches our primal urges to go to battle.

The Bible repeatedly depicts the Christian life in this world as a battle, urging believers to don the armor of God and engage in warfare against spiritual forces. For Christian men, understanding and embracing this reality is crucial to living a victorious life in Christ. Yes, to be a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, you must be willing to die daily of yourself and wage war on self, sin, the world’s ideas, and, most prominently, the spiritual forces of wickedness all around us. This last item, fighting spiritual forces, is what I will mainly focus on in this blog article. I aim to provide a thorough exploration of spiritual warfare by equipping you – if you are indeed a blood-bought believer in Christ – with a warrior mindset grounded fully in Scripture.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is the struggle against evil forces that seek to thwart God’s purposes and harm His people. Ephesians 6:12 clarifies, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” [LSB] This verse underscores the reality that our true enemies are not human, but spiritual beings orchestrating sin and rebellion against God.

The Nature of the Battle

The Enemy: Satan and His Forces
The primary adversary in spiritual warfare is a very real being called Satan, whose name means “adversary.” 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Satan’s objective is to lead believers away from God through deceit, temptation, and accusation.

The Battlefield: The Mind and Heart
The battleground of spiritual warfare often lies within our minds and hearts. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 highlights this, stating, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“ [ESV] This passage emphasizes the importance of guarding our thoughts and aligning them with God’s truth.

The Weapons: Spiritual Armor and Prayer
God provides believers with spiritual armor to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:13-18 details this armor: “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.” [ESV]

Adopting the Warrior Mindset

Obtaining a Spirit-led, battle-ready Christian mindset is something every Warrior Disciple of Jesus can have.

Knowing Your Identity in Christ
A warrior mindset begins with understanding our identity in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but are now children of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This identity gives us the authority and confidence to stand against the enemy. Colossians 1:13-14 states, “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.”

Embracing God’s Sovereignty
A biblical perspective emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all things, including spiritual warfare. We are assured that God is in control, and nothing can happen outside His will. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” [ESV] This assurance allows us to engage in spiritual battles with the confidence that God is ultimately working for our good and His glory.

Walking in Holiness
Personal holiness is critical in spiritual warfare. Sin can give the enemy a foothold in our lives, weakening our spiritual defenses. James 4:7-8 advises, “Be subject 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.” [LSB] By living a life of obedience and repentance, we can resist the devil and maintain a strong stance in battle.

Utilizing the Word of God
The Bible is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:17 states that the Word of God is the “sword of the Spirit.” Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Regular study and meditation on Scripture equip us with the truth needed to counter the enemy’s lies and temptations.

Engaging in Persistent Prayer
Prayer is both a weapon and a means of communication with our Commander. Ephesians 6:18 urges, “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.” Through prayer, we seek God’s guidance, strength, and intervention in our battles. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God’s will and receive His power to stand firm.

Practical Steps for Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

Daily Devotion and Scripture Reading
Make it a habit to start each day with Bible reading and prayer. This disciplines the mind and heart, filling them with God’s truth and presence. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Accountability and FellowshipSurround yourself with godly men who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Proverbs 27:17 states, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Fellowship with other believers strengthens your resolve and helps you stay vigilant.

Regular Self-Examination and Repentance
Regularly examine your life for any areas of sin or compromise. Confess and repent, seeking God’s cleansing and restoration. Scripture promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” in 1 John 1:9 [ESV]

Standing Firm in Faith
Stand firm in the faith, trusting in God’s promises and power. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 [ESV] exhorts, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Witnessing and Evangelism
Engage in sharing the gospel and making disciples. This not only advances God’s kingdom but also weakens the enemy’s influence. Matthew 28:19-20 commands, “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.”

Challenge
As Christian men, we are called to embrace the warrior mindset and actively engage in spiritual warfare. This requires knowing our identity in Christ, embracing God’s sovereignty, walking in holiness, utilizing the Word of God, and engaging in persistent prayer. By doing so, we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and live victoriously for God’s glory.

All of that having been said, I challenge you to:

1. Pray More: Dedicate time each day to seek God’s presence and intercede for others.
2. Submit to God: Regularly examine your life, confess sins, and seek to live in obedience to God’s will.
3. Stand Firm: Trust in God’s promises and power, refusing to be swayed by the enemy’s tactics.

Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord, and through Him, we have the victory. Stand firm, men of God, and fight the good fight of faith.

Want to Learn More About Having a Godly MIndset?

If you crave to be a more devoted Christian leader and warrior, then Scott Roberts’ “Warrior Disciple” is your answer. This book tackles multiple key topics on becoming a fierce follower of Jesus Christ and offers practical guidance for being a dedicated soldier in the lord’s Army.

Visit http://www.warriordisciple.org to order your copy. Gather some other Christian friends, study the book together, and commit to being devoted disciples of Christ.