Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Who is Satan and What are Demons?

Chelsy Reed
Aug 15
4 min read

Updated: Oct 1

Who is Satan? What are Demons?

Satan is an angel created by God. However, he chose to rebel against God and led other angels to do the same. In fact, one-third of all the angels that God created turned against Him, resulting in their expulsion from heaven (NIV Bible, 2011, Revelation 12:4, 9).

The enemy operates within limits set by God. He is not omnipresent or omniscient; he cannot read your thoughts. As a created being, he has significant limitations. We often forget that he is not like God. He is a fallen angel, originally created to serve but has chosen to scorn that purpose.

The enemy has limited resources and does not waste them on those who are already his or who are doing what he desires. Instead, he targets God's children. If you find yourself under attack, it is likely because you are advancing against the gates of hell, and he wants you to stop.

What Does the Bible Call Satan?

Satan (שָׂטָן) - This Hebrew word means "opponent" or "adversary."
The Devil (διάβολος) - This Greek term translates to "devil" and is synonymous with Satan (Σατανᾶς).
Baal-Zebub (Βεελζεβούλ) - Jesus referred to Satan by this name, which is associated with the Philistine god of Ekron (2 Kings 1:1-2).
The Father of Lies - John 8:44
The Thief - John 10:10, whose job description is to steal, kill, and destroy.
The Tempter - 1 Thessalonians 3:5
The Accuser of Our Brothers and Sisters - Revelation 12:10, targeting the children of God.
Ruler of This World - John 12:31
The God of This Age - 2 Corinthians 4:4, who pretends to be an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Prince of the Power of the Air - Ephesians 2:2

(All references are from the NIV Bible, 2011).

How Do You Know if You Are Experiencing Spiritual Warfare?

Very little is ‘too weird’ to be spiritual warfare. The effects can manifest in various ways, including physical illness, mental impairment, and the spread of false teachings or doctrines.

People may experience a trance state, dizziness, or feelings similar to depression or anxiety. They might sense a physical presence or feel a weight on their body. Accusatory or false thoughts may also arise. However, a believer who is possessed by the Spirit of God cannot be possessed by an evil spirit. Fear not.

But how do you know? This question may not have a straightforward answer. You may not know.

While spiritual warfare can manifest as physical illness (NIV Bible, 2011, Job 2:1-8), 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 teaches that partaking of communion unworthily can lead to illness, weakness, and spiritual deadness. In John 9:1-5, Jesus' disciples asked Him whose sin caused a man's blindness. Jesus clarified that it was not sin but rather God's will to glorify the Son through a healing miracle (NIV Bible, 2011, John 9:1-3).

There is no simple test for spiritual warfare, sinful living, or the providence of God. Who can know but the Lord? Who can say that these three categories cover all causes of illness?

Where Do We See Spiritual Warfare in Counseling?

Often, when a new course is set against sin, retaliation from the enemy of your soul may occur. Things can become more challenging. Relationships may strain, and circumstances can worsen.

"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Counselors also witness spiritual warfare. While putting on righteousness is one thing, helping others to do the same can bring additional trouble to your door. There is a rising level of occult and satanic worship, particularly in domestic abuse cases. Be vigilant and alert.

What Does It Look Like to 'Resist the Devil'?

"Resist" means "to exert force in opposition" or "to withstand the force or effect of," much like a material that resists heat.

To resist effectively, understanding the enemy's tactics and nature is crucial.

Resisting also means opposing. When we abide in Christ and live as kingdom people, we offensively advance against the gates of Hell.

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!

"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay everyone according to what they have done?" (NIV Bible, 2011, Proverbs 24:10–12).

Rescue is an act of resistance.

"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." (NIV Bible, 2011, 2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

How Do We Engage in Warfare?

Never Go to War Without Your Sword

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV Bible, 2011, Psalm 119:11).

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV Bible, 2011, Hebrews 4:12).

Pray in the Spirit on All Occasions

This includes protective prayer (NIV Bible, 2011, Ephesians 6:18).

Engage in Regular Confession and Repentance

Seek forgiveness and make restitution.

Submit to One Another in Familial Love

Be humbly accountable to trusted siblings in Christ.

Stay in the Word

Regularly read the Bible, pray, and engage in spiritual disciplines that nourish your soul.

Lord, I pray for all who will read this and use the tools on spiritual warfare. I pray that you would strengthen them, help them, and uphold them with your righteous right hand. I ask that you would protect their hearts and minds in yourself, that they would not let what is good be snatched away from them, but that they would be sharpened by this offering. I pray that the gates of Hell would rattle all the louder as your children who are called by your name humble themselves and pray, turn from wicked ways, and seek your face. May Jesus be made great! Amen!

Warfare Crib Sheet