Spiritual Warfare

Excerpt: Root Cause: Spiritual Warfare - Anxiety Session 4

Course: Freedom From Anxiety

Speakers: Benji Horning

Spiritual Warfare: Confronting the Enemy of Anxiety

As Halloween approaches, I’m struck by how we domesticate horror, turning sinister imagery into harmless entertainment. It’s a cultural coping mechanism, a way to tame the darkness we know exists. The Bible speaks of an enemy of the soul, whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, contrasting with God’s desire for us to experience life to the fullest.

Beyond the Physical

We often attribute anxiety to chemical imbalances or genetics, but what if, sometimes, it’s amplified by spiritual harassment? What if an enemy seeks to rob us of joy and life? This isn’t about spooky masks; it’s about lies, subtle whispers that undermine our identity.

Attacks on Identity: The Enemy’s Strategy

Like he did with Jesus in the wilderness, the enemy attacks our sense of self: “Are you really loved? Are you really safe?” He exploits our brokenness, seeking to convince us we are unworthy. Recognizing these lies as sinister tactics is the first step towards aligning ourselves with a victorious force.

Claiming Authority

Through prayer and surrender, we can experience victory over these lies. God has authority, and He grants us authority in Jesus’ name. We are hidden with Him, empowered to confront the enemy.

Rebuke and Bind

A practical approach involves identifying what we’re praying against, such as the “spirit of fear.” We can declare, “Spirit of fear, I rebuke you, I bind you,” not in our own strength, but in Jesus’ name. Praying aloud, not just internally, amplifies our declaration.

The Power of God’s Word

Just as Jesus used scripture against the enemy, we can pray God’s word over our fears. A simple online search can provide victorious prayers.

Conclusion: Walking in Victory, Not Fear

The enemy seeks to harass, but he has no ultimate right over us. By recognizing his tactics, claiming our authority in Jesus, and praying God’s word, we can walk in victory, not fear. We confront the darkness not with tame symbols, but with the powerful truth of God’s love and authority.

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Understanding the Roots of Anxiety

Session 1

Video: Grounding Exercise - Grounded in the Present

Anxiety Stories

Video: What is Anxiety

Topics: Defining Anxiety; Responses to Anxiety

Session 2

Video: Grounding Exercise - Breathing in Hope

Video: Neuroscience of Anxiety

Video: The Experience of Anxiety

Topics: Neuroscience of Anxiety; Feelings Wheel; Anxiety Sweep

Session 3

Video: Blessing Prayer

Video: Reframing Anxiety

Video: Roots Discovery Process

Topics: Inner Voices; Critical Voices

Session 4

Video: Root Cause: Our Cultural Moment

Video: Root Cause: Spiritual Warfare

Topics: Cultural/Political/Racial Tensions; Spiritual Warfare; I Hear/God Says

Session 5

Video: Root Cause: Family of Origin & Wounds

Topics: Family of Origin Issues

Healing Through Relationships

Session 6

Video: Relationships of Trust

Video: Relationship with God

Video: Inner Healing Prayer

Topics: Trust; God; Prayer; Scripture

Session 7

Video: You are not your Anxiety

Video: Relationship with Self

Topics: Goals/Aspirations; Shame/Feeling Loved; Emotional Awareness

Session 8

Video: Relationship with Others

Video: The Journey Onward

Topics: Listening Triad; Sharing with Others

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

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