These are my TOP 10 verses for Spiritual warfare. They are listed in order of usage for each phase of the fight (pre-mid-post). This is a generic order as every verse can apply to any phase of the fight.
Verses to dwell on for maintaining readiness for Battle:
1. "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." 2 Cor. 10:3-5
CONTEXT: Paul is telling the Corinthians how he demolishes strongholds, arguments, and every pretense that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Paul takes every thought (of those who oppose him and his ministry) into captivity and makes them obedient to Christ.
APPLICATION: Although this passage is not a command for believers to "take thoughts captive" it is a model that believers ought to follow; namely, to acknowledge the believers weapons versus the world's.
2. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Pet. 5:8-9
CONTEXT: Peter is telling his readers about the universality of spiritual warfare. And the picture he paints is frightening; that at any moment, they could be devoured by a relentless beast who no respecter of name, title, rank, or socio-economic status.
APPLICATION: Believers ought to realize that there is no offseason in the Spritual fight. The Devil is always prowling around seeking whom he may devour. If we keep alert, we will be able to realize first, where the struggle is (in the spiritual realm) and how to attack it (with spiritual weapons).
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thess. 3:3
CONTEXT: This is the farewell to Paul's letter to the Thessalonian believers. He just got done talking about evil men that will oppose them. But then rather than talking about those "evil men" he tells them that the Lord will "establish and guard them against the evil one."
APPLICATION: It is true that there are men without faith and evil doers, but the evil one is the devil. We must remember that people are not our enemy, per se, but rather victims of the evil one. All they are doing is believing a lie and acting out on those lies.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
CONTEXT: Jesus just got done debating a crowd of religious experts and a portion of the crowd believed in him. To those believers, Jesus directed this message of freedom to them!
APPLICATION: Who needs to hear the message of freedom through truth? BELIEVERS. That means you and me. I would clarify that it is not merely the existence of truth that sets one free, but rather the application of it. Surely this is what Jesus meant as he made many references to loving God and obedience.
Verses to meditate on when Battle is imminent:
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:11-17
CONTEXT: This is the final Chapter in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It's found in the application section and is the culmination of his argument. Believers who are spirit filled put on the spiritual armor of God and it protects them spiritually). The means by which this armor works is through prayer. The way the sword of the spirit is wielded is by speaking it. The combination of prayer and the word of truth is the way to victory in every battle.
APPLICATION: This is my favorite verse. If I ever got a tattoo, I think it would be Ephesians 6! Because I have to preach this truth to myself daily! Here's my daily prayers, "Lord, thank you that my struggle is NOT against my wife (flesh/blood) but against my idolatry and deception of me thinking I need her to hear me out."
"This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chron. 20:15
CONTEXT: The tribe of Judah was standing before the Lord and Jahaziel, full of the Spirit, gave this encouragement to them before a major battle.
APPLICATION: Claim the victory because the Battle belongs to the Lord. We can say in the midst of any struggle, "Thank you Lord that I CANNOT do this on my own. Thank you that you go before me in this battle...shoot, thank you Lord because you already won! All that is left is for me to walk in victory. Thanks God!"
Verses to apply in the midst of battle: (you try and fill in the context and application).
"Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
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“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21
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Verses to reflect on after the Battle:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57
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“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…” Ps. 91:1-4
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