I’ve been interested in the biblical reality of spiritual warfare for more than 25 years. This theme is so dominant in the scriptures that to ignore it is to miss a portion of biblical teachings. You may not agree with everything in all these books (I don’t), but here are some books for further study:
- Sydney H. T. Page, Powers of Evil: A Biblical Study of Satan and Demons. This book is one of the best I’ve seen for examining demons in the scriptures. It’s out of print, but worth searching for a copy.
- William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour. It’s a massive 17th century work, but it’s packed full of powerful statements. Start with the abridged version if you don’t want to read the full work.
- Tremper Longman III and Daniel Reid, God is a Warrior. This resource will help you build a necessary foundation for understanding spiritual warfare: the battle we face is not ours, but the Lord’s.
- Clinton Arnold, 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare. The questions are What is Spiritual Warfare?, Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?, and Are We Called to Engage Territorial Spirits? Even if you differ with the conclusions, you’ll learn from this scholar.
- Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices. This one’s not the easiest read, but it’s worth the effort. Learn how this Puritan preacher described Satan’s strategies and the believer’s measures to overcome him.
- Chuck Lawless, Discipled Warriors: Growing Healthy Churches that Threaten the Enemy. I admit my personal bias here, but I want to help leaders and congregations live in victory.
- C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters. If you’re studying and teaching about spiritual warfare, you need to know this classic about Screwtape and his nephew demon, Wormwood.
- Russell Moore, Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ. This work, built around the enemy’s attack on Jesus, shows us the adversary’s strategies while always pointing to Christ.
I know that books about spiritual warfare vary widely in their approach. What other books would you recommend?
Just read “A Wanted Man, Winning the War against your soul” by Jason Cruise. Plain, nuts & bolts approach for men. Most of us don’t have a clue we are being hunted and most of the traps we take hook, line & sinker.
Thanks, Jerry, for the suggestion.
Russ Dizdar’s book “The black awakening”
Thanks, Aaron.
“Exorcism: The Reality of Evil… and Our Power over It!” by Lester Sumrall
Don’the let the “E” word scare you. It’s really more about faith in Christ and the authority we have in Him and His name.
Thanks, Bruce.
Paul Billheimer’s “Destined for the Throne: How Spiritual Warfare Prepares the Body of Christ for Her Eternal Destiny” is a fascinating 30,000 ft. view of spiritual warfare and the role that prayer plays in it. I don’t agree with all of his assertions, but he’s still helped me and challenged me to pray against the backdrop of eternity.
Thanks, Jim.
I recommend “Spiritual Warfare, Biblical Truth for Victory” by John Franklin and you, Chuck Lawless. Published by Lifeway. In 2010, I used this as a basis for a series of messages on Wednesday night that lasted about 4 months. I’m now using it for a series of Sunday School lessons that will last 3 months.
Thanks, Rich, for the affirmation.
Puritan pastor William Spurstowe, “The Wiles of Satan.” Published by “Digital Puritan Press.”
Excellent.
Thanks, Juan.
I would add Matthews “Born for Battle” and Wiersbe’s. “strategy of Satan”
Thanks, Dr. Catt.
Hi Chuck I am looking for the book Spiritual Warfare (Biblical truth for Victory) that you and John Franklin wrote. I am from South Afrika.
Hi, Marcelle. I believe you can get copies at http://www.lifeway.com.
CL
I have heard The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare, by Ed Murphy recommended. What do you think about this work?