Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle

by Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans, one of the most respected church leaders in the country, is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, a thriving congregation of 8000. In this timely, unique exploration of spiritual warfare, Dr. Evans unveils a simple yet radical truth: every struggle and conflict faced in the physical realm has its root in the spiritual realm.

With passion and clarity, Dr. Evans demystifies spiritual warfare so that readers can tackle challenges and obstacles with spiritual power—God’s authority—as they:

understand how the battle is fought by Satan actively use the armor of God find strength in prayer and sufficiency in Christ win over chemical, sexual, emotional, relational, and other strongholds

Dr. Evans is compelling, down to earth, and excited for believers to experience their victory in Christ and embrace the life, hope, and purpose God has for them.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book for a study in my Women's Bible Study group. Mr. Evans does a good job introducing the subject and why we need to be aware of the Spiritual Forces of Evil around us and how to defend ourselves against them.

[Courtney Reiswig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for every believer, especially if you don’t know much about Spiritual Warfare. It’s real, it exists, and this book walks you through the ways in which to recognize and deal with spiritual attacks from the position of Victory you already have in Christ.

[Tamara Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first study with Dr. Evans and I will definitely be anxious to do more of his. This study is rich with practical application for life. I loved the accompanying videos of his sermons, although they are not necessary to get to the meat of the lessons. He's a very dynamic speaker and filled with the Holy Spirit!!! I have an opportunity to do his daughter's (Priscilla Shirer) study on the Armor of God this fall at my church and can't wait.

[Christina A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this might be a new favorite book of mine. Excellently written, and the verses, resources, and quotes I found in the book are invaluable. At the end of the book, Tony goes through 7 different strongholds and how they can be overcome through the Word, prayer, and faith in Christ. I have struggled with 5 of the 7 strongholds at some point in my life. I wish I had had this book as a resource when I was struggling through those seasons. Praise God for His sufficiency!!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this study as a family Bible study and really enjoyed it. We studied each piece of armor, why it's important, and how to use it. We ended with five sessions on different strongholds that can hold us in bondage if we don't effectively engage in battle through the power of the Holy Spirit. This was our first study written by Tony Evans, and I'm looking forward to doing another one.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and useful read.

Dr Evans moves from the description of spiritual battles, to a section where he describes in helpful detail each piece of armor available, to a third most important section describing the two main foundations of successfully navigating a spiritual battle: prayer and the sufficiency of Christ.

His final section I found useful but with a caution for the reader. This final--and longest--section of the book is his discussion of tools for facing seven specific spiritual struggles, or in his words, "strongholds": marital, chemical, sexual, gambling, food, emotional and debt. He lays out each in a six-day path to use specific scripture which he associates with each specific piece of armor ("wear it"). From that scripture, he encourages those in the battle to "stand in it" (understand that you are, as he says, "fighting from victory, not fighting for victory") "use it" against the adversary, and "draw it down" from God and His power and provision.

Two cautions for the reader from this section: First, these detailed lists with specific "script" could easily be seen as some kind of recipe: "If I just say these words in this way for six days, I'll be released from my problem." I doubt Evans agree, but they are laid out in a way that make them easily interpreted that way.

Second, his "scripting" of the "use it" portion is a (one-way) conversation with Satan, based on the associated scripture. This is good, but here's the caution: Jesus in His temptation never entered a conversation with Satan at all, He merely replied, "It is written..." followed by specific quoted scripture just as it is written. If just repeating scripture under temptation is good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for us. It seems to me that any other words weaken the power of those God used.

Still, the book is a quite useful summary of what scripture teaches about being a good soldier in spiritual fights (which is what many of us now face without understanding the nature of the battle in which we are engaged.)

[LILIYA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook read by Mirron Willis. This book centered around the passage in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God. In typical Tony Evans style, his study includes thorough biblical analysis (including Greek word studies) and relatable analogies and word pictures. Part 4 was the highlight for me, where he goes through battle plans for common issues, which I went through in my prayer time as well. This book didn’t cover demon possession which may be something readers may be seeking regarding spiritual warfare. Overall it was solid Biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and helped me grow in this area.

[Jennifer Braddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read for any believer. A helpful introduction to the meaning of Spiritual warfare and the signficance of the armor for a new believer. And it is a welcomed reminder for the seasonsed follower of Christ. Dr. Evans uses helpful analogies that make spiritual concepts come together in your mind, serving as a starting point for the Holy Spirit to take over and reveal the mysteries of God's Kingdom in even more depth. I am thankful for Dr. Evans. He uses his gifts (exceptional communication skills) for God's glory and we are all blessed by his obedience. Great book!

[Devyn Miles · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give it 0 stars, I would. I am very well-read on the topic of spiritual warfare. I had to stop reading this because it's filled with lies and false teachings. Not to mention, there seems to be more pop culture references than scripture. I'm not tied to any one denomination on this topic. I've read Catholic, Baptist, Nazarene, Pentecostal, etc. This one is trash. I fear for the people who read this. Karl Payne writes a phenomenal book on the topic. Neil Anderson is a good place to start.

[Brit Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m actually speechless after finishing this book. I love how Tony lays out Ephesians 6 (the spiritual armor) for our lives as Christians. I feel so encouraged, so empowered, and ready to take on anything hat comes my way. This book is a great reminder that When we bring God Into the battle—we have victory. The book pointed to so much scripture which was refreshing. It’s not enough just to know about Jesus—we need to apply that to our lives.

[Rev Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm normally not a big fan of spiritual warfare books. I feel they go off into speculation and make up problems and solutions not found in Scripture. Tony's book is not the normal spiritual warfare book. He roots everything in the Bible. He takes on spiritual warfare with God's solutions in the Word. If you feel oppressed, like you are losing the war with the spiritual adversary and his minions, this is the book you need.

[Megan Benson]

It was a decent book on the topic - I however wouldn't flat say just because I thought this book was good and seemed biblically aligned to me That that means I would encourage others or myself to read more of his books or listen to his sermons..... I would do so with care and caution and testing against the word to make sure all he is saying/writing/etc is biblically aligned....

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I believe I have a clearer understanding of spiritual warfare. Evans explains things with very relatable and simple analogies and examples. I would suggest this book to anyone who is interested in prevailing over their challenges and obstacles.

"Whatever has gone on, is going on, or will go on in your visible, physical world is rooted in the invisible, spiritual realm. If you do not know how to navigate in the spiritual realm, you cannot hope to truly overcome in the physical realm."

[chris broniste · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple but Next Level Take on Spiritual Warfare

I loved this book. It provides practical straightforward instructions to the everyman believer without sacrificing theological import. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Duk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book. It was nice having the concepts explained from a sports point of view. That’s a new perspective for me. The last 1/3 of the book was very redundant and felt more like a workbook tacked on at the end. It’s useful information but rather tedious after a while.

[Farah Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to help you in your spiritual walk. Dr. Evans lays out how we can get the victory over the enemy and the strongholds that hold us back. Great read!

[Erin Steckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A topic that is not touched on very much. Very eye opening and engaging without being overwhelming. Informative with practical, real life application.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente, herramienta de poder y conocimiento. Muy edificador.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !

[Anissa Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me thru a terrible divorce where my faith was being challenged at every corner. It helped me to remain strong thru the struggle.

[Sheryl L. York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read

[Bernie Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual warfare 101

Best explanation U have ever read of the armor of God and the battle we are in. Tony really helps to make this concept real and understandable.

[Kelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries revealed which were given to you before you were conceived! Armor up and see Victory has already been declared for you! Gratitude for this wonderful Revelation!

[Stan Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic book on the Christian doctrine of spiritual warfare. Evans is especially gift in providing illustrations that aid understanding.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

Very helpful.i loved. It was so helpful in giving practical teaching.. I recommend it to anyone that feels life sucks.

[Marci Partlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic study. Every Christian should do this study!!!?!

[CHARLOTTE WOOTTON]

Very powerful advice based on Scripture. Breaking down the strongholds is very helpful.

[Jason Frasca]

Highly recommend

[Sarah Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My life will forever be changed by this book! Must read!

[Denise Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hardly no new information on the armor of God. I liked how he said if you don’t remember armor of God just remember Jesus. Basically emphasized using the power we already have in Christ