Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach

by William F. Cook III, Chuck Lawless

In Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture, authors Bill Cook and Chuck Lawless provide a comprehensive study of a topic that is of key importance in the life of every believer. Surveying and analyzing incidents of spiritual warfare from Genesis through Revelation, the authors create a biblical framework for understanding the reality of Satan’s on-going assault on humankind. Building on that framework, Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture also offers practical insights into some of Satan’s most common attacks on believers, and strategies for how we might stand against his onslaught. Readers of this book will gain a more complete understanding of what the Bible teaches about spiritual warfare in order to live in victory, confident that Satan is an enemy who has already been defeated.     

Genres: Christian, Theology, Faith

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2019

Reviews

[Delaney Zook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me so long to read when it was actually super interesting and so helpful. The information in this is so good and so relevant. We are in the midst of battle people! We need to be prepared! I think this book really encourages me (and others) to live a life that is lived in the midst of a battle against the enemy. We need to be awake and ready- even though we know the ultimate battle has already been won. We are too apathetic to the spiritual world around us and this book makes me feel more equipped (though I was truly equipped already). I encourage all believers to read this. It’s important!

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never seen a book that approaches spiritual warfare in a better, more grounded way. William Cook and Chuck Lawless team to provide a work that avoids the excesses of most volumes on the subject of spiritual warfare.

It’s almost like they provide us two books in one. The first half of the book approaches the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and traces spiritual warfare as the subject is biblically developed. Really, what could be a better approach to grasping a biblical subject? Further, this half of the book could almost be used as a reference book as well as reading it straight through to develop the concept of spiritual warfare.

The second half of the book approaches the subject from a practical standpoint. Here its balance was even more dramatic. They followed the good advice they gave in telling us to study God rather than studying Satan to understand spiritual warfare. In fact, the usual suspects of such a book are refreshingly absent. No spooky stuff about demons, but rather practical discussion of how Satan works in our lives. What this volume lacks in shock it more than makes up in spiritual value. Five chapters are included in this second section of practical application and covers spiritual warfare in the local church, evangelism, missions, the family, and in leaders. It was so at once convicting and helpful. I’m convinced that this is exactly the sort of thing the Lord intended we dwell on as we process the concept of spiritual warfare.

The authors highlight so effectively the danger of looking into ourselves or our own strength as the open door to Satan entering and establishing a foothold. I needed what I read here!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Brendan Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last chapter alone, on spiritual warfare and Christian leaders, was worth the whole price of the book by itself. But even aside from this chapter, this was an excellent book and really opened my eyes to the topic of spiritual warfare.

[Josh G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biblical theology on spiritual warfare. So needed, so clarifying, and so helpful. Highly recommend!

[Kyleigh Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this (a biblical theology of spiritual warfare, tracing the theme across Scripture) is excellent and helpful. The second half (the more practical side) was repetitive and wordy, and I'm still not convinced about everything attributed to spiritual warfare in that part; some statements could have used more substantiation. It's the only book I've read on the subject thus far, but I wrote down some titles referenced for further study (but why is there no bibliography in a book published by an academic press?!).

There is so much Christianese thrown around regarding spiritual warfare, so I read this hoping to put some more definition on it. Throwing around “attack of the Devil” or “spiritual attack” should have more precision with what we mean and should not be done without examining one’s self and personal vulnerability and responsibility—we fight the world, the flesh, *and* the Devil.

I wish there'd been a systematic theology section after the biblical theology, as I think that was what was really missing from the book. But here are a few bullet points in summary toward that end:

What we see Satan doing:
Deceiving (false prophets, Eve, 2 Cor 11:3-4)
Liar and murderer (John 8)
Accusing (Job, Zechariah)
Opposing God and his people (40)
Taking away the Word (Parable of Sower)
Sows false seed (weeds and tares)
Persecution (Acts, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Revelation2:9-10, 12:3-4)
Hindering (1 Thess 2:17-18)
False teaching (Col 2:8-10,1 Tim 4:1-2, 2 Tim 2:24-26)
takes advantage of us (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 4:26-27)
wants to devour us (1 Pet 5:8-9)
trapping leaders (they fall into pride like him 1 Tm3:6-7)
blinds unbelievers (Acts 26:18,2 Cor 4:3-4)
in charge of this world (1 Jn 5:18-19)
Division (Jas 3:15-16)
desiring to sift us (by drawing away, presumably—Luke 22:31)

How do we fight him?
Resist devil by submitting to God (James 4)
God’s Word (Luke 4)
Prayer
Jude—not our job to condemn him.
Thru he who is in us (1 Jn 4:1-6).
Be watchful (1 Peter)
Remember his victory, how Jesus has destroyed his works and freed us from his dominion
Study GOD, not Satan to be equipped
Walk in holiness and obedience to God, not submitting to the prince of this world and his way
Fight pride in particular.

[Abby Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although rather dense, I deeply appreciate the authors’ determination to thoroughly and comprehensively present their research. This book probably had more citations than any book I’ve never read and even more references to scripture. I learned a ton from part 1 and was appropriately challenged in part 2.

[Travis Agnew · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Between the Bible’s opening and closing chapters, it depicts a war being fought on a cosmic scale – a war fought between God and the devil…not a fair fight, however, because the war is not between two equals.” https://amzn.to/3PER4Pb

[Brandon Sickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half might be too daunting for some church members. Lots of the biblical languages, but if they can get past that and just plow through, the second half is definitely worth the effort.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a subject that has intrigued me for years. Usually, when you get a book on this subject they have a tendency to lean to one of two extremes: (1) they go to the extreme of not staying with Scripture, and their writings become an exercise in emotions and experiences; and (2) they want to explain away the Scripture to the point they don't recognize this being something that happens in our day. I really appreciate the way that Cook and Lawless handle the subject; and they may have been too far one way for me, but to the point that I ever thought about not finishing.
I rated this book with 4 stars; I would have given the first half of the book with 5 stars, and the second half with 3. I really thought that Cook did a better job with the Bible and Theological foundations, than Lawless did with the practical application. Part of that may be that I was looking for something like Cook did, and wish that I could find a thick volume totally on that subject. Truthfully, when you get down to practical application, it is difficult to write something that would appeal to everyone.
But for those that are looking for a fairly level-headed approach to the subject of "Spiritual Warfare", I would recommend this book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Warfare by David Cook and Chuck Lawless offers a comprehensive, biblically grounded approach to understanding spiritual warfare. I found their overview of spiritual warfare in the Bible particularly insightful and beneficial. The authors trace the theme of spiritual conflict from the Old Testament through the New Testament, shedding light on how believers have historically faced and overcome spiritual struggles.

In addition to their biblical overview, Cook and Lawless present evangelism and mission as key spiritual strategies, highlighting how these efforts advance into enemy territory. This perspective reframes evangelism as not just outreach but a proactive approach in spiritual warfare, empowering believers to participate in God’s mission with renewed purpose and boldness.

The authors’ focus on scripture makes the concept of spiritual warfare accessible, laying a clear foundation for why and how it remains relevant today. Their discussions are practical, balancing theological depth with real-world application.

For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare from a scriptural standpoint, Spiritual Warfare is a good place to start.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most grounded, useful thing I've ever read on this topic. When I see books like this, my first reaction is often something along the lines of oh that's for a special category of Christian among us, specially educated or led or anointed or positioned (or obsessed or fringe), and sometimes because of the author's take that ends up warranted, but this one is for every one of us. Just as useful for brand new Christians as for seasoned ones, and everyone in-between.

Part 1 reads like a very digestible commentary, taking us through what can be gleaned about spiritual warfare from specific books of the bible (fascinating!) and, though even that is incredibly practical, Part 2 focuses on practical application in specific areas.

[Daniel Addo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical and Thorough

Many books on spiritual warfare lack one thing - true biblical and exegetical fidelity. This is not true of this book. These men have really brought the biblical text to bear on the topic of spiritual warfare. Perhaps the most important truth that they stress is that believers already share in the victory of Christ. This is not an excuse for passivity but impetus to stand against the enemy with courage and faith in Jesus’s victory.

[Jean-Lou Désiré · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read it before entering ministry—it’s a valuable resource for personal spiritual readiness and for equipping believers to face the challenges of spiritual warfare. While outlining the devil’s strategies, the author highlights practical defenses and encourages reliance on God for strength in spiritual battles. Rather than being reactive, believers are urged to anticipate challenges, stay grounded in the Word of God, stand firm in biblical truth, and keep on praying.

[Dave Milbrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is theologically deep but readable and very thorough in its analysis of spiritual warfare and how to counter its effects. The second half of the book provides a great deal of practical advice for fighting such battles.

[Karen Kinnaird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a reliable source for spiritual warfare help - addressing each passage in the Bible book by book and explaining it. I use it as a reference tool.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly thorough biblical theological overview of the nature of spiritual warfare

[Kaitlinn Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible overview of spiritual warfare in the Scriptures. The second half is encouraging, challenging and practical for the life of EVERY believer.

[Jillian Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I think Cook and Lawless wrote such a well-balanced overview of spiritual warfare throughout Scripture as well as how it applies to daily life.

The first half of the book gives a list of instances of spiritual warfare throughout the Bible, but it's not exhaustive. This serves to give us a clear basis for understanding the consistent warfare that has been happening in the Bible since the Garden of Eden.

The second half of the book speaks to different situations of spiritual warfare we might face, whether that be in the church, evangelism, missions, family, or leadership. I believe Cook and Lawless wrote with great wisdom in this section as to not study Satan as our main focus, but to instead study God and use that to better identify and fight against spiritual warfare. As Lawless wrote "Satan is more alarmed by holy living than he is by spiritual warfare techniques and strategies."

I think this book is convicting, bringing to light any apathy, prayerlessness, or unawareness we've allowed to reign in our lives in regard to the enemy and pushes us to desire to preemptively grow in holiness, prayerfulness, and an awareness of the devil prowling. Spiritual warfare will continue to happen, but this battle belongs to the Lord and we are just to be obedient daily so that we can grow in godly wisdom as the Spirit shows us what to do.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical and practical!

[Jace · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st half is very good; 2nd half is only okay

[Landon Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bill Cook and Chuck Lawless. I also love this book. Cook and Lawless provide a biblical framework for thinking about the often misunderstood term "spiritual warfare." They also provide practical application of this topic, and that application centers on the church, which is where it ought to center. A great work!