Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide

by Sam Storms, Clinton E. Arnold (Foreword)

A comprehensive, theological guide to everything the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare. Many Christians today are unaware or skeptical of the reality of Satan and the role he and his demonic hordes seek to exert on our lives. But if we're to take Scripture seriously, we can't overlook the biblical assertions about the spiritual battles between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. The truth is that believers in Jesus are certain to encounter men and women of all ages who are oppressed, tormented, and tempted by demonic powers. In Understanding Spiritual Warfare , theologian and professor Sam Storms confronts the reality of the spiritual conflict in our midst, the threat of the demonic, and how we, as Christians, can respond to such a threat in our own lives and in the lives of others. Storms explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and shares numerous personal accounts of victories over the demonic, answering question Perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual warfare, Understanding Spiritual Warfare also serves as a training manual for a ministry of deliverance and inner healing.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith, Christianity

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2021

About the author

(Some early works written as C. Samuel Storms)

Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000-2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He's a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Reviews

[Kaitlin Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What an incredible, informative, and accessible explanation of all things spiritual warfare. A war is raging all around us at all times for our hearts, minds and souls, and this book help to equip me for the fight.

“Spiritual warfare isn’t something the ‘weird and wacky’ are dialed into. It is what is actually waging all around us. Sam Storms gives us a clear and throughly biblical view of our real enemy and shows us how to walk in the victory that is already ours in Christ.” - Matt Chandler

[Michael Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been very weary of spiritual warfare books. I tend to find them hysterical and they often stretch biblical texts. But in this work, Storms has done a wonderful job staying within the bounds of scripture, citing and explaining dozens of texts, to describe how the New Testament sees warfare with the enemy. Many works like this tend to focus on a few passages and build entire theologies around those. Not this book. Storms quotes many passages from all over the Bible.

It is indeed comprehensive. I was expecting more of a practical guide, which there is some practical guidance later in the book, but got a rather thorough explanation from scripture instead. It's very accessible to the average reader, but dense enough for the more seasoned reader like myself.

I am still a little skeptical of "deliverance ministry" but not nearly as much as I was before reading this. I appreciate that Storms discusses the abuses of things like it and other charismatic practices. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is a follower of Christ. It has helped explain some things in my own life that couldn't be explained by natural means.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that should get a split rating. I agree with the majority of Storms' points about the nature and role of Satan, and think he is right to emphasize that Christians do indeed face spiritual warfare. Yet the practical applications blend this theology with a very unhelpful model of sanctification in ways I am not comfortable affirming. In brief: general agreement about theological contours, and some significant disagreement about the way that theology is practiced.

[Tre Wiggins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good stuff, but also some speculation. More speaking from silence in Scripture than my liking. Enjoyed Kingdom Come much more.

[Cagefighter18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book for understanding spiritual warfare, and based on a lot of scripture.

[Zach Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really helpful and category-shaping. Not dry or overly heady either. Full of helpful anecdotes that satisfy a bit of anti-sensationalism in my spirit when it comes to this topic.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid. Agreed with like 95% of it. From here, I'd like to be Sam Storms' shadow for like a month just so I could see how this gets worked out in real life. How would this work in a counselling session? To what extent would he assume that person such and such is just struggling with sin, rather than assuming something bigger is happening? Challenging, but good.

[Sophie Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I grew up in a more charismatic church setting and thus the reality of the demonic and spiritual warfare is nothing new to me, I found Storms’ book incredibly insightful and refreshing to read. This book ranges from topics such as ‘Can a Christian be demonized?’ to territorial spirits to how to combat the reality of the demonic. Although the content is “heavy” it was an easy read as Storms sprinkles in some personal stories as well as stories from those in his community. I will say I’m not sure what I think about his interpretation of Revelation but that was such a minor part of this book. Storms articulates the enemy’s subtle and strategic schemes while also equipping believers with the tools they need to be aware of the his strategies and how to pray and act with authority in the face of spiritual warfare. Even though I’ve had experience with spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry I still found this book so helpful and I’m so thankful I got to read it as part of my studies this semester. I strongly believe every believer, regardless of denomination, should read this book. 10/10, 5 stars!

[Brandon H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic of this book by Sam Storms is not new to me so much of it was a review. He argues for his position on this controversial subject from the scriptures with stories sprinkled throughout.

What I liked -

I enjoyed some of his various insights, thoughts, and interpretations of scripture. I especially enjoyed his conclusions regarding the book of Job and I wholeheartedly concur with his critique of Neil T. Anderson's book, "The Bondage Breaker." And some of the stories were quite interesting.

What I didn't like -

I think the book would have benefited from some pruning. There were times that he seemed to ramble on and it took a while to get to his points (I hate to criticize the author as he's one of my favorites whom I highly respect and admire). And I didn't agree with everything he said but it's definitely worth reading, especially if you don't know much about the topic.


I'd give it 3.5 stars.

[Luke Watts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Several parts of this book have wonderful wisdom, and the author himself offers a needed wise perspective and balance. Underpinning some of the vital points though was an inconsistency that distracted from scriptural examination. When Storms talks from scripture, I can follow his reasoning and even appreciate the teaching points. When he argues against arguments from silence of scripture by arguing in the opposite direction from the same silence, it becomes confusing and disorienting. Some of the real life stories are good examples of why such topics should be discussed and spoken to, some of them also indicate that churches that love Jesus and speak the truth of the Gospel to one another accomplish just as much, if not more, than some who have ministries of “deliverance”. Good pastoral care and counsel from the Gospel and a reliance on the Spirit goes further than going too far down the rabbit holes and goose chases of demon hunting.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am thankful that Sam Storms took on this quite difficult topic. I think overall that he was theologically sound in his approach and balanced in many ways. The concerns I have which bumped the rating down for me were on a few of the finer points of the exact way and extent he believes that Christians can be “demonized” which felt a bit ambiguous and one I don’t think I agree with him on. Also on the application practically that is not my forte. But overall I appreciate the work and am glad I read it despite my disagreements.

[Bill Ver Velde · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sam Storms says, “A Comprehensive Guide” he means it!

The good: Covers lots of territory, thoroughly scriptural, in-depth without becoming overly academic, practical. I read this in preparation for a sermon series that I will be preaching on spiritual warfare and this could not have been more helpful!

The not-so-good. I took a star off for length. I know it’s “a comprehensive guide” which I expected. But Storms seems to have reproduced some of his work elsewhere for this book. This makes for repeated points and circling back to territory already covered. I think about 50 pages could have been eliminated with some better editing.

[Hope Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never read a solid book on this subject before. However, I appreciate the attempt to write on and nuance a topic that is easily misused, abused, or alternatively just brushed aside. If you believe in a spiritual reality of God and the devil, this is an important topic to grapple with, even if the conversation feels dissatisfying or lacking.

[Bert Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview

Dr. Storms is a theologian and a gifted communicator. He works hard and helpfully to think Biblically about the demonic and spiritual warfare. I mostly benefited from his teaching, but differed on some of his practical applications.

[Makenzie Weatherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

My understanding of Spiritual Warfare has ABSOLUTELY increased. I can reference books of the Bible concerning Satan’s tactics, Jesus’ response to demonic activity, and what WE can pray/do today to stay safe and watch God move in our lives. Ask me about it!

[Matthew C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storms is always a reliable guide. This book suffered from some fluff and was not as original as I had hoped, but it had good insights throughout.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a very good read and very insightful. However I'm still a bit unsure what to do with it. Probably worth another read in future.

[Daniel McRee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into spiritual battles and how to overcome them.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed through this. Really helpful

[Ben Adkison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is always deeply Biblical in his approach. There is a lot to think about in this book.