How to Meet the Enemy

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

This book explores the origin of spiritual warfare, its present reality, and what our response should be. Personal and group study guides included.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Faith

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally, I enjoy MacArthur's direct, clear books. This one, however, feels disjointed. While it does contain quite a bit of useful teaching on true spiritual warfare, it tends to also get lost in less practical application of the truth. While it's certainly difficult to give practical thoughts on some more philosophical ideas, the fact remains that the book spends a great deal of time refuting the practical, step-by-step teaching of some in the spiritual warfare movement, but rarely offers more than general advice about biblical alternatives. I think the book is a great conversation starter, but I don't feel like I could simply hand it to somebody who needed teaching on its topic.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a how-to-do book on arming yourself for spiritual warfare. This book is excellent for group or individual study guide in teaching what the Bible says about the spiritual warfare that we often confront in battling against Satan. I recommend this book to all Christians.

[Jim Teggelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly Biblical but dry as toast. MacArthur needs a little butter and jam on this one.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. I liked that John MacArthur wrote scriptures to verify what the Bible says. He also writes about other people's views and makes me want to be a better person. He goes into detail about putting on the armor of God. This was really helpful for me. He writes about persecution, false teaching, and self-sufficiency. He writes from Paul, Peter and Job. The end of the book has a spot for group discussions. I read this book by myself. Some of the questions get you thinking about how you are thinking in your spiritual life.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spiritual warfare book, more on theological side rather than practical sides. This kind of book rarely explaining from the theological side.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview on the armor of God. Some illustrations seem a little dated, however, the principles remain. Solid, practical application.

[Mad Russian the Traveller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rational balance in the Christian faith deftly portrayed...

[TonyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the second or third time I've read this little book. It's a good one to keep on your shelf to reference or re-read from time to time. MacArthur wrote the book in the early 90's at the time when the health wealth and prosperity gospel message was abounding in the church. This book deals with the spiritual warfare movement that was also taking place coincidentally at the time. He takes aim at false doctrine and errant strategies for taking on Satan. In some ways its a rebuke to false teachers. But, more importantly to me, is it's usefulness in refreshing the follower of Christ in key truths of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 features prominently as one would expect. Despite how often I have read on the spiritual armor that Paul writes about in Eph 6, I always learn something new.

The "ah hah" which occurred during my re-read of this topic was that of the 6 pieces of spiritual armor believers are to equip ourselves with, 3 pieces should always be on and 3 pieces should always be at the ready. That was a "click" for me which now allows me to mentally organize the spiritual "equipment" in a new and more effective way.

The shield of faith, as an example of a piece of armor at the ready, is now more easily understood as quite simply - faith in God - and something large enough to hide behind during battle. One may say - yes its obvious the "shield of faith" equates to trusting God. But, I think the problem is that we often misconstrue faith in God to mean faith in outcomes. I think, however, the faith really needs to be placed in who God is and His promises, not what we want. Likewise, the belt of truth - always to be worn - is a reminder to eliminate encumbrances to spiritual growth. In other words, get rid of stuff that will distract us and trip us up.

There is much more to learn by reading the book and even though it's been in print for many years - the insight is timeless!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur offers an overview of the different approaches to spiritual warfare before offering a biblically grounded, detailed explanation of the Armor of God and prayer. Instead of just being defensive about what he views as wrong with some approaches taken to this topic, he also offers the biblical approach to take when dealing with Satan's attacks. I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I got this from the library, but it certainly surpassed whatever those expectations were.

I found the next to last chapter about prayer to be the most powerful, for this specific topic but also more broadly. Breaking the chapter down into smaller topics was a concise way to share what believers should be doing in their prayer lives (he also took this same approach in other chapters with equally compelling outcomes).

There are many who would disagree with MacArthur's beliefs, but to claim that this book has no basis in the Bible is nothing but false. As one would expect from his books, he has extensive references to Bible passages to back of each of his claims. Is there room for debate on whether these are the proper interpretations? On some of them, yes. But I never found any of his citations to be taking God's Word out of context to editorializing it.

I recommend this book for all believers, either to bolster your own knowledge of a conservative approach to spiritual warfare or to become stronger in defending your counter opinion. Because, as MacArthur points out in the final chapter, shallow teachings on doctrine have been part of what led to this divide.

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

5.5/10 - I always appreciate how MacArthur grounds true statements in scripture and comprehensively brings most cover to cover passages out. This book however didn’t engage very deeply with the subject of spiritual warfare. Maybe that wasn’t the purpose of the book. It also read a lot more like a combination of sermons (and maybe it was) with much overlap of repeated subject matter both within, say, a series, and what would be overlap across plenty of other sermons. It felt much more like general admonitions and content that could have been in 20 other books (and he has written 20+ others).

He strongly holds ground and enthusiastically denounces “those of the spiritual warfare movement,” as he repeatedly says, but I wish he would have made effort to tackle at least some of the nuance between two extremes of thought. He mostly throws aside extreme views with cherry-picked shock quotes and seems to also indirectly throw everything that is not his view into it.

This book is definitely for a Christian who wants an entry level book with much general biblical wisdom and a few very important grounding reminders regarding spiritual warfare sprinkled throughout (ie perhaps 90%+ of it comes down to obedience and fighting for holiness). If you’re wanting a deep look at the subject matter though, this likely is not your book.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read much by Mr. MacArthur, but from this book I gather that he is an opinionated man. There's nothing wrong with opinions - we all have 'em - but it gets tiresome reading opinions that attack others in a "how to" book. Mr. MacArthur makes some good Biblical points, but, ironically in my opinion, he errs on the side of paranoid conservatism in other areas. Telling Christians to exercise caution when dealing with demonic spirits is wise; telling Christians that they have no authority to command demonic spirits is flat out wrong.

That aside, this is a helpful book to read to get a very conservative view on the Biblical perspective of spiritual warfare. Readers shouldn't treat this as the Word of God, but it is a fine rebuttal to the very extreme charismatic books that abound on spiritual warfare.

[Gregg Veach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. MacArthur really inspires with this work. He tackles false doctrine, and shows that the only way to battle Satan is with God's Word, not the flim-flam snake-oil so-called demon fighters. By applying the Word of God only, that is the true path to fighting off Satan and keeping him out forever.

[Josh Bauder · Rating 3 out of 5]

MacArthur’s perspective on spiritual warfare is rooted in the bedrock of exegesis rather than the shifty sands of “experience.” Using the armor of God (Ephesians 6) as an organizing outline, MacArthur argues that believers should fight Satan by prayer, holiness, and sheer resistance—not through mantras trademarked by some third-wave charismatic ministry. MacArthur also gives a Scripture-heavy defense of the reformed doctrine of eternal security.

I don’t like the style and packaging. The book reads as if an intern patched together a sermon series, which is probably exactly what happened.

[Martin L'Hébreux · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai bien aimé cette lecture qui, à la lumière des Écritures, nous enseigne comment nous armer en prenant toutes les armes que Dieu met à notre disposition pour le combat spirituel. Cette lecture m’a fortifié et rappelé que nous sommes engagés dans un combat spirituel face à un adversaire sans pitié, auquel nous devons résister afin qu’il s’éloigne de nous.

[Byron Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una obra sólida y fiel a las Escrituras. El autor presenta la verdadera guerra espiritual no como un espectáculo emocional, sino como una batalla diaria por la verdad, centrada en Cristo y en la autoridad de la Palabra de Dios. Claridad, solidez doctrinal y aplicación práctica como siempre de parte del pastor McArthur.

[Kyndra Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I would come back to read again. A good explanation of what the Bible calls Christians to do when it comes to standing against the enemy. It also addresses the fascination with the spiritual warfare movement and how it acts outside of what is biblical.

[Rod Innis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on a very important topic for Christians.

[M.L.S. Weech · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn't start how I thought it would, but it is a great resource for how to wear the Armor of God. I recommend this for anyone making an honest effort to resist sin.

[Caleb Comstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST read for every believer.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thoughts on spiritual warfare!

[Joel Rockey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biblical approach to spiritual warfare. Enjoyed it.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will make you take a good look at yourself, your walk with Christ, your prayer life, and the world around you. Well written and easy to follow.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from John MacArthur with ideas and supporting scripture on how to be strong in our Christian faith.

[Jason Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity for living a Christ centered life. It reminds of having assurance by reflecting on Holy Scripture. I want to revisit this book annually.

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book interesting, and I agreed with much of what MacArthur said. However, I felt that in his attempt to debunk false teaching, he came across as condescending to those who hold other views. I would have found the book more helpful if he had done less pointing out the errors of others and more telling us how to resist the enemy of our souls (though he did provide some good information).

He had a strong Biblical basis for his position of spiritual warfare, and he was adamant that his interpretation of Scripture was accurate. God's Word is inerrant, but human interpretations of it aren't.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot...

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting

I find it interesting why people write books to tell how wrong so many other people are. It's sad because JESUS says plainly that we can be judged as we judge others. Hence I will not make any criticism just ask the question why do any of us judge another's work when GOD is our judge. It concerns me when anyone condemns another's work, be it their writing or teaching it is a dangerous road. So is John right or the other tree s on any side of this debate for a debate is healthy and study of the written word of GOD can be the only place we seek answers and the only place that we can compare the views of any of ourselves let alone another person's teaching. One star is because I want the comparison of anyone's work with GOD not another writer. Yes John and I may have different views but that doesn't make either of us right or wrong but hopefully challenged to seek the answer from our great comforter and our HEAVENLY FATHER.

[Allen Jr. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't even finish this book.

I am interested in the topic of spiritual warfare, but found this book largely just a ranting against perceived trends in modern evangelical thinking. It was awfully repetitive, poorly organized, and largely unhelpful. From time to time, a particular Scripture passage was raised or an insight worth further consideration was offered, but generally, I found this book unhelpful and off-putting. The only people likely to read it (or finish it) are those that already agree with the author in his fairly inflexible views; for those of us looking for just another perspective to help shape our own life, faith, and thinking, this book was just too poorly presented to warrant serious interaction.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Standing Strong," MacArthur challenges the believer to pursue God intimately. He defines spiritual warfare as something that is invited, not something that is thrust upon an unsuspecting believer. I highly recommend this to all believers. MacArthur's words will challenge you to articulate your beliefs.

The following was my favorite passage, something all believers struggle with in one way or another:

"If you have too much love and not enough doctrine, you will be washed away by sentimentalism. If you have too much doctrine and not enough love, you'll develop a harsh attitude." - p. 237

[Rachel L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I disagree with MacArthur on some basic doctrinal stuff, I don't really agree with his treatment of spiritual warfare. He can come across as dogmatic and a bit belittling to parties he doesn't agree with. It's also a lot about what we do (things like "victory comes through studying the principles of God's Word every day"). So, as a treatment of spiritual warfare, this wasn't too helpful for me. Still, I'm glad to have read it, if for nothing else than to know something of what MacArthur believes.