Satan hates marriage. He hates Christian marriages in particular because they have the potential to show the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). By hurting Christian marriages, Satan hinders their witness to the world. He knows that whoever owns the family owns the future. He didn’t bother Adam until he got married, then he went after them both!
Satan is the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). As such he blinds and deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He is the head of a vast, powerful organization that opposes God and all he stands for. Jesus decisively defeated Satan and his domain by the cross and His resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20; Colossians 2:15). However, he is still free to oppose God and His people. To withstand these attacks we must understand God’s design for marriage and the family, Satan’s strategy against it, and how to stand firm to have victory. That’s what this series of blogs will be about.
Unfortunately, books about marriage seldom include spiritual warfare. Andreas Kostenberger said, “Regularly the focus (in marriage books) is on fulfilling one’s partner’s needs in marriage, improving one’s communication skills, or resolving marital conflict. From reading any of these books, one would never know that spiritual warfare is a vital issue in marriage and the family. Yet, in fact, spiritual warfare is an all-encompassing reality.” Spiritual wrfare is often completely ignored by most marriage counselors and popular treatments on marriage. Yet it has been a part of male-female relationships since Satan attacked Adam and Eve.
Remember, though, that not all marriage problems are spiritual warfare problems. Spiritual warfare is one tool God gives us in our collection of tools for victory in life. It is a great tool when needed, but no one tool does everything. If you were making a table you’d need a hammer, saw, sandpaper, paint brush, etc. No one tool alone would do all that is needed. Each is needed. If you tried to use a hammer for cutting wood, or a saw to hammer nails, you would fail. Spiritual warfare is one tool in our marriage tool belt. It is an essential tool, but not the only one. Other tools include communication, showing unconditional love, conflict resolution, forgiveness, sacrificing for others and showing respect. Spiritual warfare isn’t the only tool we need to have a great marriage, but when it is needed no other tool will do. These blogs will be about learning how to use the tool of spiritual warfare to have a better marriage and family.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
How competent are you with the tool of spiritual warfare? Do you know when to use it, and how to use it? Ask God for wisdom and insight as you apply His truths to your marriage.
MARRIAGE RETREAT: We will have our 26th annual Marriage Retreat at Bird-In-Hand, Lancaster, PA, March 13-15, 2026. Cost is $285 which includes room for 2 nights, 2 breakfasts, use of 2 indoor pools and the conference. For more information go to https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/ministries/marriage-retreat/ or email me jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org Please tell others about this wonderful opportunity to invest in your marriage.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
Copyright © 2026