The world of Biblical counseling has lost a great Biblical counselor, teacher, leader, and long-time Executive Director of the Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF). David Powlison made a significant contribution to the universal church by modeling how to lead others to the Bible for practical comfort and guidance.

Just three months after Powlison’s passing, his last written work was published. And though written for counselors, here is your chance to learn from him also. After all, many of you are “counselors” of a sort to your friends and loved ones. A small book, right around 100 pages, Safe & Sound: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles takes the reader to key verses about spiritual warfare, and points out truths that will leave you grateful for his influence. You could read the book if you want to deeply learn why Powlison teaches this way about spiritual warfare (link here), or you could simply use the summary below:

The Reality of a Spiritual Battle

Are you unsure what you’re supposed to do when it comes to spiritual warfare? Powlison believes that Scripture treats warfare as a normal, everyday part of the Christian life; and recommends you do the same. He doesn’t sensationalize the spiritual realm. Rather, he calmly, gently presents the straightforward battle plan he finds in the Bible. (Ps. 18:1-50; 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Jn. 5:19-21)

Are you feeling discouraged by the state of this world? Through spiritual warfare, God’s people can fight like Jesus did by bringing His light into a grim planet. (Jn. 8:12; Eph. 5:8;1 Pet. 5:8-10)

Are you concerned for the spiritual well-being of some of your loved ones? You have a good reason to feel this burden. If your friends and family aren’t in Christ, then they’re being trampled on in this battle. That’s why you need to know how to pick up spiritual weapons and respond, encourage, and pray in truth and with faith. (Jn. 8:37-47; Eph. 2:1-10, 6:12)

Are you scared of what people will think about you if you talk about the devil? There is a proper placement of all of the characters: Satan belongs behind the scenes; God and His relationship with His people belong in the front. (Eph. 6:10-13; Rev. 12:7-12)

Do you feel unable to handle being part of such a cosmic fight? You’re not on your own against evil; God’s people participate together in the Lord’s war against darkness. (Eph. 1-6; Rev. 19:9)

The Practicality of Spiritual Weaponry

Has someone you respect (maybe a counselor, mentor, or parent) ever pointed out what you’re believing as something that might not be true? It’s good warfare for you to turn away from any lies (that’s what it means to put on the Belt of Truth) and seek healing in relationships (that’s what it looks like to walk in the Shoes of Peace). (Is. 11:5,52:7; Jn. 8:43-44,10:4; Eph. 6:14-15)

Do you feel helpless to make any difference when the world seems so far gone? Powlison understood that, but reminds you to put faith in the Person of Christ (which is what it means to hold up that Shield of Faith and wear that Helmet of Salvation), and imitate Christ by your character, actions, and decisions (which is wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness). These spiritual weapons have huge impact on what you’re experiencing and accomplishing in the fallen world. (Is. 59; Eph. 2:10, 6:14, 16, 17)

Do the sounds of verses and prayers seem faint to you in your situation right now? That’s why every member of the Body of Christ needs bold proclamation of the Word of God (reading the Bible is you picking up the Sword of the Spirit) and passionate, Christ-centered prayers (uttered at all times in the Spirit to invade the darkness). This is how you gain strength for this long, wearisome battle. (Eph. 6:17-20)

Do you find yourself helping or giving advice to people who are blaming others, getting defensive, feeling anxious, and spending too much time escaping from hard things? This is clear evidence of warfare because it’s a misplaced dependency issue. Use your spiritual weapons to place your dependency on the Lord so you can then show them how to do so as well. (2 Cor. 12:7-9; Phil. 4:11-13; James 1:12-27; 4:7-10)

Do you or your loved ones experience a separation between the Christian life and everything else? This is another call to pick up your weapons and press into the Christian community to increase unity and victory. (Ps. 28; Mt. 16:18; Eph. 1-6)

In summary, you don’t need to shy away from spiritual warfare as if you are being off-putting or talking about something that is far from godliness. Acknowledging and engaging in spiritual warfare aligns you with Christ, gives you steps to take to make a difference, and develops you into an even more caring, loving person.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:11)