Origins Part 3 – Spiritual Warfare is Belief Warfare
In this episode, Pastors Nate and Daren discuss the role of spiritual warfare and demonic influence in contributing to unwanted same-sex attraction. They unpack the unseen battles behind these struggles and offer insight, discernment, and hope for those seeking freedom and healing. Visit our YouTube channel playlist for the whole Origins series!
Podcast Summary:
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Daren remind us that spiritual warfare is real, but that freedom is not mainly found in “a magic prayer” or a one-time deliverance moment—it’s found in relationship with Jesus, His Word, and His people over time. They trace the battle back to Genesis 3, emphasizing that the enemy lies and sows deception, especially around identity and desire, and that those lies can become “strongholds.” The heart of the fight is often belief warfare: bringing our thoughts and agreements under Christ’s authority and letting truth reshape our desires. As we stay Hungry, Humble, and Teachable, we learn to walk out sanctification with patience, honesty, and deep connection in the church family.
Opening Prayer
Father, we come hungry for Your Word and Your ways, confessing that we often settle for surface answers when You call us to truth. Jesus, thank You for loving sinners like us, drawing us near, and setting captives free—teach us to abide in You and trust You with the work of sanctification. Holy Spirit, convict us where we’ve believed lies, strengthen us where we feel weak, and lead us into humble, teachable repentance and real hope. We ask for unity, gentleness, and courage to speak truth in love as a church family. Amen.
Study Guide
“I want to say on the very front end, we are not in any way saying that demonic deliverance alone is enough to set somebody free from a struggle with same-sex attractions… So it’s not a magic prayer. one, two, three, go be free. There really is a process.” – Pastor Nate Oyloe
Key Verses
- Genesis 3:14–15 – This was used to show the origin of the conflict and how the enemy works against humanity—especially aiming at “seed/children.”
- James 1:14–15 – This was used to clarify that we should not reduce sin to “only demonic activity.” Temptation also connects to the desires within us, and we need union with Christ in the whole battle.
- John 8:31–32 – This was used to emphasize that freedom grows from abiding/continuing in Jesus’ Word, not from surface-level spirituality.
- John 8:36 – This verse anchored the idea that Jesus—not techniques—brings real freedom, and that freedom includes our minds and desires.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 – This was used to describe “belief warfare”—submitting interpretations, identity claims, and mental agreements to Christ.
- Romans 12:2 – This supported the idea that sanctification includes renewed thinking—new patterns of truth replacing lies.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 – The phrase “doctrines of demons” was repeatedly used to describe lies that shape identity and behavior; this verse gives the biblical wording behind that phrase.
- Malachi 4:5–6 – This was used as a closing hope: God restores families and turns hearts in love, which strengthens spiritual health and discipleship across generations.
Supporting Verses
- Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39 – Jesus’ authority over demonic oppression (also clarifies the “pigs” story). [Referenced indirectly]
- John 10:10 – “Steal, kill, destroy” language used to describe the enemy’s aims. [Allusion]
- Ephesians 6:10–18 – Armor of God: truth, righteousness, faith, and Scripture in spiritual battle. [helpful for balance]
- Philippians 1:6 – Sanctification is ongoing; God finishes what He starts. [helps avoid “instant change” expectations]
- Galatians 5:16–17 – Flesh vs. Spirit conflict in sanctification. [supports “whole war” language]
- Romans 8:13 – Mortification by the Spirit. [supports holiness in the fight]
Topic 1: The war begins in the garden—God names the conflict
Summary:
Our Pastor Nate starts by grounding spiritual warfare in Genesis 3. The serpent’s deception brings devastating consequences, and God declares “enmity” between the serpent and the woman, and between “your seed and her seed.” This applies to the way lies spread through generations and culture, and to the responsibility of God’s people to stay alert, protective, and anchored in Scripture—especially for the sake of children and families.
Scripture used here: Genesis 3:14–15.
Quotes (from the transcript):
- “This is the beginning of the war.”
- “The enemy from day one has had his sights on our kids.”
Discussion questions:
- Why is it helpful to start conversations about spiritual warfare in Genesis rather than jumping straight to modern examples?
- When you hear “enmity” (conflict) in Genesis 3:15, what does that teach you about living realistically—but not fearfully—today?
- Where do you see “seed” language (influence, legacy, discipleship) showing up in your home or relationships?
- How can we help one another become more Hungry for God’s Word when culture is loud?
- What’s one practical way we can support parents, kids, and students in our church family right now?
Topic 2: The battle is “whole”—world, flesh, and devil, won only by union with Christ
Summary:
Pastor Daren emphasizes balance: Scripture doesn’t reduce sin to demons, and it also doesn’t reduce spiritual warfare to “it’s all in your head.” He points to James 1 to show temptation connects to the desires within us, while still acknowledging real demonic deception in the world. He then brings the focus to union with Christ: Jesus frees us from sin and death, renews our mind, and gives us the Holy Spirit who teaches truth and shepherds us back to the “origins” where lies first took root.
Scripture used here: James 1:14–15 (explicit); Romans 12:2 (explicit).
Quotes:
- “It teaches a whole war… the world, there’s the flesh, the devil, and it’s only won by union with Christ.”
- “We do have an advocate, the Holy Spirit, who teaches us and reveals all truth.”
Discussion questions:
- Where do you personally drift toward extremes: blaming everything on demons, or blaming everything on psychology?
- How does James 1:14–15 humble us about our own responsibility in temptation?
- What does “union with Christ” look like in ordinary weekly life (not just in crisis)?
- In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit using Scripture to expose a lie and bring peace?
- How can our group help one another practice “whole-war discipleship” with compassion and clarity?
Topic 3: Strongholds are often “belief warfare”—Jesus replaces lies with truth
Narrative summary:
A major theme is that strongholds can form when a person suffers pain, rejection, or confusion and then accepts an interpretive “story” that explains the pain—especially about identity and belonging. Pastor Daren describes this as “belief warfare”: taking speculations and lofty thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10). He describes sanctification not as endless “demon chasing,” but as Jesus steadily replacing lies with truth, and truth reordering desire. This frames growth as discipleship—continuing in Jesus’ Word so truth leads to freedom.
Scripture used here: John 8:31–32, 36; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5.
Quotes:
- “The spiritual warfare has been really a belief warfare.”
- “Sanctification isn’t just demon chasing. It’s Christ replacing lies with truth.”
- “If you remain my disciple and in my word, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Discussion questions:
- What are some “common lies” Christians are tempted to believe about themselves when they feel rejected or ashamed?
- How does 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 shape the way we think about intrusive thoughts, compulsive patterns, or identity confusion?
- What does it look like to “continue” in Jesus’ Word (John 8:31) when you feel stuck?
- What’s one belief you want to bring to Jesus this week and ask, “Lord, is this actually true?”
- How can we practice being Humble and Teachable when someone lovingly challenges our assumptions?
Small correction:
A story was referenced as “Jesus cast out 3,000 demons… into pigs.” The Gospels describe a demonized man and a herd of pigs “about two thousand,” (Mark 5:13 notes ~2,000 pigs.) This doesn’t change the main point—Jesus has total authority—but it’s good to keep our details tight. 😊
Topic 4: Healing is relational and often gradual—Jesus restores through love and the church
Narrative summary:
The hosts stress that growth is usually a process, not a shortcut: “no wand,” not “one, two, three, be free.” They describe how unmet needs and trauma can shape beliefs and desires, and how Jesus heals relationally—through secure attachment to Him and through supportive, wise relationships in the body of Christ. This is a call to patient sanctification: telling the truth, receiving love, and learning healthy patterns over time.
Scripture used here: John 8:31–36 (truth/freedom); Romans 12:2 (mind renewal).
Quotes:
- “It’s not a magic prayer… There really is a process.”
- “Jesus… draws us into a relationship where he can hold us and hug us and love on us. And over time… that brings about life change.”
- “In him, we’re safe to admit our needs.”
Discussion questions (5):
- Why do we sometimes prefer “quick fixes” instead of the slow, steady path of discipleship?
- What’s the difference between shame-driven secrecy and humble honesty before God and trusted believers?
- How can our group be a safer place for people to admit needs without fear of being labeled?
- What would patient sanctification look like for someone you love (not demanding instant change)?
- Where do you need to receive Jesus’ love more deeply—through His Word, prayer, and the church family?
Topic 5: The church must go deeper—truth, discipleship, and hope for families
Summary:
Pastor Nate and Pastor Daren warn against staying “surface level” and call the church to get back to the “meat” of Scripture—digging beneath the surface so people are actually helped. They connect cultural confusion to widespread deception (“doctrines of demons”) and urge believers to build a strong foundation in truth. The episode closes with hope from Malachi: God turns hearts in families, restoring love across generations—an encouraging vision for long-term discipleship.
Scripture used here: John 8:31–32; Romans 12:2; Malachi 4:5–6; 1 Timothy 4:1 (concept/phrase).
Quotes:
- “We could all take a lesson from the aardvark… we got to dig down.”
- “I spent many years as a surface level Christian who only opened his Bible on Sunday…”
- “There’s a restoration of the family… Malachi 4:5-6”
Discussion questions (5):
- Where do you most feel tempted to settle for “spirituality light” instead of depth?
- What would it look like for you to become more Hungry for Scripture this month (specific plan)?
- How do we speak truth in a way that is both clear and compassionate—especially with sensitive struggles?
- What are some ways we can strengthen intergenerational love in our church (older/younger)?
- How does Malachi 4:5–6 shape the way we pray for our families and our church family?
Discipleship Prayer
Determined Discipleship Through Relationship
- Pray to be Hungry for God’s Word—continuing in Jesus’ teaching so truth reshapes our thinking and desires.
- Pray for Humble honesty: confessing where we’ve believed lies, excused sin, or hidden pain.
- Pray for Teachable hearts: receiving correction and counsel from Scripture and trusted leaders without defensiveness.
- Pray for those walking through deep battles of temptation, identity confusion, or shame—ask Jesus to replace lies with truth and bring wise relationships around them.
- Pray for our families—marriages, parents, children, and spiritual mothers/fathers—asking God to restore hearts in love and unity.
- Pray for the church to be faithful: deep in Scripture, gentle in care, bold in truth, and patient in discipleship.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for naming the battle clearly in Your Word and for not leaving us alone in it. Make us a people who live in the light—quick to repent, quick to forgive, and eager to build one another up. Jesus, thank You that You set captives free. Help us abide in Your Word and follow You as true disciples, trusting that Your truth will bring freedom in real places of pain and temptation. Holy Spirit, renew our minds, expose the lies we’ve accepted, and empower us to walk in holiness with hope. Make us Hungry, Humble, and Teachable—and make our church a safe, faithful place of determined discipleship through relationship. Amen.
Challenge For The Week
Choose one “belief” you tend to assume when you’re stressed or tempted (for example: “I’m alone,” “I can’t change,” “God is disappointed in me”). Write it down, then place it next to one of the Key Verses (John 8:31–32, Romans 12:2, or 2 Corinthians 10:5) and pray daily, asking Jesus to replace that lie with truth and to reshape your desires.
Daily Devotionals
Day 1: The battle is real—but God speaks first
Read: Genesis 3:14–15
Reflection: God doesn’t ignore evil or pretend there isn’t conflict. He names it—and He also promises victory.
Challenge: Pray for one family (yours or someone else’s) by name, asking God to strengthen love and truth in their home.
Day 2: Freedom grows where we continue in the Word
Read: John 8:31–32
Reflection: Jesus links discipleship to continuing—staying close, staying steady, staying teachable.
Challenge: Spend 10 minutes reading Scripture slowly (no rushing). Write one sentence: “Today, the truth I’m holding is…”
Day 3: Take the thought captive
Read: 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
Reflection: Some battles are won by refusing to let a thought become an agreement.
Challenge: When a tempting or condemning thought shows up, pause and pray: “Jesus, I bring this under Your authority. What is true?”
Day 4: Sanctification is relational, not mechanical
Read: Romans 12:2
Reflection: Renewing the mind is more than “trying harder.” It’s a transformed pattern of thinking shaped by communion with Christ and His people.
Challenge: Reach out to a trusted believer and ask for prayer in one specific area—practice humble community.
Day 5: Hope for families and spiritual generations
Read: Malachi 4:5–6
Reflection: God’s plan includes turning hearts toward one another in love. Restoration isn’t only personal; it’s also relational and generational.
Challenge: Encourage someone older or younger in the faith with a meaningful note or conversation.
GOING DEEP IN THE WORD!
1) Starting with a biblical map: three enemies, not one
If you don’t name the categories, people will collapse everything into “a demon did it” or “I’m just wired this way.”
A. The world
A fallen system that catechizes through stories, praise, shame, and identity labels.
- Romans 12:2 — the battleground includes conformity vs. renewal.
- Ephesians 4:17–24 — old patterns of thinking, new mind in Christ.
- Romans 1:25 — “exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (the essence of modern identity religion).
B. The flesh
Not merely “the body,” but indwelling sin and disordered desires that remain in the believer’s mortal life.
- Romans 7 (especially 7:14–25) — real conflict inside the regenerate man.
- Romans 8:13 — sanctification is not “ignore the flesh,” but putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit.
- James 1:14–15 — temptation is “carried away and enticed by his own lust… lust… gives birth to sin… brings forth death.”
C. The devil and demons
Real personal evil that deceives, accuses, tempts, and exploits.
- John 8:44 — Satan is a liar; his native language is deception.
- 1 Peter 5:8–9 — he prowls; we resist by faith.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 — counterfeit “light” and plausible spirituality.
- Ephesians 6:11–12 — our struggle includes “spiritual forces of wickedness.”
Scripture doesn’t reduce sin to demons, and it doesn’t reduce spiritual warfare to psychology. It teaches a whole-war—world, flesh, and devil—won only by union with Christ.
2) Make the distinction “demonic influence” vs “demonic cause”
This avoids “demon of homosexuality” framing while still taking spiritual warfare seriously.
What demons commonly do (biblically)
- Deceive (lies about God, self, love, identity)
- Genesis 3:1–6 (the pattern), 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:25–26
- Accuse/condemn (drive to despair or hypocrisy)
- Contrast with Romans 8:1 (no condemnation in Christ)
- Entice and bait (weaponize circumstances and imagery)
- Matthew 4:1–11 (temptation via suggestion; Jesus answers with Scripture)
- Oppress (burdens, fear, confusion) — without requiring “possession” language for believers
- Still, the believer’s basic posture is: submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7–8)
What James makes explicit: the devil is not the root-cause of lust
James refuses to let us outsource responsibility:
- James 1:13–15 — the internal “lust” is the engine.
So you can say:
The devil can train, tempt, and deceive, but he cannot make you righteous by blaming him, and he cannot sanctify you by leaving. The root issue is the heart’s disordered desires—and the remedy is Christ’s renewing grace.
3) The heart-belief layer: “strongholds” are often lies we’ve agreed with
This is where you separate spiritual warfare from belief warfare without severing them.
A. Scripture treats lies as bondage
- John 8:31–36 — abiding in Jesus’ word brings truth; truth brings freedom; the Son liberates.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 — strongholds include “speculations” and “lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God”; warfare includes “taking every thought captive.”
B. Name the pattern: wounds → interpretations → vows → identities → desires
Not as pop-psych determinism, but as a discipleship framework:
- Wounds and shame often become interpretations (“I don’t belong,” “I’m not a real man,” “I can’t be loved rightly”).
- Those interpretations become agreements with lies (compare Romans 1:25).
- Agreements become habits of thought (compare Ephesians 4:17–23).
- Habits of thought feed habits of desire (compare James 1:14–15).
- The gospel doesn’t merely demand behavioral change; it brings renewal (compare Romans 12:2).
Simple line you can repeat:
Sanctification is not mainly demon-chasing. It is Christ replacing lies with truth and reordering desires by His Spirit.
4) The Anchor of Romans 6–8: sanctification as warfare in union with Christ
Romans 6–8 is the “battle sequence” that stays Christ-centered:
Romans 6: Your position and your new master
- You are united to Christ in His death and resurrection (6:3–11).
- Therefore: “consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (6:11).
- Therefore: present yourself to God, not sin (6:12–14).
The first weapon is not casting out—it’s counting true what God says is true: I’m not in Adam; I’m in Christ. Sin is not my lord.
Romans 7: The realism of remaining corruption
- The believer still experiences conflict.
- This guards you from false promises (“if you had enough faith, you’d never feel temptation again”) and from despair (“if I’m tempted, I’m not saved”).
Romans 7 is not permission to make peace with lust. It is permission to be honest about the battle while you refuse surrender.
Romans 8: The decisive difference—Spirit life
- Romans 8:1 — no condemnation for those in Christ.
- Romans 8:5–9 — mind set on flesh vs mind set on Spirit.
- Romans 8:13 — the method: “by the Spirit you are putting to death…”
- Romans 8:15–16 — adoption: you fight as a son, not as an orphan.
Freedom is not merely subtraction (removing temptation). It is a new power and a new affection—the Spirit of adoption and the work of sanctification producing new desires.
5) How to talk about deliverance without making it the center
You can affirm spiritual warfare strongly while keeping sanctification central.
Explicit Guardrails
- We do not preach a “demon-of-SSA” model because Scripture locates temptation chiefly in the flesh (James 1; Mark 7:20–23).
- We do not deny demonic involvement because Scripture commands resisting the devil and putting on armor (Ephesians 6; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9).
- We preach Christ’s lordship over the whole person: mind, body, desires, identity (Romans 6–8).
- We aim for maturity, not spectacles: repentance, faith, renewed mind, mortification, walking by the Spirit (Colossians 3:1–10; Galatians 5:16–24).
If a demon left today, but you kept the lie tomorrow, you would walk back into bondage—because bondage is sustained by deception and desire, and freedom is sustained by truth and the Spirit.
6) Weapons of this war:
Warfare is the work of ordinary means of grace with disciplined obedience.
A. Truth (Word-centered)
- Ephesians 6:14–17 — belt of truth, sword of the Spirit (Word of God).
- John 17:17 — sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
B. Repentance at the desire-level (not only behavior)
- Matthew 5:27–30 — Jesus goes after lust, not only the act.
- James 1:14–15 — cut it off at conception.
C. Mortification and replacement
- Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5 — put to death what is earthly.
- Philippians 4:8 — replace patterns of thought.
- Galatians 5:16 — walk by the Spirit; you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
D. Community and confession
- James 5:16 — confession and prayer.
- Hebrews 3:12–13 — exhort one another daily to avoid hardening by sin’s deceitfulness.
7) Final Thoughts
- The Unseen War Is Real — Ephesians 6; 1 Peter 5
- But James Names the Root — James 1: desire births sin
- The Devil’s Primary Weapon Is the Lie — John 8:44; Romans 1:25; 2 Cor 10
- Freedom Is Union With Christ — Romans 6 (new master), Romans 7 (real fight), Romans 8 (Spirit power)
- Sanctification Is Truth + Spirit + Mortification — John 8; Romans 8:13; Col 3; Gal 5
- Hope for the Struggler — Romans 8:1; adoption; perseverance (cf. Romans 8:28–39)
Daily Prayer Card mentioned by Pastor Daren
ADDITIONAL STUDY (EXTRA CREDIT!)
FOR NEW BELIEVERS (≈60 minutes total; 4 parts)
Part 1) Read & meditate on (20 min)
- Genesis 3:14–15; John 8:31–36; Romans 12:2; James 1:14–15; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5; Malachi 4:5–6
Write Short Reflections:
- What lie do I most often believe when I’m afraid?
- What truth from these passages speaks directly to that lie?
- What’s one next step of obedience?
Part 2) Study of Christian Thought (15 min)
Resource: Ligonier article: “What Are Justification and Sanctification?”
URL: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/what-are-justification-and-sanctification
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Writing assignment: In 5–7 sentences, explain the difference between being declared righteous and being made more holy, and why that matters when you feel stuck.
Part 3) Theological Reflection on a key topic (15 min)
Resource: John Owen, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers
URL: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/o/owen/mort/cache/mort.pdf
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Writing assignment: What does it mean to fight sin “by the Spirit,” and how is that different from self-powered willpower?
Part 4) Prayer & Declaration Practice (10 min)
- Pray: “Father, show me the lie. Jesus, speak Your truth. Spirit, give me power to obey.”
- Write out a simple declaration (in your own words) using John 8:36 and Romans 12:2.
- Read Psalm 139 and pray verses 23–24 slowly.
MATURE BELIEVERS (≈60 minutes total; 4 parts)
Part 1) Read & meditate on (20 min)
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–6; Ephesians 6:10–18; Romans 8:13; John 15:1–11 (abiding); Psalm 51
Write Short Reflections:
- Where have I confused “information” with “transformation”?
- How do Word, Spirit, and church community work together in sanctification?
- Who am I intentionally discipling toward freedom and maturity?
Part 2) Study of Christian Thought (15 min)
Resource: J.C. Ryle, Holiness (classic Reformed pastoral theology)
URL: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/ryle/holiness.html
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Writing assignment: Summarize Ryle’s view of practical holiness in 8–10 sentences, then list 3 ways you can teach it gently to others.
Part 3) Theological Reflection on spiritual warfare and truth (15 min)
Resource: A Reformed devotional on strongholds (Ligonier)
URL: https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/strongholds-and-supremacy
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Writing assignment: Build a “thought-captivity” plan: (a) identify a recurring lie, (b) list 3 Scriptures that answer it, (c) outline how you’ll practice renewal daily for 2 weeks.
Part 4) Prayer & Declaration Practice (10 min)
- Pray through Ephesians 6:10–18, naming each piece of armor slowly.
- Write a short “mentoring script” you could use with a younger believer: how to confess temptation, reject lies, and run to Christ.
- Read Psalm 27 and turn its phrases into prayer for courage and clarity.