Winning the War: Seven Lies the Enemy Wants You to Believe
At Passionate Life Church, we believe following Jesus means understanding the reality of the spiritual battle every believer faces. Spiritual warfare is not a dramatic concept reserved for extreme situations—it is an everyday reality for anyone who has chosen to follow Christ. In this message from the Winning the War series, Pastor Andrew Thurber teaches a foundational truth: the enemy’s primary weapon is deception.
Satan does not need to destroy your life outright. He only needs you to believe a lie. Once a lie is accepted, it opens a door—often quietly, often subtly. Over time, those lies shape how we think, how we live, and how we relate to God and others.
Jesus makes this unmistakably clear in John 8:44, when He calls Satan “the father of lies.” Lying is not something the enemy occasionally uses—it is his nature. Understanding how these lies operate is essential for believers who want to stand firm, resist the enemy, and walk in freedom.
Below are seven lies Pastor Andrew identifies as some of the most common and destructive deceptions believers face.
Lie #1: “We Are Not in a Fight”
One of the most dangerous lies Christians believe is that there is no real spiritual battle happening. Pastor Andrew teaches that many believers are being spiritually pummeled simply because they don’t realize they are in a fight at all.
If someone is attacked without realizing it, they won’t defend themselves. They won’t prepare. They won’t counter the attack. Scripture does not describe the Christian life as passive or neutral. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul says plainly, “Fight the good fight of faith.”
Whether a believer acknowledges it or not, there is an ongoing battle for their mind, time, marriage, finances, identity, and children. The enemy’s strategy is simple: if he can convince you there is no fight, you won’t pray, resist, or guard your life.
Victory begins with awareness. Prayer, standing on God’s Word, and using the authority of Jesus are how believers fight back. For those needing immediate spiritual support, submitting a prayer request is a powerful first step in engaging the battle through prayer.
Lie #2: “People Are the Problem”
Another powerful deception is the belief that people are the enemy. Pastor Andrew emphasizes that Satan wants believers focused on individuals rather than the spiritual forces influencing them.
Scripture clearly states that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6). When believers blame bosses, spouses, family members, or church leaders for everything, they often slip into a victim mindset. This keeps people stuck, unhealed, and unable to grow.
Pastor Andrew does not deny that real harm, trauma, and pain occur. Instead, he explains that demonic forces often operate behind the scenes, stirring division, bitterness, offense, and anger. When believers recognize this, their response changes.
Instead of fighting people, they begin to pray. Instead of harboring resentment, they forgive. Instead of reacting emotionally, they resist the spiritual source behind the conflict. This shift brings clarity, peace, and freedom—truth that aligns with what we believe as a church, outlined in our What We Believe statement.
Lie #3: “Ignorance Is Bliss”
“Ignorance is bliss” is another lie the enemy uses to keep believers vulnerable. Pastor Andrew teaches that ignorance does not protect anyone from spiritual attack. Whether someone believes in spiritual warfare or not, the enemy still has a strategy.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul warns believers not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes. Teaching on spiritual warfare is not meant to create fear—it is meant to create awareness. Awareness leads to preparedness, and preparedness leads to victory.
Trying to confront the enemy in human strength will always result in defeat. Victory comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Jesus. Knowledge paired with spiritual dependence is what enables believers to stand firm.
Lie #4: “Unforgiveness Is Justified”
Unforgiveness is one of the most damaging lies believers accept. The enemy convinces people they are justified in holding onto bitterness, resentment, or anger. Pastor Andrew teaches that unforgiveness is not about the other person—it is about spiritual bondage.
Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 6:14–15, explaining that unforgiveness affects our relationship with the Father. When bitterness is allowed to take root, it doesn’t stay isolated. It often manifests emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
Triggers, anxiety, addictions, and chronic emotional pain can all be connected to unresolved unforgiveness. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time decision—it may need to be repeated as memories resurface. But every act of forgiveness closes a door to the enemy and opens space for healing.
Forgiveness does not excuse wrong behavior. It releases spiritual attachments that keep believers bound.
Lie #5: “God’s Word Is Not Enough”
Pastor Andrew addresses a growing issue in modern Christianity: treating Scripture as optional rather than authoritative. God’s Word is not partial truth—it is fully inspired and fully sufficient.
Jesus warns in John 10:10 that false teaching leads to destruction. When believers replace Scripture with social media opinions, cultural narratives, or incomplete theology, confusion follows. Without God’s Word as the foundation, truth becomes subjective.
The Bible provides clarity in confusion, correction in error, and stability in chaos. Returning to Scripture is not about legalism—it is about grounding life in truth.
Lie #6: “You Can Live in Both Worlds”
Another deception is the belief that someone can fully follow Jesus while remaining deeply immersed in ungodly influences. Pastor Andrew teaches that the people and environments closest to us shape our future.
Trying to live with one foot in the church and one foot in the world eventually leads to compromise. 2 Corinthians 6 reminds believers that they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God does not share space with idols.
While Christians are called to be a light to the world, they are not called to be shaped by sin or compromise. Influence works both ways, and over time, what we tolerate begins to transform us. This is why spiritual growth thrives in community, such as through Life Groups, where believers encourage one another toward holiness and accountability.
Lie #7: “Compromise Doesn’t Matter”
The final lie Pastor Andrew addresses is the belief that compromise is insignificant. Using the story of Abraham, he shows how unchecked compromise can create long-term consequences—sometimes lasting generations.
Compromise weakens spiritual authority and opens doors to future struggles. Deuteronomy 5 reminds believers to obey God fully, not partially. God’s commands are not meant to restrict freedom but to protect it.
When compromise is confronted through repentance, its power is broken. Obedience restores clarity, authority, and spiritual strength. For those ready to respond to this call, exploring Next Steps can help solidify a commitment to spiritual growth and obedience.
Freedom begins where deception ends. This message calls believers to recognize lies, reject them, and replace them with truth. The war is real—but so is the victory Jesus has already secured.
Satan does not need to destroy your life outright. He only needs you to believe a lie. Once a lie is accepted, it opens a door—often quietly, often subtly. Over time, those lies shape how we think, how we live, and how we relate to God and others.
Jesus makes this unmistakably clear in John 8:44, when He calls Satan “the father of lies.” Lying is not something the enemy occasionally uses—it is his nature. Understanding how these lies operate is essential for believers who want to stand firm, resist the enemy, and walk in freedom.
Below are seven lies Pastor Andrew identifies as some of the most common and destructive deceptions believers face.
Lie #1: “We Are Not in a Fight”
One of the most dangerous lies Christians believe is that there is no real spiritual battle happening. Pastor Andrew teaches that many believers are being spiritually pummeled simply because they don’t realize they are in a fight at all.
If someone is attacked without realizing it, they won’t defend themselves. They won’t prepare. They won’t counter the attack. Scripture does not describe the Christian life as passive or neutral. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul says plainly, “Fight the good fight of faith.”
Whether a believer acknowledges it or not, there is an ongoing battle for their mind, time, marriage, finances, identity, and children. The enemy’s strategy is simple: if he can convince you there is no fight, you won’t pray, resist, or guard your life.
Victory begins with awareness. Prayer, standing on God’s Word, and using the authority of Jesus are how believers fight back. For those needing immediate spiritual support, submitting a prayer request is a powerful first step in engaging the battle through prayer.
Lie #2: “People Are the Problem”
Another powerful deception is the belief that people are the enemy. Pastor Andrew emphasizes that Satan wants believers focused on individuals rather than the spiritual forces influencing them.
Scripture clearly states that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6). When believers blame bosses, spouses, family members, or church leaders for everything, they often slip into a victim mindset. This keeps people stuck, unhealed, and unable to grow.
Pastor Andrew does not deny that real harm, trauma, and pain occur. Instead, he explains that demonic forces often operate behind the scenes, stirring division, bitterness, offense, and anger. When believers recognize this, their response changes.
Instead of fighting people, they begin to pray. Instead of harboring resentment, they forgive. Instead of reacting emotionally, they resist the spiritual source behind the conflict. This shift brings clarity, peace, and freedom—truth that aligns with what we believe as a church, outlined in our What We Believe statement.
Lie #3: “Ignorance Is Bliss”
“Ignorance is bliss” is another lie the enemy uses to keep believers vulnerable. Pastor Andrew teaches that ignorance does not protect anyone from spiritual attack. Whether someone believes in spiritual warfare or not, the enemy still has a strategy.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul warns believers not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes. Teaching on spiritual warfare is not meant to create fear—it is meant to create awareness. Awareness leads to preparedness, and preparedness leads to victory.
Trying to confront the enemy in human strength will always result in defeat. Victory comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Jesus. Knowledge paired with spiritual dependence is what enables believers to stand firm.
Lie #4: “Unforgiveness Is Justified”
Unforgiveness is one of the most damaging lies believers accept. The enemy convinces people they are justified in holding onto bitterness, resentment, or anger. Pastor Andrew teaches that unforgiveness is not about the other person—it is about spiritual bondage.
Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 6:14–15, explaining that unforgiveness affects our relationship with the Father. When bitterness is allowed to take root, it doesn’t stay isolated. It often manifests emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
Triggers, anxiety, addictions, and chronic emotional pain can all be connected to unresolved unforgiveness. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time decision—it may need to be repeated as memories resurface. But every act of forgiveness closes a door to the enemy and opens space for healing.
Forgiveness does not excuse wrong behavior. It releases spiritual attachments that keep believers bound.
Lie #5: “God’s Word Is Not Enough”
Pastor Andrew addresses a growing issue in modern Christianity: treating Scripture as optional rather than authoritative. God’s Word is not partial truth—it is fully inspired and fully sufficient.
Jesus warns in John 10:10 that false teaching leads to destruction. When believers replace Scripture with social media opinions, cultural narratives, or incomplete theology, confusion follows. Without God’s Word as the foundation, truth becomes subjective.
The Bible provides clarity in confusion, correction in error, and stability in chaos. Returning to Scripture is not about legalism—it is about grounding life in truth.
Lie #6: “You Can Live in Both Worlds”
Another deception is the belief that someone can fully follow Jesus while remaining deeply immersed in ungodly influences. Pastor Andrew teaches that the people and environments closest to us shape our future.
Trying to live with one foot in the church and one foot in the world eventually leads to compromise. 2 Corinthians 6 reminds believers that they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God does not share space with idols.
While Christians are called to be a light to the world, they are not called to be shaped by sin or compromise. Influence works both ways, and over time, what we tolerate begins to transform us. This is why spiritual growth thrives in community, such as through Life Groups, where believers encourage one another toward holiness and accountability.
Lie #7: “Compromise Doesn’t Matter”
The final lie Pastor Andrew addresses is the belief that compromise is insignificant. Using the story of Abraham, he shows how unchecked compromise can create long-term consequences—sometimes lasting generations.
Compromise weakens spiritual authority and opens doors to future struggles. Deuteronomy 5 reminds believers to obey God fully, not partially. God’s commands are not meant to restrict freedom but to protect it.
When compromise is confronted through repentance, its power is broken. Obedience restores clarity, authority, and spiritual strength. For those ready to respond to this call, exploring Next Steps can help solidify a commitment to spiritual growth and obedience.
Freedom begins where deception ends. This message calls believers to recognize lies, reject them, and replace them with truth. The war is real—but so is the victory Jesus has already secured.
Recent
Winning the War: Seven Lies the Enemy Wants You to Believe
January 14th, 2026
Life and Death in the Tongue: Pastor David Gutierrez's Message at Passionate Life Church, Littleton, CO
December 19th, 2025
No Sacrifice, No Victory: A Sermon Recap by Pastor David Gutierrez at Passionate Life Church, Littleton, CO
December 4th, 2025
Signs of the End Times Part 4: A Sermon by Pastor Andrew Thurber, Passionate Life Church, Littleton, CO
November 24th, 2025
Signs of the End Times Part 5: A Sermon by Pastor Andrew Thurber of Passionate Life Church, Littleton, CO
November 24th, 2025
Archive
2025
September
October
November
Categories
no categories
No Comments