Spiritual Warfare and Prayer

Strongman’s His Name is an example of a timeless book that brings as much value to 2009 as it did to 1984. I believe this book will continue to be an asset to anyone studying and engaging in spiritual warfare for decades to come. The introduction is packed with information. After identifying Satan’s mission (John 10:10)--steal, kill and destroy--it continues on to identify the attributes of God and the attributes of Satan. Also included in the introduction are passages dealing with putting on the armor of God, information on fighting strongmen, and spiritual advice from Paul, Peter and James.

Divided into 17 chapters that span 174 pages, the book is written and formatted in a workbook style. The columns are lined for recording thoughts and taking notes. Each chapter following the introduction deals with one of the sixteen specific strongmen mentioned in the Bible. The chapter begins with the spirit’s family tree and related bible verses. The body of each chapter contains specific information on each attribute listed in the family tree, biblical references and examples, how to recognize the spirit at work, why the spirit is harmful, and ends with a prayer specific to that chapter‘s spirit. The concluding chapter provides further information on sins of the flesh and living in the flesh with additional biblical references to aid in spiritual warfare.

Apart from being a book on teaching spiritual warfare methods, the explanations contained in each chapter that tell why each action is wrong for Christians makes this a wonderful teaching resource for Life Groups and small group bible studies.

Strongman’s His Name…What’s His Game, Drs Jerry and Carol Robeson, Whitaker House, New Kensington PA, 1984.



If you are interested in an additional book on spiritual warfare, Charles Stanley’s book When The Enemy Strikes is sure to please. Slightly longer than the Robesons’ book Strongman’s His Name, this book is broken down into 12 chapters spanning 209 pages. Stanley focuses on the fact that we are all engaged in spiritual warfare, whether we wish to be or not, solely because we, as Christians, are natural enemies of Satan. His stand is that we cannot win and must rely on the strength of God to prevail.

In this book, Stanley asserts Satan uses the tactics of debate, division, doubt and deception to hinder Christians. Simplified and worded differently, it is basically the same as insecurity and inferiority that was presented in the Robesons’ book.

Focusing on discernment and prayer, When The Enemy Strikes is well written and easily read. Stanley draws on several examples to illustrate his key points. Unlike in the Robeson‘s book, Strongman, Stanley presents fewer actual biblical references for the readers’ study and use.

When The Enemy Strikes: The Keys To Winning Your Spiritual Battles, Charles Stanley, Thomas Nelson Inc, Nashville TN, 1982.