Spiritual Warfare in Ministry [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 45]

What does spiritual oppression look like for a pastor? Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan discuss spiritual warfare in ministry and the unique ways pastors face the struggle against principalities and powers. They also explore how pastors can faithfully resist the Evil One, resting in Jesus’s invincible promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. 🔗 MENTIONED ▫ Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks – https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Remedies-Against-Devices-Paperbacks/dp/0851510027?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall – https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Complete-Armour-William-Gurnall/dp/159856885X?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon – https://www.amazon.com/Treasury-David-Volumes-Set/dp/0917006259?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan – https://www.amazon.com/Pilgrims-Progress-Modern-Day-easy-read/dp/194848112X?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Work of the Holy Spirit by Abraham Kuyper – https://www.amazon.com/Work-Holy-Spirit-Abraham-Kuyper/dp/0802881564?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ New Life in the Wasteland by Douglas F. Kelly – https://www.amazon.com/New-Life-Wasteland-Corinthians-Christian/dp/1857929039?tag=thegospcoal-20 ▫ The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis – https://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Letters-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652934?tag=thegospcoal-20 Timestamps: 0:00 — The Spirit-indwelt heart: Not shared territory 0:32 — Why spiritual warfare matters in ministry 1:16 — Avoiding fixation vs. ignorance about Satan 2:05 — How rationalism shaped modern blind spots 2:50 — Puritan wisdom on Satan’s schemes 6:07 — Discouragement as a frontline attack 9:12 — Can Christians be demon-possessed? 12:15 — Christ, Scripture, self-knowledge, and Satan’s devices 20:12 — Why the church is essential in spiritual battle 25:39 — Finishing ministry faithfully amid warfare 27:51 — Christ’s promise: The gates of hell will not prevail ——— 🎁 Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at https://tgc.org/together 📫 SIGN UP for exclusive content and updates for pastors: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/pa... 🎧 Don’t miss an episode of “The Everyday Pastor” with Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan! ▫ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-everyday-pastor/id1772922853 ▫ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oCDMJFvOI5P3yB2RlKhJy ✅ SUBSCRIBE: ▫ YouTube: / @thegospelcoalition ▫ TGC Updates: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/newsletters/