Sword & Spirit Seminary
Masters of Divinity Degrees
Doctor of Ministries Degrees
CTSP505‒ Introduction to Spiritual Warfare: Description
This course equips students with a biblically grounded and theologically informed understanding of spiritual conflict in the Christian life.
Drawing on Timothy M. Warner’s Spiritual Warfare, students explore the nature of the enemy, the believer’s authority in Christ, and practical strategies for personal and intercessory warfare.
Clinton E. Arnold’s Powers of Darkness provides rigorous exegetical and historical context, examining New Testament teaching on demonic powers, principalities, and their influence on individuals and social structures.
Derek Prince’s Blessing or Curse broadens the scope to address covenantal dynamics—how blessings and curses operate spiritually, their biblical basis, and pathways to release and freedom through Christ.
Together, the three texts move students from doctrinal foundation to discernment and application, forming a comprehensive framework for understanding and engaging spiritual warfare in pastoral ministry and everyday discipleship.
REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION:
Bridge Requirement
MDiv Requirement
✓ MDiv Elective
DMin Requirement
✓ DMin Elective
PREREQUISITE DESIGNATION:
No Prerequisite
✓ Prerequisite: CTSP503
CREDIT HOUR DESIGNATION:
✓ 3 Credits
✓ E‒ Easy
C‒ Comfortable
S‒ Sizable
R‒ Rigorous
F‒ Formidable
INSTRUCTIONAL COMPONENTS:
✓ Textbook or Books
✓ Video or PowerPoint Lessons
Video Intro or Commentary
Online Text Lessons
RETENTION & ASSESSMENT:
Study Guides
✓ Quizzes
✓ Workbook
✓ Forum Posting
Written or Media Submission
EXPECTED
EXPENDITURES:
✓ Tuition
✓ Educational Materials
Admin or Instructional Support Fee
✓ Optional Mailing Cost
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL AUTHORS:
Timothy M. Warner
Clinton E Arnold
Derek Prince
DEPARTMENT: Counseling, Transformation & Spiritual Power
Timothy M. Warner
Dr. Timothy M. Warner (1924–2022) earned his Doctorate from Indiana University and served as a veteran missionary to Sierra Leone before entering academic leadership. For a decade, he served as the President of Fort Wayne Bible College before moving to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he directed the doctoral programs and the School of World Mission and Evangelism. A pioneer in his field, Warner authored several books on the biblical worldview of conflict. In his later years, he lectured globally with Freedom in Christ Ministries and served on the board of Deeper Walk International, dedicated to equipping the next generation of Christian leaders.
SSS COURSE: CTSP505‒ Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
TEXTBOOK: • Spiritual Warfare: Victory over the Powers of This Dark World
DEPARTMENT: Counseling, Transformation & Spiritual Power
Clinton E Arnold
After completing his undergraduate work in California, Dr. Clinton E. Arnold received his Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. For over three decades, he has been a staple of the New Testament faculty at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), where he served as Dean and currently holds the rank of Professor of New Testament. A past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, Arnold is the author of numerous scholarly articles and major commentaries on the Pauline Epistles. Based in Southern California, Clint remains active in his local church as a teaching pastor, while frequently traveling globally to lecture on the historical and cultural backgrounds of the Early Church.
SSS COURSE: CTSP505‒ Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
TEXTBOOK: • Powers of Darkness: Principalities & Powers in Paul’s Letters
DEPARTMENT: Counseling, Transformation & Spiritual Power
Derek Prince
Derek Prince (1915–2003) was born in India to British parents and educated as a classical scholar at Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge, where he held a Fellowship in Ancient and Modern Philosophy. While serving with the British Army in World War II, he encountered Jesus Christ through personal Bible study — abandoning philosophy for Scripture. He studied Hebrew and Aramaic at both Cambridge and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Prince devoted the remainder of his life to Bible teaching, authoring more than 50 books translated into over 100 languages, with a daily radio broadcast reaching every major world region. His nondenominational teaching ministry addressed spiritual warfare, biblical covenant, and the believer’s authority in Christ.
SSS COURSE: CTSP505‒ Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
TEXTBOOK: • Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose