How to Raise Kids Who Stand Firm in a Spiritual Battle | Christian Parenting

 How To Raise Kids Who Stand Firm In a Spiritual Battle

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I discipling my kids right?” — you’re not alone.

Family discipleship often feels overwhelming, especially when we’re juggling schedules, struggles, and spiritual battles we barely feel equipped to face ourselves.

But the truth is this:

Discipleship is not a curriculum. It’s a relationship.

Just like ancient apprentices learned a craft by living with their master, our kids learn how to follow Jesus by living with us — as we follow Him.

That means family discipleship doesn’t start with your kids. It starts with you.

1. You Can’t Disciple Your Kids If You Aren’t a Disciple of Jesus Yourself First

This sounds harsh, but it’s biblically true.

If we aren’t immersing ourselves in the Word of God…

If we aren’t surrendering our minds, hearts, and habits to Him…

If we treat faith like a once-a-week costume rather than our full identity…

…then we aren’t discipling our kids into Jesus — we’re discipling them into us.

And the world doesn’t need more copies of us — it needs more reflections of Him.
That’s why Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

2. Discipleship Happens Naturally Through Invitation — Not Control

You cannot force your spouse or your kids into spiritual formation.

But you can invite them into your life with Jesus.

That’s how I discipled my husband — not by telling him what to read or how to pray, but by simply sharing what God was doing in me.

 “Here’s what I read in Scripture today.”
“Let me tell you how God answered this prayer.”
 “I think God is teaching me ________.”

That is discipleship.

Not pressure. Not perfection. Imitation through invitation.

3. Spiritual Warfare is Real — And Kids Must Be Trained for It

Whether we like it or not, our children are growing up in a generation that battles:

 Anxiety
 Nightmares
 Identity confusion
 Fear
 Spiritual oppression

Too many parents ignore the spiritual realm because it feels scary or unfamiliar — but our kids are already experiencing it.

If WE don’t train them how to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, the enemy will train them how to compromise their values, faith, and identity. 

Scripture is clear:

“We wrestle NOT against flesh and blood…” – Ephesians 6

That’s why I have taught my kids know how to:

🛡 Pray over rooms at night
🛡 Declare God’s Word
🛡 Stand firm in their convictions, even when others call them crazy
🛡 Wear the armor of God daily

They learned it because they watched me do it — over and over again.

4. Practical Discipleship Tips You Can Start This Week

1. Pray the same covering prayer over your kids every night — let security become part of their spiritual muscle memory
2.  Read Scripture and invite them into what God is teaching you
3.  Teach them to discern physical vs. spiritual reality
4.  Anoint doorframes and windows — literally obey Deuteronomy 6
5.  Talk about spiritual realities without fear, drama, or superstition

⚠️ Never teach them to be afraid of demons — only aware and equipped

Want Help Discipling Your Kids in Spiritual Warfare?

📚 The Armor Series young adult book series helps kids:

– Understand the armor of God
– Recognize spiritual battles
– Build identity in Christ
– Learn how to actually stand firm

Book 4, The Fruit & The Spirit, released 12/2/25, but get your FREE Copy of Book 1, The Sword & The Spirit for a limited time to check it out. 
All books available wherever books are sold.

Listen to the Podcast Episode HERE

🎓 Want to go even deeper?

➡️ Take the Raising Kingdom Kids Identity Course

All resources at: www.ashleytilford.com 

You don’t have to disciple your kids perfectly.

You just have to walk with Jesus — and invite them along.