Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "War is not After the Flesh" is derived from the Apostle Paul's teachings, particularly in his second letter to the Corinthians. This concept is central to understanding the Christian perspective on spiritual warfare, emphasizing that the true battle for believers is not against human adversaries but against spiritual forces.Biblical Context The primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 : "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Here, Paul contrasts the physical realm with the spiritual, highlighting that the Christian's struggle transcends earthly conflicts. Spiritual Warfare The notion of spiritual warfare is further elaborated in Ephesians 6:12 : "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the reality that believers are engaged in a cosmic battle against evil spiritual entities, rather than human opponents. Weapons of Warfare Paul's teachings emphasize that the weapons used in this spiritual battle are not carnal but are endowed with divine power. These include truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, as outlined in Ephesians 6:14-18. These spiritual tools are essential for believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Divine Power and Strongholds The concept of demolishing strongholds refers to overcoming false ideologies, sinful patterns, and any barriers that hinder the knowledge of God. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 , Paul writes, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This indicates that the battle involves transforming minds and hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. Practical Implications For Christians, understanding that "War is not After the Flesh" has practical implications for daily life. It calls for a reliance on God's strength and wisdom rather than human effort. Believers are encouraged to engage in prayer, immerse themselves in Scripture, and live in obedience to God's commands as they navigate the spiritual battles they face. Historical and Theological Perspectives Throughout church history, theologians have expounded on the nature of spiritual warfare. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, emphasized the importance of spiritual vigilance and the necessity of divine grace in overcoming evil. The Reformation period further highlighted the sufficiency of Scripture and faith in Christ as the foundation for spiritual victory. Contemporary Application In today's world, the concept of "War is not After the Flesh" remains relevant as Christians encounter various cultural and ideological challenges. The call to spiritual warfare invites believers to discern the spiritual dimensions of contemporary issues and to respond with the love and truth of the gospel. By understanding and applying the principles of spiritual warfare, Christians are equipped to face the trials of this world with confidence in God's ultimate victory over evil. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 10:3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: Nave's Topical Index Library Psalm CXL. The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning First Sunday after Epiphany On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 7, "I Tell You the Truth; it ... "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh ... How Fursa Built a Monastery among the East Angles, and of his ... No Man Hates his Own Flesh, not Even those who Abuse It. The Opposite Opinion is Injurious to Grace and Hurtful to Good ... Psalm XXVIII. The Blessedness of the Martyr. Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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