Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:War, in the biblical context, often refers to the physical conflicts between nations or groups, as well as the spiritual battles faced by individuals and communities. Earnestness, on the other hand, denotes a sincere and intense conviction or seriousness in one's actions or beliefs. When combined, "war with earnestness" suggests engaging in conflict with a deep sense of purpose and commitment, whether in physical battles or spiritual warfare. Biblical Instances and Teachings: 1. Physical Warfare: The Old Testament is replete with accounts of wars fought by the Israelites under God's command. These wars were often seen as divine mandates to secure the Promised Land or to defend against oppressive enemies. For instance, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites are commanded to take possession of Canaan with earnestness and obedience to God's instructions. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 2. Spiritual Warfare: The New Testament shifts the focus from physical battles to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to engage in spiritual battles with earnestness, using the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Ephesians 6:12 emphasizes the nature of this warfare: "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." 3. Earnestness in Battle: The Bible encourages believers to approach both physical and spiritual battles with earnestness. This involves a wholehearted commitment to God's will and reliance on His strength. In 1 Samuel 17, David's earnestness in facing Goliath is evident. Despite the odds, David declares in 1 Samuel 17:45 , "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 4. Prayer and Earnestness: Earnestness in spiritual warfare is also expressed through prayer. James 5:16 highlights the power of earnest prayer: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." Believers are encouraged to pray with sincerity and intensity, seeking God's guidance and intervention in their battles. 5. Jesus and Earnestness: Jesus exemplified earnestness in His mission to fulfill God's will. His determination to complete His work, even in the face of suffering, is a model for believers. In Luke 22:44 , during His prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus' earnestness is evident: "And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground." Theological Implications: The concept of war with earnestness underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with God's purposes. Whether in physical or spiritual battles, believers are called to engage with a sincere heart, trusting in God's sovereignty and power. This earnestness is not merely human zeal but is rooted in faith and obedience to God's commands. Nave's Topical Index Jude 1:3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. Nave's Topical Index Library War! War! War! Concerning the Embassage of the Jews to Caius; and How Caius Sent ... The Holy War, Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory Letter clxxxix. (AD 418. ) The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ... Joshua's Conquest. Hebrews iv. 13-Nov The Swift Decay of Love The Emperor Constantine Abolishes Paganism and Erects Many ... Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | 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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