Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "War with Faith" in the Bible encompasses the spiritual battles that believers face, the call to stand firm in faith amidst trials, and the assurance of victory through Christ. This entry explores the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare, the role of faith in overcoming adversities, and the scriptural exhortations to engage in this battle with divine strength. Spiritual Warfare The Bible presents the Christian life as a battleground where believers are engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "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 highlights the nature of the conflict as spiritual rather than physical, requiring believers to be vigilant and prepared. The Armor of God To equip believers for this spiritual battle, the Apostle Paul instructs them to put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 describes this armor: "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The "shield of faith" is particularly significant, as it enables believers to extinguish the attacks of the enemy. Faith acts as a protective barrier, allowing Christians to trust in God's promises and power. Faith as a Weapon Faith is not only a defensive tool but also an offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," recounts the accounts of biblical figures who, through faith, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised. Hebrews 11:33-34 states, "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies." These examples demonstrate that faith empowers believers to achieve victory over seemingly insurmountable challenges, transforming weakness into strength. The Role of Prayer Prayer is an essential component of waging war with faith. Ephesians 6:18 urges believers to "pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints." Through prayer, Christians seek divine guidance, strength, and protection, aligning their will with God's purposes. The Victory in Christ The ultimate assurance in the war with faith is the victory secured through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:37 declares, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." This victory is not achieved by human effort but through the redemptive work of Christ, who has triumphed over sin and death. Endurance and Perseverance Believers are called to endure and persevere in the face of trials. James 1:2-4 encourages, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage underscores the refining nature of trials, which strengthen faith and build character. Conclusion The biblical perspective on war with faith emphasizes the spiritual nature of the battle, the necessity of divine armor, and the power of faith to overcome challenges. Through prayer, perseverance, and reliance on Christ's victory, believers are equipped to stand firm and emerge victorious in their spiritual warfare. Nave's Topical Index 1 Timothy 1:18,19This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war a good warfare; Nave's Topical Index Greek 3696. hoplon -- a tool, implement, weapon ... 3696 ("instruments to make war") underlines that God always gives the resources we need to -- as we live in faith ("His ," 2 Cor 6:7, 10:4). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3696.htm - 7k Library The Excellence and Utility of Faith. By Faith the Operation of God is Recognised. How when King Penda was Slain, the Province of the Mercians ... The End of the War Peace on Earth through Righteousness How, among Innumerable Other Miracles of Healing Wrought by the ... Introduction Faith More Powerful than Gunpowder. 1 Timothy i. 18, 19 The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith 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) |