Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It is often depicted as a destructive force that can disrupt communities, families, and individual lives. For the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes, strife is not only a challenge to be faced but also an opportunity to witness God's protective power and faithfulness. The Bible encourages believers to praise God for His protection from strife, recognizing His sovereignty and grace in delivering them from such turmoil.Biblical Instances of Strife The Bible provides numerous examples of strife, both among God's people and between them and their adversaries. In the Old Testament, the account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) illustrates the destructive nature of strife, as jealousy and anger lead to the first murder. The Israelites frequently encountered strife during their journey to the Promised Land, facing opposition from surrounding nations and internal disputes (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13). In the New Testament, the early church faced strife both from external persecution and internal disagreements. The apostles often addressed issues of division and conflict within the church, urging believers to seek unity and peace (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Philippians 4:2-3). God's Protection from Strife Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a protector and deliverer of His people from strife. The psalmists frequently express gratitude for God's intervention and protection. Psalm 18:48-49 declares, "He delivers me from my enemies; You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men. Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name." The account of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 exemplifies God's protection from strife. When faced with a vast army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, and God delivered Judah without them having to fight. The people praised God for His deliverance, acknowledging His power and faithfulness. The Call to Praise Believers are called to praise God not only for His deliverance from physical strife but also for His protection from spiritual and relational conflicts. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "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." In recognizing the spiritual dimension of strife, saints are encouraged to rely on God's strength and to praise Him for His ongoing protection. Practical Implications for Believers In the face of strife, believers are encouraged to adopt a posture of praise and trust in God's protection. This involves seeking peace and reconciliation, as instructed in Romans 12:18 : "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." By focusing on God's faithfulness and sovereignty, saints can rise above the turmoil of strife and bear witness to His peace and protection in their lives. Ultimately, the call to praise God for protection from strife is a call to recognize His active presence and intervention in the lives of His people. Through praise, believers affirm their trust in God's ability to deliver them from conflict and to bring about His purposes in the midst of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 22:44You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people, you have kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 18:43 Library Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things... Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. V. ... 'Into Thy Hands' Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ... Heralds of the Morning. Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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