Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: Called the Good Fight of Faith

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Warfare of Saints," often referred to as the "Good Fight of Faith," is a significant theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the spiritual struggle that believers face in their pursuit of holiness and fidelity to God. This warfare is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil, as outlined 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."

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently uses military metaphors to describe the Christian life, urging believers to engage in this spiritual battle with diligence and perseverance. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses." This passage underscores the active and ongoing nature of the believer's struggle to maintain faith and integrity in a world opposed to God's truth.

Armor of God

Central to the concept of spiritual warfare is the "Armor of God," described in Ephesians 6:13-17. Paul instructs believers to "put on 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." The armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as footwear, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece symbolizes a critical aspect of spiritual readiness and defense against the enemy's schemes.

Role of Prayer and Vigilance

Prayer is a vital component of the warfare of saints. Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes the importance of prayer in this spiritual battle: "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." Vigilance and constant communication with God are essential for maintaining spiritual strength and discernment.

Endurance and Perseverance

The good fight of faith requires endurance and perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This passage highlights the necessity of focusing on Christ as the ultimate example and source of strength in the believer's spiritual journey.

Victory in Christ

While the warfare of saints involves struggle and conflict, the ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:37 declares, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." This assurance of victory provides hope and motivation for believers to continue fighting the good fight, knowing that their efforts are not in vain.

Conclusion

The warfare of saints, as the good fight of faith, is an integral aspect of the Christian life, calling believers to stand firm in their faith, equipped with the armor of God, and sustained by prayer and the assurance of victory in Christ. This spiritual battle is a testament to the believer's commitment to living a life that honors God amidst the challenges and opposition of the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sanctification.
... and imperfection of his own heart, and called himself the ... martyrs, reformers and
the most eminent saints of all ... has given us to carry on the warfare with sin. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxii sanctification.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out ... Unless you are spiritually dead,
it means warfare. ... on Sunday that you would think they were wonderful saints. ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

Fighting Holiness
... Christ who 'works whilst it is called day', for ... fighting saints as well as kissing
saints'; truly the ... point of view, but is regrettable in religious warfare. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xv fighting holiness.htm

Prayer and vigilance
... In this, as in other forms of warfare, eternal vigilance ... The cause of God, His saints,
their woes and trials ... learn the twofold lesson, that they are called to a ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... He who is called the "Author of faith" is the ... Without faith you will never war a
good warfare, never set ... begin with Moses, and Daniel, and the saints in Nero's ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... to help us; but take with us "the weapons of our warfare." which "are ... but the time
is coming when kings will be saints, and princes the called ones of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. ... their half-pagan companions, directed
their warfare against the ... How, then, can the gospel be called a message ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. ... their half-pagan companions, directed
their warfare against the ... How, then, can the gospel be called a message ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

Enduring to the End
... life is one continued scene of warfare, both without and ... Called by divine grace,
while yet young, he was ... thus: perseverance is the badge of saints"the target ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

A Crushed Snake
... all the strength that was given to ancient saints is ours ... ascribed to God, as when
He is called 'the God ... in, and of deepened peace after, our warfare with sin ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/a crushed snake.htm