Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: Illustrated

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Warfare of Saints" is a profound theme within Christian theology, emphasizing the spiritual battle that believers face against the forces of darkness. This warfare is not a physical struggle but a spiritual one, requiring divine armor and the power of God to overcome. The Bible provides numerous illustrations and teachings on this subject, offering guidance and encouragement to the faithful.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the warfare of saints is found in Ephesians 6:10-18, where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage vividly describes the spiritual armor, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Old Testament Illustrations

The Old Testament provides numerous illustrations of spiritual warfare, often depicted through physical battles that symbolize deeper spiritual truths. For instance, the account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is not merely a tale of a young shepherd defeating a giant but an illustration of faith in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. David's reliance on God rather than conventional weapons underscores the principle that spiritual victory is achieved through divine strength.

Another significant example is the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6), where the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the fortified city not through military might but through obedience to God's unconventional strategy. The fall of Jericho's walls after the Israelites' faithful march and trumpet blasts serves as a powerful metaphor for the triumph of faith and obedience over worldly powers.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself engages in spiritual warfare, most notably during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Here, Jesus combats Satan's temptations by wielding the Word of God, demonstrating the power of Scripture in resisting evil. This encounter highlights the importance of knowing and applying God's Word in the believer's spiritual battles.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of spiritual warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, stating, "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" . This passage emphasizes the spiritual nature of the conflict and the divine power available to believers.

Practical Application

The warfare of saints requires vigilance, prayer, and a deep reliance on God's strength. Believers are called to be sober-minded and watchful, as the Apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Prayer is a crucial component of spiritual warfare, as Paul instructs in Ephesians 6:18, urging believers to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

The Book of Revelation provides a climactic vision of the ultimate victory of Christ and His saints over the forces of evil. Revelation 12:11 declares, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" , affirming the power of Christ's sacrifice and the testimony of believers in overcoming the enemy.

Conclusion

The warfare of saints is a central theme in the Christian life, calling believers to engage in a spiritual battle with the assurance of victory through Christ. By donning the full armor of God, wielding the Word of God, and remaining steadfast in prayer, Christians are equipped to stand firm against the schemes of the devil and advance the kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 9:5
For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 10:5
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Particular Index of Subjects.
... rest, 479. warfare, 367, 369. warrior, 362. ... re-union of friends there, 573. saints
in, 561, 562. society of, 558. ... I. Immortality, illustrated by nature, 551. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/particular index of subjects.htm

A Liberal Church
... The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is ... never be compelled to go
a warfare at their ... fellowship of the ministering to the saints." 2 Corinthians ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Salvation Army Publications
... Illustrated. ... Important to Parents. This book shows how to make Children into Saints
and Soldiers.260 pages. ... Series of Papers on Christian Warfare.193 pages. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/salvation army publications.htm

Spanish Conquest-The Propagation, Decay, and Downfall of Spanish ...
... hemisphere, under the Spanish rule, illustrated in its ... rulers and their pastors alike
with undiscriminating warfare. ... Names of saints in melodious Spanish stand ...
/.../chapter ii spanish conquest-the propagation.htm

Precious Deaths
... Precious promises are illustrated upon dying beds ... King Jesus looks upon the death
of his saints as the ... on earth, and sung in heaven, "Thy warfare is accomplished ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/precious deaths.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... A description of warfare under the cross, and of ... Illustrated by the authority and
example of Christ ... Patience, therefore, gives the saints an experimental proof ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so ... with the human body, the
apostle aptly illustrated the close ... morn, when all the sleeping saints are to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
... being a little enlarged on and illustrated, will fully ... a lasting and pious communion
of the saints on earth ... strengthen you in your Christian warfare, and "make ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the necessity and benefits of.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... keep the Passover, [151]165; their warfare ceases in ... Saints, a common name for
Christians in all ... in the Almighty precedent and consequent illustrated, [633]52. ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... to draw weapons for its warfare against clear ... impoverished by all that His saints
could draw ... resources,"a sufficiency beautifully illustrated by "unlearned ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm