Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: Saints: Strengthened by Christ In

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The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. For the saints, or believers in Christ, this warfare is not fought with physical weapons but with spiritual ones, empowered and strengthened by Christ Himself.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational understanding of this spiritual warfare in his epistle to the Ephesians. He 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 highlights the necessity of divine strength and protection in the believer's life, underscoring that the battle 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" (Ephesians 6:12).

Strengthened by Christ

The strength to engage in this spiritual warfare comes directly from Christ. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). This verse encapsulates the believer's reliance on Christ for empowerment in all aspects of life, including spiritual battles. The strength provided by Christ is not merely physical or emotional but is deeply rooted in the spiritual realm, enabling believers to withstand trials and temptations.

The Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in the warfare of saints. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul instructs believers to take up "the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" . Faith acts as a protective barrier, enabling believers to trust in God's promises and power, even when faced with adversity. This faith is not self-generated but is a gift from God, cultivated through a relationship with Christ.

Prayer and the Word

Prayer and the Word of God are vital components of the believer's arsenal. Paul urges the saints to "pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition" (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the means by which believers communicate with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and intervention in their spiritual battles. Additionally, the Word of God, described as "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), is a powerful tool for discerning truth and combating the lies of the enemy.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of saints who were strengthened by Christ in their spiritual warfare. David, though a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with confidence, declaring, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). His faith in God's strength enabled him to achieve victory against overwhelming odds.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous hardships, including imprisonment and persecution, remained steadfast in his mission. He attributed his endurance to the strength provided by Christ, as he wrote, "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed" (2 Timothy 4:17).

Conclusion

The warfare of saints is a profound aspect of the Christian life, requiring reliance on Christ for strength and victory. Through faith, prayer, and the Word of God, believers are equipped to stand firm against the forces of darkness, assured of Christ's empowering presence in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:17
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sanctification.
... apostles, martyrs, reformers and the most eminent saints of all ... given us to carry
on the warfare with sin ... effectually all things through Him who strengthened us ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxii sanctification.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... else do we need to be
strengthened, through prayer ... may not succumb in such grievous warfare, but achieve ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... end which they could not accomplish by open warfare. ... persecution; it has increased,
and been strengthened by it ... persecution endured by some of the saints of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... one whose fraternal affection has been strengthened by many ... Captain of their salvation,
in a warfare which will ... of perfect holiness which the saints will have ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

Strong and Loving
... which yet he called a Church of saints, and for ... this drill-book for the Christian
warfare, which is ... throw light upon what he means: 'Strengthened with might by ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/strong and loving.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... be fond of having the doctrine of saints' perseverance much ... that their faith may
be strengthened, and their ... not constrain them to a constant warfare against sin ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords 2.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands ... have fully united with Satan
in his warfare against God ... days came, "judgment was given to the saints of the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... greatest: and we can never say our warfare is accomplished ... They would envy the happiness
of saints, and count ... you to overcome the world, and strengthened you to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
... those who differ from us, is strengthened and supported ... 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

Desolation of the Earth
... whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands ... have fully united with Satan
in his warfare against God ... Days came, "judgment was given to the saints of the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm