Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On: Under the Lord's Banner

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The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where believers are depicted as soldiers engaged in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. This warfare is to be conducted under the Lord's banner, symbolizing divine authority, protection, and guidance.

Biblical Foundation

The imagery of the Lord's banner is rooted in the Old Testament, where banners were used as rallying points for troops in battle. In Exodus 17:15, after the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD Is My Banner" (Yahweh Nissi), signifying that the Lord was the source of their victory. This sets a precedent for understanding that the battles faced by the saints are to be fought under God's leadership and strength.

Spiritual Armor and Warfare

The New Testament further elaborates on the nature of this warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a detailed description of the armor of God, which believers are to don in their spiritual battles. The passage emphasizes reliance on God's power: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). The armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These elements underscore the necessity of divine resources in the believer's warfare.

Divine Leadership and Victory

The Lord's banner signifies His leadership in the battle. In 2 Chronicles 20:15, during King Jehoshaphat's reign, the Spirit of the Lord assures the Israelites, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" . This assurance is a reminder that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, and the saints are called to trust in His sovereignty and power.

Faith and Perseverance

The warfare of saints requires faith 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 importance of focusing on Christ, who leads and empowers His followers in their spiritual journey.

Community and Support

The battle is not to be fought in isolation. The church, as the body of Christ, provides support and encouragement to its members. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, believers are exhorted to "encourage one another and build each other up" . This communal aspect of spiritual warfare underscores the importance of unity and mutual support under the Lord's banner.

Prayer and Dependence on God

Prayer is a vital component of the warfare of saints. Ephesians 6:18 instructs believers to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" . This continuous communication with God is essential for guidance, strength, and victory in spiritual battles.

Conclusion

The warfare of saints, carried on under the Lord's banner, is a profound aspect of the Christian life. It involves reliance on God's strength, the use of spiritual armor, faith, perseverance, community support, and prayer. Through these means, believers are equipped to stand firm against the forces of evil, assured of victory through Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 60:4
You have given a banner to them that fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Church as She Should Be
... If ten thousand saints were burned to-morrow, their dying ... be assailed, but they will
never be carried by the ... If they do not admire our mode of warfare, we think ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... The saints judge this world, and by their living testimony ... now you are called by
Christ to a holy warfare. ... be redeemed and the resolve may be carried out, that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... fire, and wives and children were carried away captive ... come into the front places
of warfare, deny them ... Some saints are constitutionally depressed and sad; they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
... communities be kept up, or commerce carried on, without ... 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

The Controversy Ended.
... lead them against the camp of the saints, and to ... and palms in their hands."(1158)
Their warfare is ended ... just how far pride and rebellion have carried them in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... to lead them against the camp of the saints and to ... in their hands." Revelation
7:9. Their warfare is ended ... just how far pride and rebellion have carried them in ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

The Minstrel
... the Lord upon him until the inner warfare had been ... Saints and sinners, too, would
find it greatly to ... be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/the minstrel.htm

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled"
... You shall "be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth ... not Him that
sent Me." The gospel is to be carried forward by aggressive warfare, in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 73 let not your.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... future you will not be so readily carried away with ... defend, never overturn, the faith
once delivered to the saints. ... The weapons of our warfare are good, it is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

The Holy War,
... poor but immortal souls engaged in this warfare, who are ... This was carried in the
affirmative, and the man that ... shall only add this advice to you, under, and by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm