Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints is a Good Warfare

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The concept of the "Warfare of Saints" as a "Good Warfare" is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Christian life is often depicted as a spiritual battle. This metaphorical warfare is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The Apostle Paul, in particular, uses military imagery to describe the Christian's struggle against sin and the forces of darkness.

Biblical Foundation

1. 1 Timothy 1:18-19: Paul exhorts Timothy, saying, "Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith." Here, the "good fight" is synonymous with the "good warfare," emphasizing the importance of faith and a clear conscience in the believer's spiritual battle.

2. Ephesians 6:10-18: This passage provides a detailed description of the "armor of God," which believers are to put on to stand against the devil's schemes. Paul writes, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, all of which are essential for engaging in this spiritual warfare.

3. 2 Timothy 2:3-4: Paul encourages Timothy to "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." This analogy underscores the dedication and focus required of believers, likening their commitment to that of a soldier who seeks to please Christ, the ultimate commander.

The Nature of the Warfare

The warfare of saints is primarily spiritual, involving the inner struggle against sin and the external battle against spiritual forces. It is characterized by:

· Spiritual Vigilance: Believers are called to be watchful and prayerful, recognizing that their adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).

· Perseverance in Faith: The fight is ongoing, requiring steadfastness in faith and reliance on God's strength. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

· Victory in Christ: The ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33). Believers are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

The Role of the Church

The church plays a crucial role in equipping and supporting believers in this warfare. Through teaching, fellowship, and mutual encouragement, the body of Christ strengthens its members to stand firm. Ephesians 4:11-13 highlights the purpose of church leadership in equipping the saints for works of service, building up the body of Christ.

Practical Implications

Engaging in this good warfare involves daily commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. It requires a conscious effort to resist temptation and to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. Believers are called to be salt and light in the world, actively participating in God's redemptive mission while standing firm against the forces of darkness.

In summary, the "Warfare of Saints" as a "Good Warfare" is a central theme in the Christian life, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the believer's battle and the assurance of victory through faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 1:18,19
This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war a good warfare;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christian's Warfare.
... Unless you are spiritually dead, it means warfare. ... a good many of them, that are
good in spots, but ... on Sunday that you would think they were wonderful saints. ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints ...
... an eye to the like necessities of saints, who, although ... him: "Labor," saith he,
"as a good soldier of ... No man, going a warfare for God, entangleth himself with ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 16 for he himself.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... war a good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience ... messenger of the covenant,
the King of saints, to overcome ... he hath drawn out a battle and warfare to all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... Long with sin and Satan warfare waging; All your distresses. ... To us both of every
good the Giver. Life undying. ... "Praise Him, men on earth, and saints in heaven! ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the communion of saints.htm

Prayer and vigilance
... of praying, by him who, fighting the good fight of ... in all perseverance and supplications,
for all saints, and on ... life of a Christian is a warfare, an intense ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... the world can not give nor take away, that God is good. ...
another whose temper is so unequal that life becomes a perpetual warfare. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... soldier of Jesus Christ that wars a good warfare, must not ... God's dispensations towards
yourselves, and other saints, but you would think it a good call to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii be ye therefore.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... Without faith you will never war a good warfare, never set ... a very different estimate
on the good things, or ... 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 Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... of "the faith once delivered to the saints!" How many ... Was it for this the good God
made man?" O no! ... Thy warfare is accomplished, thy sin is pardoned; and the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... but take with us "the weapons of our warfare." which "are ... say, "I cannot read it
just yet." A good man has ... gather as a positive fact, that the saints will one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm