Topical Encyclopedia The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where the saints, or believers, are depicted as engaged in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. This warfare is primarily against enemies that are both spiritual and moral in nature.Spiritual Enemies The Apostle Paul provides a clear depiction of the spiritual nature of this warfare in his letter to the Ephesians. He writes, "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" (Ephesians 6:12). This passage highlights that the true enemies of the saints are not human adversaries but rather demonic forces and spiritual entities that oppose God's kingdom. The World The world, in its fallen state, is often portrayed as an enemy of the saints. James warns believers of the dangers of friendship with the world, stating, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). The world, with its values and systems that are contrary to God's will, is a battleground where saints must remain vigilant. The Flesh The flesh, representing the sinful nature inherent in humanity, is another enemy in the spiritual warfare of the saints. Paul exhorts the Galatians, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh" (Galatians 5:16-17). The internal struggle against sinful desires is a significant aspect of the believer's warfare. Satan Satan, the adversary, is the chief enemy of the saints. 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). Satan's role as the accuser and tempter makes him a formidable foe in the spiritual battle, requiring believers to be constantly on guard. Weapons and Armor The saints are not left defenseless in this warfare. Paul instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, which are essential for standing firm against spiritual enemies. Prayer and Perseverance Prayer is a vital weapon in the warfare against spiritual enemies. Paul encourages the Ephesians to "pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition" (Ephesians 6:18). Through prayer, believers seek divine assistance and strength to persevere in the face of opposition. Victory in Christ Ultimately, the victory in this spiritual warfare is assured through Jesus Christ. Paul declares, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). The triumph over spiritual enemies is secured by Christ's death and resurrection, empowering the saints to overcome through faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 38:19But my enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 56:2 Psalm 59:3 Library "And Watch unto Prayer. " The Christian's Warfare. (On the Whitsuntide Fast, I. ) Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Prayer and vigilance The Psalms of David The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death. Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2 The Meaning Resources What is warfare prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? | GotQuestions.org Spiritual Warfare ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Warfare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Warfare of Saints is a Good Warfare Warfare of Saints is Against: Death Warfare of Saints is Against: Enemies Warfare of Saints is Against: The Devil Warfare of Saints is Against: The Flesh Warfare of Saints is Against: The World Warfare of Saints is not After the Flesh Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Breastplate of Righteousness Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Called Armour of God Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Called Armour of Light Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Called Armour of Righteousness Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Girdle of Truth Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Helmet of Salvation Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Mighty Through God Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Must be Put On Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Not Carnal Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Preparation of the Gospel Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Shield of Faith Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Sword of the Spirit Warfare of Saints: Armour For: The Whole, is Required Warfare of Saints: Armour For: To be on Right Hand and Left Warfare of Saints: Called the Good Fight of Faith Warfare of Saints: Illustrated Warfare of Saints: Mere Professors do not Maintain Warfare of Saints: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives Warfare of Saints: Saints are all Engaged In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Comforted by God In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Delivered by Christ In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Encouraged In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Exhorted to Diligence Warfare of Saints: Saints: Helped by God In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Must Stand Firm In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Protected by God In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Strengthened by Christ In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Strengthened by God In Warfare of Saints: Saints: Thank God for Victory In Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Be Clothed in White Raiment Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Be Confessed by Christ Before God the Father Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Be Pillars in the Temple of God Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Be Sons of God Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Eat of the Hidden Manna Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Eat of the Tree of Life Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have a White Stone, And, in It a New Name Written Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have God As Their God Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have Power Over the Nations Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have the Morning-Star Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Inherit all Things Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Not be Hurt by the Second Death Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Sit With Christ in his Throne Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with a Good Conscience Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Confidence in God Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Earnestness Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Endurance or Hardness Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Faith Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Prayer Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Self-Denial Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Sobriety Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Steadfastness in the Faith Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Watchfulness Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On without Earthly Entanglements Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On: Under Christ, As Our Captain Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On: Under the Lord's Banner Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is by Faith Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: from God Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Over all That Exalts Itself Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Over Death and the Grave Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Over the Devil Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Over the Flesh Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Over the World Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Through Christ Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is: Triumphant Related Terms Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) |
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