Topical Bible: Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Earnestness

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the earnestness with which believers are called to engage in this battle. The warfare of saints is not a physical struggle but a spiritual one, requiring vigilance, dedication, and the full armor of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational understanding of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18. He exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). This passage underscores the necessity of earnestness in spiritual warfare, as believers are instructed to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). The imagery of armor signifies the seriousness and preparedness required in this battle.

The Nature of the Battle

The warfare of saints is described as a struggle "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 highlights the spiritual nature of the conflict, necessitating a fervent and earnest approach. The battle is against formidable spiritual adversaries, requiring believers to be vigilant and steadfast.

Earnestness in Prayer

Prayer is a critical component of spiritual warfare, demanding earnestness and perseverance. Paul urges believers to "pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition" (Ephesians 6:18). This call to constant prayer reflects the need for an earnest and ongoing engagement with God, seeking His guidance and strength in the battle.

The Role of Faith

Faith is a vital element in the warfare of saints, serving as a shield against the enemy's attacks. Paul instructs believers to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). This metaphor illustrates the protective power of faith, which must be held with earnest conviction to withstand spiritual assaults.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of earnestness in spiritual warfare. His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) demonstrates His unwavering commitment to God's Word and His resolute stand against Satan's temptations. Christ's victory through Scripture and prayer exemplifies the earnestness required in spiritual battles.

Encouragement to Persevere

Believers are encouraged to persevere in their spiritual warfare with earnestness, drawing strength from the promises of God. James 4:7-8 exhorts, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" . This passage reassures believers of God's faithfulness and the effectiveness of earnest resistance against the enemy.

Conclusion

The warfare of saints is a serious and ongoing spiritual battle that requires earnestness, faith, and reliance on God's strength. Through prayer, the armor of God, and the example of Christ, believers are equipped to stand firm against the forces of darkness, assured of victory through their earnest commitment to the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... great Captain of their salvation, in a warfare which will ... you have the pattern of
that law carried out in ... state of perfect holiness which the saints will have ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... If we go the warfare at our own charges we ... the ministers, but delivered to the saints,
to every ... and of indomitable courage; they had carried everything before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so ... The apostle carried the
minds of the Corinthian brethren ... morn, when all the sleeping saints are to be ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... world, and its weapons and its warfare are far ... Banners were carried, not merely for
distinctiveness, but also ... maintain the faith once delivered to the saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

How to Work for God with Success.
... How men in earthly warfare study plans of stratagem, and adopt all manner ... He carried
them on his heart, and he says, "That by the space ... God likes hot saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ix how to work.htm

Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The ...
... were distinctly drawn and the warfare between contending ... is not the corporation of
saints, but their ... story of the divine preparations carried forward through ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter iv antecedents of permanent.htm

Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... in words the difficulty which those saints then encountered ... At one time a grievous
warfare was rekindled against ... overspread the earth, all were carried off from ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on s ignatius and.htm

The End
... a collection on behalf of their poor saints, which he ... accustomed to the horrors of
Roman warfare and the ... were not sent empty away: they carried warm-hearted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

Charity and Rebuke.
... to be misled, and the Jews to be carried away with ... Where are the saints who will
go in meekness and in ... I would rather be in everlasting warfare in company with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter iv charity and rebuke.htm

Enduring to the End
... life is one continued scene of warfare, both without ... years, and ripe for heaven,
was carried by angels ... thus: perseverance is the badge of saints"the target ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm