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Warfare of Saints.

From: The New Topical Textbook By: Reuben Archer Torrey

• 3 min. read • grade level: 10

Is not after the flesh. 2 Cor. 10:3³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (2 Corinthians 10:3).

Is a good warfare. 1 Tim. 1:18, 19¹⁸This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; ¹⁹Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (1 Timothy 1:18‑19).

Called the good light of faith. 1 Tim. 6:12¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12).

IS AGAINST

The devil. Gen. 3:15¹⁵And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15). 2 Cor. 2:11¹¹Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11). Eph. 6:12¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12). James 4:7⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7). 1 Peter 5:8⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8). Rev. 12:17¹⁷And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17).

The flesh. Rom. 7:23²³But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23). 1 Cor. 9:25-27²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. ²⁶I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: ²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:25‑27). 2 Cor. 12:7⁷And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7). Gal. 5:17¹⁷For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17). 1 Peter 2:11¹¹Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11).

Enemies. Psa. 38:19¹⁹But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. (Psalm 38:19). Psa. 56:2²Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. (Psalm 56:2). Psa. 59:3³For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord. (Psalm 59:3).

The world. John 16:33³³These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). 1 John 5:4, 5⁴For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4‑5).

Death. 1 Cor. 15:26²⁶The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26), with Heb. 2:14, 15¹⁴Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; ¹⁵And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‑15).

Often arises from the opposition of friends or relatives. Mic. 7:6⁶For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house. (Micah 7:6), with Matt. 10:35, 36³⁵For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. ³⁶And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (Matthew 10:35‑36).

To BE CARRIED ON

Under Christ, as our captain. Heb. 2:10¹⁰For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10).

Under the Lord's banner. Psa. 60:4⁴Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. (Psalm 60:4).

With faith. 1 Tim. 1:18, 19¹⁸This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; ¹⁹Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (1 Timothy 1:18‑19).

With a good conscience. 1 Tim. 1:18, 19¹⁸This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; ¹⁹Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (1 Timothy 1:18‑19).

With steadfastness in the faith. 1 Cor. 16:13¹³Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13). 1 Peter 5:9⁹Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:9), with Heb. 10:23²³Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Hebrews 10:23).

With earnestness. Jude 3³Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3).

With watchfulness. 1 Cor. 16:13¹³Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13). 1 Peter 5:8⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8).

With sobriety. 1 The. 5:6. 1 Peter 5:8⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8).

With endurance of hardness. 2 Tim. 2:3, 10³Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3)
¹⁰Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10).

With self-denial. 1 Cor. 9:25-27²⁵And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. ²⁶I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: ²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:25‑27).

With confidence in God. Psa. 27:1-3¹<<A Psalm of David.>> The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ²When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. ³Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. (Psalm 27:1‑3).

With prayer. Psa. 35:1-3¹<<A Psalm of David.>> Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. ²Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. ³Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. (Psalm 35:1‑3). Eph. 6:18¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18).

Without earthly entanglements. 2 Tim. 2:4⁴No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4).

Mere professors do not maintain. Jer. 9:3³And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:3).

SAINTS

Are all engaged in. Phi. 1:30.

Must stand firm in. Eph. 6:13, 14¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:13‑14).

Exhorted to diligence in. 1 Tim. 6:12¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12). Jude 3³Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3).

Encouraged in. Isa. 41:11, 12¹¹Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. ¹²Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. (Isaiah 41:11‑12).

Isa. 51:12¹²I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; (Isaiah 51:12). Mic. 7:8⁸Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. (Micah 7:8). 1 John 4:4⁴Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4).

Helped by God in. Psa. 118:13¹³Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. (Psalm 118:13). Isa. 41:13, 14¹³For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. ¹⁴Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13‑14).

Protected by God in. Psa. 140:7⁷O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. (Psalm 140:7).

Comforted by God in. 2 Cor. 7:5, 6⁵For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. ⁶Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; (2 Corinthians 7:5‑6).

Strengthened by God in. Psa. 20:2²Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; (Psalm 20:2). Psa. 27:14¹⁴Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14). Isa. 41:10¹⁰Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10).

Strengthened by Christ in. 2 Cor. 12:9⁹And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 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 upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9). 2 Tim. 4:17¹⁷Notwithstanding 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. (2 Timothy 4:17).

Delivered by Christ in. 2 Tim. 4:18¹⁸And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18).

Thank God for victory in. Rom. 7:25²⁵I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25). 1 Cor. 15:57⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57).

ARMOR FOR

Girdle of truth. Eph. 6:14¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:14).

Breastplate of righteousness. Eph. 6:14¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:14).

Preparation of the gospel. Eph. 6:15¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:15).

Shield of faith. Eph. 6:16¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16).

Helmet of salvation. Eph. 6:17¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:17). 1 Thess. 5:8⁸But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

Sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:17).

Called armor of God. Eph. 6:11¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11).

Called armor of righteousness. 2 Cor. 6:7⁷By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, (2 Corinthians 6:7).

Called armor of light. Rom. 13:12¹²The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12).

Not carnal. 2 Cor. 10:4⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Mighty through God. 2 Cor. 10:4⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:4),

The whole, is required. Eph. 6:13¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13).

Must be put on. Rom. 13:12¹²The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12). Eph. 6:11¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11).

To be on right hand and left. 2 Cor. 6:7⁷By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, (2 Corinthians 6:7).

VICTORY IN, IS

From God. 1 Cor. 15:57⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57). 2 Cor. 2:14¹⁴Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Through Christ. Rom. 7:25²⁵I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25). 1 Cor. 15:27²⁷For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (1 Corinthians 15:27). 2 Cor. 12:9⁹And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 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 upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rev. 12:11¹¹And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11).

By faith. Heb. 11:33-37³³Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Hebrews 11:33‑37). 1 John 5:4, 5⁴For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4‑5).

Over the devil. Rom. 16:20²⁰And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:20). 1 John 2:14¹⁴I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (1 John 2:14).

Over the flesh. Rom. 7:24, 25²⁴O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? ²⁵I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:24‑25). Gal. 5:24²⁴And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24).

Over the world. 1 John 5:4, 5⁴For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4‑5).

Over all that exalts itself. 2 Cor. 10:5⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Over death and the grave. Isa. 25:8⁸He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 25:8). Isa. 26:19¹⁹Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. (Isaiah 26:19). Hos. 13:14¹⁴I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. (Hosea 13:14). 1 Cor. 15:54, 55⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:54‑55).

Triumphant. Rom. 8:37³⁷Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37). 2 Cor. 10:5⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5).

THEY WHO OVERCOME IN, SHALL

Eat of the hidden manna. Rev. 2:17¹⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17).

Eat of the tree of life. Rev. 2:7⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7).

Be clothed in white raiment. Rev. 3:5⁵He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5).

Be pillars in the temple of God. Rev. 3:12¹²Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12).

Sit with Christ in His throne. Rev. 3:21²¹To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21).

Have a white stone, and, in it a new name written. Rev. 2:17¹⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17).

Have power over the nations. Rev. 2:26²⁶And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (Revelation 2:26).

Have the name of God written upon them by Christ. Rev. 3:12¹²Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12).

Have God as their God. Rev. 21:7⁷He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7).

Have the morning-star. Rev. 2:28²⁸And I will give him the morning star. (Revelation 2:28).

Inherit all things. Rev. 21:7⁷He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7).

Be confessed by Christ before God the Father. Rev. 3:5⁵He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5).

Be sons of God. Rev. 21:7⁷He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7).

Not be hurt by the second death. Rev. 2:11¹¹He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11).

Not have their names blotted out of the book of life. Rev. 3:5⁵He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5).

Illustrated. Isa. 9:5⁵For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. (Isaiah 9:5). Zech. 10:5⁵And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. (Zechariah 10:5).

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The New Topical Textbook

• Waiting Upon God.

• Warfare of Saints.

• Watchfulness.

• Wave-Offering.

• Wicked, the, Are Compared to.

• Wisdom of God, the.

• Witness of the Holy Ghost.

• Works, Good.