Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8483 spiritual warfare, causes of

8483 spiritual warfare, causes of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8482 spiritual warfare » 8483 spiritual warfare, causes of

Spiritual warfare has its origin in a rebellion of many angels against God. Satan is seen as the prince of this world, leading an array of forces opposed to God. Although disarmed by Jesus Christ on the cross, they remain a powerful threat to the church and to individual believers.

Satan and his angels fall

2 Peter 2:4 See also Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19 Some believe the kings of Babylon and Tyre to be types of Satan; 1 Timothy 3:6; Jude 6

Satan and his angels comprise a well-organised army

Ephesians 6:12 See also Colossians 1:13

Satan and his angels will ultimately be fully disarmed by Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:15; Revelation 12:7-9 See also Mark 3:27 pp Matthew 12:29; Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8

Satan persecutes the church

Revelation 12:13 The woman is here thought to be symbolic of the church. See also Revelation 2:10; Revelation 13:7 The dragon is here thought to be symbolic of the world's persecution (empowered by Satan) of the church.

Satan opposes the gospel

2 Corinthians 4:4 See also Matthew 13:19 pp Mark 4:15 pp Luke 8:12; Matthew 13:38-39; 1 Thessalonians 2:2,18

Examples of opposition to the first Christians

Acts 6:8-14; Acts 7:54-58 Stephen stoned to death; Acts 8:1-3 Saul causes havoc in Jerusalem.

Opposition to Paul and his companions:

Acts 13:6-12,44-45; Acts 17:13; Acts 18:6,12

Violent hostility to Paul and his companions:

Acts 9:23; Acts 14:5,19; Acts 16:16-24; Acts 17:5-6; Acts 19:23-29; Acts 20:3; Acts 21:27-36

Jewish plots against Paul in Jerusalem:

Acts 23:12-15; Acts 25:3

Satan attacks individual believers

Revelation 12:17 See also Job 2:7; Luke 22:31-32; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 5:8