Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8484 spiritual warfare, enemies in

8484 spiritual warfare, enemies in

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8482 spiritual warfare » 8484 spiritual warfare, enemies in

Christians are at war with the world, the flesh and the devil. Satan empowers the world to attack believers externally, persecuting, deceiving and seducing them. Internally, sinfulness frustrates the efforts of believers to serve God fully.

The world is an enemy

James 4:4 “world” here refers to the sinful human race, hostile to the truth and to the people of God. See also Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; John 5:4

The world hates Christians

John 15:19-20 See also Matthew 5:10-12 pp Luke 6:22; John 16:2; John 17:14; 1 Peter 4:12-16; 1 John 3:13; Revelation 13:7 The beast may represent the world's antichristian persecution.

The world has its own false teaching and religion

Colossians 2:8 See also 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 1 John 4:1; 2Jn 7-11; Jude 3-4; Revelation 13:11; Revelation 19:20 This beast is thought to represent antichristian religion.

The world seeks to seduce Christians

1 John 2:16 See also Luke 12:15,19; 2 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:12; Hebrews 11:24-25; Revelation 17:1-5 Babylon may represent the world's seduction.

Sinful human nature is an enemy

Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11 See also Romans 6:12; Romans 7:14-23; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 12:4; James 4:1

The devil is an enemy

1 Peter 5:8 See also Matthew 13:39 pp Mark 4:15 pp Luke 8:12; John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 12:17

He seeks to tempt Christians

1 Thessalonians 3:5 See also Genesis 3:1-6; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15

He seeks to deceive

2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9 See also Genesis 3:13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Corinthians 4:4; Corinthians 11:4; Revelation 20:3

He constantly seeks to accuse believers

Revelation 12:10 See also Job 1:9-11; Zechariah 3:1