Topical Encyclopedia
Faith, as depicted in the Bible, is a powerful and essential element in the life of a believer. It is through faith that the saints of God are able to overcome the devil and his schemes. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how faith empowers believers to stand firm against the adversary.
Biblical Foundation of FaithFaith is defined in
Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are rooted in the promises of God, which are unwavering and eternal. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust in God and His Word.
Faith as a ShieldEphesians 6:16 instructs believers to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The imagery of a shield suggests that faith is a protective barrier against the attacks of the devil. This protection is not passive; it requires active engagement and reliance on God's promises.
Examples of Faith Overcoming the Devil1.
Jesus in the Wilderness: In
Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus demonstrates the power of faith in overcoming the devil's temptations. By relying on Scripture and His unwavering trust in the Father, Jesus resists the devil's attempts to lead Him astray. His example shows that faith, grounded in the Word of God, is a formidable weapon against temptation.
2.
Job's Perseverance: The account of Job is a profound testament to faith in the face of satanic attack. Despite losing everything, Job maintains his faith in God, declaring, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (
Job 13:15). Job's faith ultimately leads to his vindication and restoration, illustrating that steadfast faith can withstand even the most severe trials.
3.
The Apostles' Boldness: In the Book of Acts, the apostles face persecution and opposition from both human and spiritual forces.
Acts 4:29-31 records their prayer for boldness, which is answered by the filling of the Holy Spirit. Their faith empowers them to preach the gospel fearlessly, overcoming the devil's attempts to silence them.
Faith and the Word of GodRomans 10:17 states, "So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." The Word of God is the foundation upon which faith is built. It is through Scripture that believers are equipped to discern the devil's lies and stand firm in truth. The Bible serves as both a source of faith and a weapon against spiritual deception.
The Role of Prayer in Strengthening FaithPrayer is a vital component in the life of faith.
James 5:16 emphasizes the power of prayer, stating, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." Through prayer, believers draw near to God, receive His strength, and fortify their faith. This communion with God is essential in resisting the devil and his schemes.
Faith in the Community of BelieversThe community of believers plays a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." Fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability, helping individuals to remain steadfast in their faith.
ConclusionThe Bible presents faith as an indispensable tool for overcoming the devil. Through faith, believers are equipped to resist temptation, endure trials, and stand firm in the truth of God's Word. The examples of Jesus, Job, and the apostles, along with the teachings of Scripture, underscore the power of faith in the life of a saint.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 6:16Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
For those who First, when the Persecution Waxed Warm...
... it escaped him that he was rather overcome by those ... with much boldness, in imitation
of the saints who suffered ... readily for the confirming of the faith by their ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xi for those who.htm
Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... namely to believe,
and to confess the faith by doctrine ... ONLY GOD'S POWER CAN OVERCOME THE DEVIL ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm
Of the Co-Existence of Good and Evil in the Church, and their ...
... kind to seek God piously and to overcome the pride ... made whole of all pride and arrogance
through that faith. And with respect to these saints who in point of ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 19 of the co-existence of.htm
Argument. --When the Saints were Apprehended, St. Perpetua ...
... Chapter I."Argument."When the Saints Were Apprehended, St ... to cast me down from the
faith,"Father,' said I ... only distressed me, and went away overcome by the ...
/.../chapter i argument when the saints were.htm
There is a Greater Freedom Now in the Saints than There was Before ...
... But these [the saints], I say, not under the ... and of continence, in which they could
overcome all threatenings ... to forsake even unto death the faith which worketh ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 35 there is a greater.htm
Sermon.
... sic.] receive power from Christ, to overcome all the ... the suffering and martyrdom
of those great saints, of whom ... Hebrews 11.How that "through faith they subdued ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm
Of Constancy in the Faith of the Resurrection.
... for the everlasting life of the saints, in which ... view, namely, to exercise and confirm
the faith and prudence ... is He Himself incapable of being overcome, but He ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 25 of constancy in the.htm
Christian Graces.
... lawfully his own, the men that he employeth at arms to overcome and get ... No faith,
no fear of God: devil's faith, devil's fear; saints' faith, saints' fear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm
Regeneration
... by which we are quickened, and by which we overcome the devil ... as we have said, the
good works of saints are righteous, and please on account of faith. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 8 regeneration.htm
The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... stand before his face; neither may any of his saints be found ... more, is like to be
damned, for he is without faith. ... That man shall not be overcome by the devil. ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm
Resources
What does “from faith to faith” mean in Romans 1:17? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is faith in God? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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