The concept of spiritual warfare is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. For the saints, or believers in Christ, victory in this warfare is assured through divine power and authority. This victory is particularly significant over all that exalts itself against the knowledge and sovereignty of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, provides a foundational understanding of this spiritual battle. He writes, "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). This passage highlights the nature of the warfare as spiritual rather than physical, with the power to overcome any ideology or belief that challenges God's truth.

Divine Empowerment

The victory of the saints is not achieved through human strength or wisdom but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a detailed description of the "armor of God," which equips believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Paul exhorts the saints to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10), emphasizing reliance on God's strength rather than one's own.

Overcoming Pride and Arrogance

Throughout Scripture, pride and arrogance are depicted as significant obstacles to spiritual victory. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" . The saints are called to humility, recognizing that any exaltation of self is contrary to the will of God. James 4:6-7 further instructs, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" . Submission to God and resistance to the devil are key components in achieving victory over prideful inclinations.

Christ's Ultimate Victory

The ultimate victory over all that exalts itself is found in Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 declares, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" . Through His death and resurrection, Christ has already secured victory over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries. Believers are called to live in the reality of this victory, standing firm in faith and resisting any force that seeks to undermine God's authority.

Practical Application

For the saints, engaging in spiritual warfare involves a commitment to prayer, the study of Scripture, and a life of obedience to God's commands. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This peace is a testament to the victory that believers have in Christ, enabling them to overcome any challenge that exalts itself against God's truth.

In summary, the warfare of saints is characterized by a reliance on divine power to achieve victory over all that exalts itself against God. Through humility, submission, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to stand firm in the spiritual battle, assured of their triumph in Christ.2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Cor. xi. 21
... by "weaknesses." And he shows that his warfare was of ... [3.] For this is the brilliant
victory, this is ... of adamant; and what things all the saints together have ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxv 2 cor xi.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... us, the attainment of strength
and victory calls for ... may not succumb in such grievous warfare, but achieve ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... and in the name of God we shall get the victory. ... defend, never overturn, the faith
once delivered to the saints. ... The weapons of our warfare are good, it is the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... his victory over inexperienced persons, [108]67 and note. ... in memory of the saints
and martyrs, [965]90 and note. ... Peiraterion a "warfare," [999]153 (note). ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

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