Bible Discoveries

Spiritual Warfare

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; (Matthew 10:34-35)

Bringing the metaphorical sword.

This is the first passage using the word Sword in the NASB 2020 version of the New Testament. A keyword search result shows the use of the word as follows:

  • The sword within the hands of Christ’s enemies.
  • The sword within the hands of the government.
  • The sword within the hands of the saints as a metaphorical weapon.
  • The sword as God’s word.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:3‭-6)

Using weapons that are not physical.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Fighting evil with spiritual weapons.

The battle in which believers are engaged is not one against human foes but one against spiritual cosmic powers. […] The readers are made ill-disposed not toward any particular human opposition but toward the spiritual forces that are at the source of all opposition, toward the ultimate enemy. (World Biblical Commentary)

Paul uses metaphors to reveal and to underscore the spiritual battlefield of disciples of Christ.

By employing extended battle imagery, he suggests that warfare is of a different nature and needs to be carried out by the spirit, not by the flesh.

It is taking place in the spiritual realm between God’s kingdom and the Devil’s kingdom, and sometimes within His kingdom between godly men and possible disobedient church members.

Paul is focused and highlights the spiritual nature of the adversary.

18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, (1 Timothy 1:18)

Fighting the good fight.

3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3)

Being a good soldier.

References

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