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

2Pe 2:4 See also Isa 14:12-15; Eze 28:12-19 Some believe the kings of Babylon and Tyre to be types of Satan; 1Ti 3:6; Jude 6

Satan and his angels comprise a well-organised army

Eph 6:12 See also Col 1:13

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

Col 2:15; Rev 12:7-9 See also Mk 3:27 pp Mt 12:29; Lk 10:18; Jn 12:31; Heb 2:14; 1Jn 3:8

Satan persecutes the church

Rev 12:13 The woman is here thought to be symbolic of the church. See also Rev 2:10; Rev 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

2Co 4:4 See also Mt 13:19 pp Mk 4:15 pp Lk 8:12; Mt 13:38-39; 1Th 2:2,18

Examples of opposition to the first Christians Ac 6:8-14; Ac 7:54-58 Stephen stoned to death; Ac 8:1-3 Saul causes havoc in Jerusalem. Opposition to Paul and his companions: Ac 13:6-12,44-45; Ac 17:13; Ac 18:6,12 Violent hostility to Paul and his companions: Ac 9:23; Ac 14:5,19; Ac 16:16-24; Ac 17:5-6; Ac 19:23-29; Ac 20:3; Ac 21:27-36 Jewish plots against Paul in Jerusalem: Ac 23:12-15; Ac 25:3

Satan attacks individual believers

Rev 12:17 See also Job 2:7; Lk 22:31-32; 2Ti 3:12; 1Pe 5:8

See also