Position of Believer in Spiritual Warfare
Chapter One
Objective of the study
- To conduct an in-depth analysis of key biblical passages related to spiritual warfare.
- To explore and reconcile various theological interpretations of spiritual warfare.
- To examine the historical development of the concept of spiritual warfare
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND THE WORLD
The biblical writers understand the concept of the world in several ways. They use it to describe the physical world that God created and decreed that it be filled with His glory (Isaiah 6:3; John 1:9; Acts 17:24). The world is also used to refer to the land on which humans live, and even the humans who are dwelling there (Matthew 4:8; 24:14; Luke 4:5). The world is that which God so loved that He gave His Son to die for its redemption (John 3:16).
However, because of the sinful orientation of the world, it is opposed to God and His people. The world is also described as the domain of Satan (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) and as the world system of God-rejectors and their cherished values (John 17:6; James 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Therefore, John warns, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15–16).
The apostle Paul was aware of spiritual warfare and the world. He challenged the Roman Christians to “not conform to the pattern of this world,” because allowing the world to dominate hinders being able to approve the will of God in each life (Romans 12:2). The world is the total environment in which humans exist, a world which God created and called good, a world which He loves eternally, but a world that has departed from the plan God had for His creation.
The tragic reality of the record of the fall into sin in Genesis 3 is that the very structural orientation of the world has been altered. The ease of gaining food from the ground was lost so that thorns and thistles make it difficult to bring food from the soil. Childbirth is with severe pain, and human relationships are radically damaged (Genesis 3:16–19). The welcoming and nurturing world God created became threatening, with human death as the final indignity. Paul describes this disoriented world as “subject to frustration” and “groaning as in the pains of childbirth” awaiting the ultimate victory of God (Romans 8:20–22).
The structure and systems of the fallen world express themselves in opposition to the believer. Governments, governmental agencies, and societal and cultural norms conspire to attack the faith of the Christ-follower. Laws and policies have sometimes been implemented that conflict with the principles revealed by God as His will for humans. Racism in all its forms, ethnic arrogance, and unbridled nationalism coalesce to negate the truths of the Bible.
The constant pressure of the world to mold believers into its image is seen in the multiple ways the world advertises and tempts them to depart from their faith commitment. The steady stream of pictures, images, and marketing appeals, some based on the basest of human instinct, must be met by a commitment to spiritual warfare against these worldly forces.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Position of believer in Spiritual warfare. Members of Apostolic Church in Uyo form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Position of believer in Spiritual warfare. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Position of believer in Spiritual warfare
Summary
This study was on Position of believer in Spiritual warfare. Three objectives were raised which included: To conduct an in-depth analysis of key biblical passages related to spiritual warfare, to explore and reconcile various theological interpretations of spiritual warfare and to examine the historical development of the concept of spiritual warfare. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Apostolic church in Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the position of the believer in spiritual warfare has provided a comprehensive analysis, integrating biblical exegesis, theological perspectives, historical contexts, and practical applications. The primary conclusion is that spiritual warfare is a multifaceted concept deeply embedded in Christian doctrine, necessitating a clear and cohesive understanding to empower believers effectively.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Churches and Christian educational institutions should prioritize teaching on spiritual warfare, ensuring believers have a robust understanding of key biblical passages and their practical implications. This could include sermon series, Bible studies, and workshops focused on Ephesians 6:10-18 and related scriptures.
- Facilitate ongoing theological dialogue among different Christian traditions to further harmonize perspectives on spiritual warfare. This can be achieved through conferences, interdenominational forums, and collaborative research projects.
- Incorporate historical insights into teachings on spiritual warfare, helping believers understand the evolution of this concept and apply historical lessons to contemporary practice. This approach can enrich modern interpretations and applications.
References
- Boyd, Gregory A. God at War: The Bible & Spiritual Conflict. InterVarsity Press, 1997.
- Wink, Walter. Unmasking the Powers: The Invisible Forces That Determine Human Existence. Fortress Press, 1986.
- The Holy Bible, New International Version. Biblica, 2011.
