The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

Aim: To be more conformed to Jesus—even through spiritual warfare.

Doctrine: Spiritual warfare is ''messy''—things do not always go according to [our] plan. Even when the church is obedient, immediate positive results are not guaranteed; this calls for patience and faith on the part of confident saints.

Exegesis: Seeking Christ is the church's one constant in spiritual warfare. After an initial setback, let us humbly pray to God (vv. 19-23); after yet another disappointment, let us faithfully worship God (vv. 24-26); after suffering awhile, our Lord assures us of His (and our) victory (vv. 27-28).

Further application: How the church is to apply spiritual warfare principles to all of life: we grow through the struggle—even when it goes against us, and we become more like Jesus—as we are united to Him in His death and resurrection.

Key phrase: v. 28b ''...'Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?' And the Lord said, 'Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.'''