đź“– Enemies of the Soul

So there are a few forces out to get you...

September 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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Enemies of the Soul

The earliest Christians were, by and large, nonviolent.

Historian Ronald Bainton explains:

“The age of persecution down to the time of Constantine was the age of pacifism to the degree that during this period no Christian author to our knowledge approved of Christian participation in battle."

Yet, despite the staunch nonviolence of a Christian majority, these early followers of Jesus certainly loved their military metaphors.

The Militant Language of the Early Church

The use of militant language in the Early Church dates back to the New Testament itself, specifically the writings of Paul.

2 Timothy 2v3, Paul encourages Timothy to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

When writing to the Corinthians, Paul explains that Christians are fighting a battle with spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10v4).

And, of course, there’s Paul’s famous “armor of God” speech in Ephesians 6v10-20.

Now, it’s probably clear (what with the whole spiritual weapons thing) that Paul and the early Christians weren’t talking about waging literal warfare.

Paul makes the point in that same armor of God speech, writing:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

(Ephesians 6v12)

The New Testament’s militant language have inspired various branches of the Church in various ways.

So, the good news is that Christianity isn’t about waging war on our fellow humans.

The less exciting news is that, if you’re a Christian, you’ve just made yourself a prime target in a spiritual warzone.

Spiritual Warfare

Okay, so spiritual warfare is one of those Church things with a dicey reputation.

Unfortunately, many immature Christians have misused the phrase - whether that be overusing it (“a bird pooped on me today, it’s spiritual warfare!!) or manipulating that language to coerce others.

Then, on the other hand, there are some who simply scoff at the thought as outdated or superstitious.

Our goal on Theophilus this week is to present a more accurate portrait of spiritual warfare, which includes illuminating its reality and relevance.

We’re going to do that by examining the three main avenues of spiritual warfare that Christians have identified for centuries:

  • The World

  • The Flesh

  • And the Devil

All followers of Jesus are engaged in a war against these forces, and it can feel heavy. But, in the words of the Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor:

“You have to push as hard as the age that pushes against you.”

And that’s certainly what we intend to do this week.

We’re putting the spiritual beat down on the enemies of the soul this week.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter

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