Jesus told us that we were in a battle against the darkness of this world. We are the light that fights against the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). The world will hate us because of our affiliation with Jesus and the army of the light (Mark 13:13). Paul picks up on this motif and calls us to ready ourselves for the battle we face (Ephesians 6:11). John tells us that we wage a war against the evil in this world and if the world hated Jesus then surely it will hate us (1 John 3:13).
“The World” in these passages does not seem to be the people in the world (Jesus calls us to love them), but rather, some dark hold that evil has over the world. Over and over again, the New Testament writers refer to the spiritual battle that the church must fight … and that fight is NEVER against other people, but rather, against dark spiritual forces. Keep in mind that Jesus had the most compassion for those who were most possessed by evil (most in the grip of the world), and little patience with those who self-righteously judged them. That being said … the Scripture undoubtedly calls us into a spiritual battle. Nowhere is that call to spiritual arms more evident than in John’s Revelation.
I’ll begin by saying that this is not meant to be an exposition or explanation of the End Times. I am not trying to set down a rigid interpretation of the book of Revelation. I simply want to examine how John obviously saw the church as an army fighting against Satan and his evil grip on the world. John tells us, for instance, that the Dragon (Satan) makes war against the inhabitants of the earth. Most succumb to his power without a fight. However, he intensifies his attack on those who remain faithful to Jesus (Revelation 12:12-17). This remnant that remains loyal to God is the true Church and she is vividly portrayed as an army in a great battle against evil.
The Anti-Christ and his followers will make war against the Lamb (Jesus) and his followers (the Church). This war will be horrific and violent, but Jesus and the Church will prevail (Revelation 17:14-18). John portrays the final battle between good and evil. Satan and his army of millions stand ready to destroy the Saints (the Church). The battle lines are drawn and the battle is about to commence when God intervenes and casts Satan and his followers into the fire of eternal torment (Revelation 20:1-10).
I could go on, but you get the point – We are an army fighting a battle against evil. Let’s pause here to list some basic principles about the church that we have learned from the military motif.
1. The church is in a global and epic battle against Satan and his reign of evil.
2. The church is under constant and aggressive attack from Satan and his powerful allies.
3. The church was created and equipped for this battle.
4. Ultimately, the battle will be won by the power of God.
That’s a lot to chew on … next time we’ll look at the metaphor of athletics and teamwork … stay tuned …
Until then … keep on praying for me and for FBC Richardson …
Ask God to give you spiritual eyes to see when you are coming under attack by the enemy. Ask God to show you his way. Ask God to forgive you where you have strayed from his will, and ask him to heal you of any battle scars. Thank God for being the one who will win all your battles.
Blessings,
Pastor Ellis
This is a great post. I loved the way Jesus calls on the Church to push back the darkness. He can do it all himself, and he calls on us to be a part of it! Really cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting thing - the spiritual battle motif. In fact, I've recently learned that ours is mainly a defensive instead of an offensive. Even the sword of the Word, when equated to Greek armor, was not much of an offensive weapon, but used to ping or check a blow of the enemy.
ReplyDeleteI've found that it is mainly angels that battle demons; it is far too easy for us to focus too much on it; however it is far too easy for us to avoid it as well. There is a healthy "on guard" balance one must take. In a zealous approach, it is also easy to point this to a human group as well. Even Jesus didn't go chasing down Satan with the sword of the Word. He simply, yet effectively, used it to check the blows of his opponent, while His faith (shield) was able to quench any deceptive power Satan might have had.
I have to constantly put on the armor of God, and arm myself with the sword, making sure to use it when necessary, but healthily in a balance always loving other people. I've found most important is my faith in God as my shield...when my faith dwindles, I seem to be pulverized with darts encouraging me to act in my flesh. Thanks for this prayer reminder!