War/Warfare

<<battle, conflict>>

Warfare is a grim reality of living in a cursed world, because the Prince of Peace (Christ) has been rejected. The Bible’s message of “Love your neighbour as yourself”, and “Do to others as you would like them to do to you” is ignored (Lev 19:18; Mt 5:38-44; Mk 12:31; Lk 6:31).

Throughout history there has been much blood shed. In the OT God even directed the Israelites to battle the heathen nations and often annihilate them, purging the world of their evil ways (1 Sam 15:3,18; Josh 4:13). He also ordered the death penalty for various crimes, yet this is different to an individual taking the life of another in anger, which the Bible strictly forbids (Ex 20:13, 21:12,15, 22:19; Lev 20:11).

Though the Israelites were given the Promised Land, for the following 5-7 years there was spasmodic warfare to conquer and take possession of what had been declared theirs (Ex 23:29,30; Josh 11:18, 14:7-10). However, during the period of Israel’s judges, the nation was subject to oppression by foreign powers, followed by repentance after the raising up of a judge, and then liberation by fighting before a further decline due to gross sin. This cycle occurred six times before the whole nation were themselves conquered by invading forces (Jdg 2:18-23; 2 Kgs 17:5-23, 25:1-21). Do I walk in the liberty with which Christ has set me free, or do I slip back into the former way of life? (Gal 5:1).

Jesus said, there will be various signs of the end of this age of grace, including “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars…Nation will rise against nation…” (Mt 24:6-8). These however pale into insignificance compared to Armageddon, the final battle that this world encounters, when the nations of the world who oppose God, united under the antichrist, will be defeated by Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev 16:16, 17:14).

Numerous conflicts are fueled by selfish, evil desires and greed, together with the inability to respect or at least tolerate other races and nations. Unfortunately, there are some countries and radical groups that only communicate through violence and bloodshed, bringing untold suffering to many innocent victims, for injury, captivity and death are undeniable aspects of war. Evil, aggressive forces must be stopped and we should stand up for the rights of others if they are unduly taken advantage of. However, Jesus taught that we are not to defend ourselves in the inconsequential matters of life that affect us. He said if we are hit on the cheek we should turn the other one and if someone takes our coat we should give them our shirt too (Lk 6:29). We should exhibit His nature of justice and mercy, outworked through negotiation and love. Although force may be justified in the defence of a country, it should never be used to promote or defend our faith (Mt 26:52-54; Jn 18:36).

If your country is caught up in war, it is a matter for a Christian’s conscience if they serve in the actual military with the possibly of killing people, so in effect removing any further opportunity for them to receive redemptive grace. Another option is to be involved in supporting other essential yet non-combat operations. We should hold in high regard those who have secured our borders, resulting in maintaining our political and national freedom from the domination of invading ideologies or powers.

In a time of war, pray for godly wisdom for the leaders, safety for the military, a quick resolution and a minimum of casualties on both sides (Phil 4:6,7). We are to pray for our enemies while endeavouring to be at peace with all men, seeking to find peaceful solutions without compromising any non-negotiable principles of God’s Word (Mt 5:44; Rom 12:18). With any disagreement, open discussion should be the means employed to seek a peaceful settlement without resorting to violence, which is an attribute of ‘the flesh’.

Spiritual warfare has two aspects. Internally there is conflict between our new and old natures. This is the only battle we have exclusive control over, with our decisions determining whether we obey the Spirit or surrender to

With Christ we can win the war within

the flesh (Rom 7:14-25; 1 Pet 2:11). In a physical war, the result is often death, the clear-cut ending of life, while in the spiritual context it is a slow process leading to the death of the self-life. It is our conscious choice to allow the Holy Spirit to gain supremacy with our identity decreasing as we put off the old life and put on the new nature (Jn 3:30; Eph 4:22,24; Col 3:8,9). Externally we do battle with all the forces of evil as they enslave sinners and attempt to destroy society. Use the spiritual armour available for your protection (Eph 6:12-17).

Just as in an earthly war, obedience to authority is essential, so it is in the spiritual realm. In a human army, the soldiers are trained and highly disciplined, being under authority to achieve specific objectives. As Christians in the Lord’s army we are to submit to our commander-in-chief and be under His authority. When we exercise the authority invested in us by Christ and Satan is resisted we will see the heavenly Kingdom advance (Mk 16:17,18; Jas 4:7).

As believers, although we are ultimately answerable to God, we should also be part of integrated units (churches) which are strategically positioned to advance His rule in various locations and we should be in submission to the spiritual authority structure of that local church (Heb 13:17). Coupled with this is the networking and involvement between different churches and Christian organisations for greater effectiveness.

King David lost the moral battle by sinning with Bathsheba because he was not fighting the right battle. “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war…But David remained” (2 Sam 11:1). By his lack of commitment to his duty he exposed himself to another battle which he did not win. When we are not involved where we should be, we will also face situations we are not prepared for.