Church bulletin:
We are living at a time when the truth historically proclaimed is on the nose. It is under attack from every angle – the parliament, the media, the classroom, etc. We are living at a time when sin is tolerated and even promoted. Every generation has had to contend with sin knocking at the door, this generation has to contend with sin kicking the door down. The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games says it all. Some Christians have responded with cowardice and adjusted the truth to be more palatable in a pluralistic, largely secular society. It is easier to go with the flow than resist. Some Christians have turned their attention to politics and the role of the state to maintain moral standards, religious freedom and freedom of speech. The state does have a role to play but it cannot do the church’s work for it. Some Christians have chosen to withdraw – to keep faith as a personal matter, refrain from interaction with unbelievers, even move out of the cities for a quiet and more reclusive life.
It is good to be reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians. When facing false teachers he said this –
2 Cor 10:3-6, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (6) and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
The first century Christians were engaged in spiritual war, and it has been that way ever since. Although times change and the challenges may be more sophisticated and the temptations more in your face, the battle is the same. Let us not imagine that we are undergoing something new or strange. Let us not imagine that our response should be anything other than what is stated in scripture. God’s methods do not change. Compromising the truth when it becomes inconvenient is not an option, trusting in the arm of man (politicians) is not an option, hiding away for self-preservation is not an option.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (according to fallen human wisdom). We do not fight an earthly enemy therefore we cannot use earthly strategies. It is a spiritual battle. Behind all opposition to truth and godliness is the spirit of the evil one. He is the enemy with whom we must contend – and contend we must. We are called to fight the good fight of faith. What are our weapons? Nothing surprising. Nothing spectacular.
* The weapon of the Word – scripture exposes and pulls down the lies which enslave the hearts and minds of people. Truth is never outdated and truth alone delivers from the bondage of sin. In the armor of God (Eph 6), Paul calls scripture the sword of the Spirit (v17).
* The weapon of the church – we do not wage war alone. The ministry of the people of God and the fellowship of the saints is vital. Alone we fall, united we stand. The church is to a Christian is what the army is to a soldier.
* The weapon of righteousness – we confront the sin of the world by walking in the ways of God. Fail to do so and we leave ourselves vulnerable. Along with the sword of the Spirit, we are to gird ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14) – that is to stand in the imputed righteousness of Christ and to walk in the righteousness of His example.
* The weapon of prayer – it is God who makes the means of grace effective, therefore we must call upon His name. As Paul concludes the armor of God, he emphasizes the need to pray. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
It is not so much that we must be confident in God’s weapons, as confident in God Himself. He has appointed the weapons and they are mighty in Him. He makes them effective. To take them up does not mean the battle will be easy, it means we won’t capitulate to the enemy. It is not ease we should be concerned with, but faithfulness.