Modern Warfare

08.22.10

Modern Warfare

We live in a world at war.  The war I reference is not that involving TNT, grenades, or missiles... (though I'm sure we could draw a few metaphors that would include them!)

NO.  

The war I am speaking about is of the spiritual realms.  It comes disguised as hurt relationships. 

It comes disguised as broken homes.

It comes disguised as unpaid bills and financial stress.

It comes disguised as escapism, isolation, and avoidance.

It comes disguised as lust, adultery, and degradation.

It comes disguised as passivity, resignation, and insecurity.

It comes disguised as selfishness, anger, and resentment.

If left to its own warpath, it will destroy homes, neighborhoods, cities, regions, states, and nations.

 

 1 Peter 5:8 (New International Version)

 ⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

We MUST be on alert!  To simply avoid the acknowledgment of this war is to cowardly concede to it.  

 

2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)

⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

God didn't give us the spirit of power, love and self discipline so that we'd waste it!  But rather, so that we would use it to advance His Kingdom forward!  Glory to God.

This war is real.  It's deceitful.  

The disguises it wears a mere illusions:

1.  Husbands, you frustrated that your wife isn't (__fill in the blank__)--> That's THE WAR

2.  Students, you trying to take the short cut out of that test so you won't look like a fool? --> That's THE WAR

 3.  Businessmen, you think your competition is your opponent and your only mission is to CRUSH them at every chance you get?  --> That's THE WAR!

4.  Ministry leaders, you getting frustrated when your volunteers aren't treating their "serve" with the same life or death mentality you treat YOURS?  --> THAT'S THE WAR!!!

Ephesians 6:12-15 (New Living Translation)

¹² For we^[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

This battle is not against each other.  It is not against your competitor.  It is not against your wife.  It is not against your volunteer.  It is not against the Flesh-and-Blood!  

 

It is against he evil one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us.  (see John 10:10.)

And we MUST suite up!  Get your armor on!

A great coach once said, "Sometimes the best defense, is a terrific offense."  

Suit up with TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, AND SPIRIT well in advance for when you will need it.  

So, the next time you find yourself in the tense heat of the moment, remember:

The battle is not between you and _______!  It is of the spiritual realms.  Jesus has, can, and will fight this battle for you!