Warfare

 Judges 3:2 ESV

 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. 


When we come to faith in Christ crucified for our forgiveness of sins, why doesn't God immediately 'beam us up to glory'? I think this verse about ancient Israel gives us a clue. Even in the promised land, enemy peoples were thorns in Israel's side.

War isn't necessarily a bad thing. Evildoers need to be stood up against. Spiritual warfare is essential. 

As God's new covenant people, we're not called to literally fight unbelievers. We are called to fight demonic forces however. Ephesians 6 reveals how we go about it.

We're to take up the full armour of God. We need the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the breastplate of righteousness for example. We need the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

'Lord, we remember we'll judge angels if we trust in you. Help us fight the good fight of the faith until that great day. For your honour we pray, amen'.

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