Different Battlefields, Different Weapons

Because we live and minister from the victory of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, born again believers can "fight the good fight of faith" with completely different weapons than those wielded by those who oppose us (I Timothy 6:12).

"Overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Satan, the world, and the flesh continually seek to draw us onto battlefields of their choice whereupon weapons also of their choosing are wielded by both forces. Animosity, vitriol, bitterness, and rage bloody the ground of such venues, and God Himself ensures that we lose all fights fought with such carnal swords. Conviction must be united with compassion if we are to be "good soldiers of Jesus Christ," and our Lord resists us no less than do our enemies when our attitude and actions fail to express the character of the Lord Jesus (II Timothy 2:3).

We are to be honest, forthright, and courageous in our declaration of Truth. Coupled with humility, integrity, and the loving desire to benefit our enemies rather than win debates, such conviction leads us to the battlefield of God's choosing. The glory and revelation of the Lord Jesus grace this venue where the rage and bitterness of our enemies are countered by kind, respectful, and unselfish words and actions that "overcome evil with good." There is no weapon that can prevail against this love of Christ revealed in all who remember the epic battle of the ages at Calvary. On that field, the world, the devil, and the flesh amassed against the Savior every carnal weapon of hatred, anger, fear, and rejection of God and His truth. Conversely, the Lord Jesus fought with love, humility, and submission to the will of His Father and the need of man. An empty tomb and an occupied heavenly throne bear witness to the Victor of that greatest of all wars. As we fight from His victory, and with the same weapons, the same result will ensue and the Lord Jesus will be revealed in a manner that draws people, including even some of our enemies, to repentance, faith, and the grace of God.

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

(II Timothy 2:24-26)

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

(II Corinthians 10:3-6)