FIGHT THE BATTLE…NOT THE PERSON!

II CORINTHIANS 10:3-6: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” NASB

OBSERVATION: What is the difference between a believer and an unbeliever in the battles of life? How do we engage with those who oppose what we believe and how we live? As battle lines are drawn in our culture can you tell the difference between the Christian soldiers and the soldiers of this world?

One of the great old hymns that is not sung very much today is “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The first verse defines our battle plan.

Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!Christ, the royal Master,leads against the foe;Forward into battle,see his banner go!

We are in a battle. It is a battle for truth. It is a battle for the souls of mankind. It is a battle that is led by Jesus Christ our royal Master. Yet, it is not a battle against people. This is where we find a clear distinction between the soldiers of this world and the soldiers of Jesus Christ. Our battle is defined as,

• “…destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…”

Let’s contrast this to the battle strategy of the world. In today’s culture, those who oppose our Biblical values attack the person. The battle plan is to dismiss, vilify, judge, and condemn the person who holds views that are in opposition to theirs. It is what has now been termed –

“CANCEL CULTURE!”

This battle strategy is marked by anger, disdain, and hatred. It cuts off all dialogue before it even starts. It sees one who holds a different opinion as the enemy. It personifies the issue and becomes personal rather than ideological. All debates, all discussions, and all opportunities for common ground are removed.

The believer, although he lives in this physical world, and although opposed on every side, is not to vilify or dismiss the person. Each person, regardless of what they think and believe, is a creation of God. The believer recognizes that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. God’s love was extended to all men and women in His gift of His Son and in His Son’s gift of the cross.

The Christian soldier does not shrink back from the battle but realizes that the battle is not with flesh and blood. The enemy is not the person for whom Christ died. The battle is the enemy of our souls and the father of all lies. The victory is not won by attacking the person. The victory is won by proclaiming the cross of Jesus Christ and by being ready to give an answer to everyone who opposes the truth!

• “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation , and do not be in dread , but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:14-16

When I was in High School I was not walking with the Lord. This was during the Jesus Movement and there were a few “Jesus Freaks” on our campus. They would stuff Gospel tracts in our lockers. I would usually throw these away. However, there is one tract that I remember reading. It stuck with me, even during my rebellious time in High School.

The title of the tract was “HOLY JOE!”

Holy Joe was a Christian soldier who was ridiculed by his fellow soldiers for his faith. He did not go with them carousing and drinking. They used to throw their dirty boots at Holy Joe in disgust and ridicule. How did Holy Joe respond? He would take these dirty boots, clean them, and then polish them and return them to the bunks of his comrades.

Holy Joe fought his battle with love! The love of Jesus Christ!

I see so much anger in the world today. Unfortunately, this anger has spilled into the church. We have begun to fall into the same pitfall and error of those who oppose the cross of Christ. We have personified the battle and instead of serving in love, proclaiming the truth in love, and offering an answer to everyone who opposes the truth, we are throwing their dirty boots right back at them with the same anger and disdain with which they threw them at us.

Our battle is with the lie – NOT THE PERSON!

We need to fall into rank once again as true Christian soldiers. We need to fight the battle with the love of Christ, the cross of Christ, and the truth of Christ. We need to be willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake. When someone lashes out in anger against us we need to return with blessing, love, and prayer. We need to speak the truth in love, overcome evil with good, and be willing to suffer for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

We cannot hide from this battle. We cannot be tricked into fighting this battle like the world fights it. Our Captain is Jesus Christ. He has given us both our marching orders and He has shown us how to fight the good fight of faith. We need a few good men and women like Holy Joe! I need to search my heart, my motives, and my methods. When the world hurls its anger, when it tries to cancel me, when I am tempted to return the punch, I need to remember the words of Jesus.

• “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you…You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ‘ Matthew 5:11-12,43-45

Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!

In Jesus’ Name!