Sermon snippet: Should Christians Support Violence?
INTRODUCTION – No. We could stop there and have the world’s shortest sermon ever. However, the most basic truths must be taught today, for the very concept of truth is under assault by the adherents of the pernicious pedagogy of post-modernism. What does the Word of God tell us about the volatile subject of violence?
- GOD HAS ALWAYS OPPOSED VIOLENCE
Genesis 6:11-13 – As the Preacher in Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is nothing new under the sun. Sin had multiplied on the earth, and the righteous judgment of God came upon the overwhelming majority of people living at the time of Noah. What might surprise many is the specific sin that is emphasized – violence. Even though this judgment was deserved, this justice is not a light thing with God. Ezekiel 33:11 says in part, “As I live,’ saith the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’” Who are the wicked? All of us; as Romans 3:23 succinctly states, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Violence is sin, and it is not God’s fault but man’s. James 4:1 bluntly lays bare the problem: “From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” God has always opposed violence, and, because He does not change, He always will.
- GOD HAS ALWAYS WARNED ABOUT VIOLENCE
Let us look at three passages (of many). Psalm 11 is a powerful probing of the problem of violence. Verse 5 must be correctly understood: like love, hate, in this context, is a choice and not, as we think of it today, a vicious and destructive emotion. God rightly chooses against the violent, because He is good. Yes, God stands against the violent and properly warns us, for my arms are too short to box with God… and so are yours. Psalm 140 (especially verses 4, 5, and 11) reminds us of the eternal principle of sowing and reaping. The violent receive the just judgment of Psalm 106:15a (certainly one of the most terrifying verses in the entire Bible): “He gave them their request.” The wicked who do not run from their violent ways will get what they give. Psalm 86:14 is another apt aphorism, telling us that violence attracts violence; if you are a visual learner just turn on your television, computer, pad, or phone and see this truth on display. Verse 15 provides a blessed contrast to the wicked ways of men, a contrast that is, like my wife, absolutely stunning.
- GOD IS ALWAYS MET WITH VIOLENCE
Isaiah 53:8-9 is part of a larger Messianic passage, all fulfilled in the words and works of God the Son, Jesus Christ. He had no violence in Him but was dealt the full measure of man’s malicious malignity. What could be more violent than the Cross? Jesus Himself, in Matthew 11:12, told us that this vicious opposition would continue. The NIV translation of this verse is unfortunate, for it seems to indicate that “forceful men” are good. No, this verse is saying just the opposite (as does the immediate context): there will always be violent opposition to God, but that violence cannot stop God. We may properly view violence as an attack on our nation, the rule of law, and each citizen; it is foremost an attack on the character of God.
CONCLUSION – Ephesians 4:26-27 is a New Testament warning about the grave possibility of violence suddenly spilling out of any of us. Personally, I have no interest in hurting anyone or burning anything down, but if I get upset – if you get upset – let us remember Romans 12:19-21. Remember this, as well: we bow before no man. I will wash anyone’s feet, as Jesus did, but I will bow to no man. That homage belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Philippians 2:5-11 says that one day each one of us will bow before Jesus – I will kneel with joy on that day! You can as well, if Jesus is your Savior. In the last days, we have all seen the stark, absolute contrast of the violence of mankind and the goodness of God. Which will we choose? Which will I choose? Which will you choose?