Sermon Snippet – Should Christians Be Involved in War?
INTRODUCTION – A number of years ago, a friend of mine spoke about a family member of hers who was struggling with the morality of his war service. I never met that young man, but I did convey Biblical truth to him through her. The verses that I used then, along with some explanation, form the basis of this study (and he found these words helpful). More recently, a father that I know spoke to his son about spiritual matters, for that young man had stopped attending church. The son said, “Dad, I kill people for a living.” He felt that his military service was incompatible with Christianity. Should Christians ever engage in warfare?
1. WAR DOES NOT ORIGINATE IN GOD
James 4:1 makes it clear that war begins in our rebellion against God’s goodness. Ezekiel 33:11 states that any such conflict is never God’s preference.
2. HOWEVER, GOD KNOWS AND RESPECTS THE HIGH CALLING OF THOSE WHO BRAVELY OPPOSE AGGRESSORS AND DEFEND THE VULNERABLE
In Genesis 14:1-20, Abram fought on behalf of the weak, was victorious, and acknowledged God’s blessing in this military campaign by giving a tithe to Melchizedek, God’s priest in Jerusalem. The actions of Abram help us to understand the concept of a just war, one fought to secure God’s standard of justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to establish peace.
3. MOREOVER, GOD OFTEN COMMANDED WAR AGAINST OPPRESSORS
Deuteronomy 7 and 20 are just two chapters in which God specifically calls for military action against vicious people. War narratives in Joshua, Judges, and Samuel are similar. Some argue that, because Israel was a theocracy, these passages are no longer relevant. However, the character of God does not change: “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
4. AS WE HAVE STUDIED IN THE LAST MONTH, THE DEFENSE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE IS CENTRAL TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
James 1:27 is a pointed reminder that our faith in Jesus requires us to help the needy, especially widows and orphans. In Matthew 18:1-7, Jesus employs the strongest language possible in calling for the defense of children, including the unborn.
5. A SOLDIER IN THE EARLY CHURCH IS SPECIFICALLY COMMENDED
In Acts 10:22, Cornelius, a centurian, is called “a just man.” The context presents him as a godly man, a man of genuine faith.
6. JESUS IS DESCRIBED IN MILITARY TERMS AS A CONQUEROR
Ephesians 4:8 is one example. Another is Revelation 19:11-16. Thus, military imagery is employed in the most positive way possible.
7. MILITARY IMAGERY IS ALSO USED IN A POSITIVE WAY TO DESCRIBE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Ephesians 6:10-18 and II Timothy 2:3-4 are two prominent examples. We are in an ongoing spiritual war.
8. SOLDIERS FIGHTING JUST WARS ARE SINGLED OUT FOR COMMENDATION AS MEN OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:32-34 comes to mind; others in this great chapter of faith were also soldiers.
CONCLUSION – We need the entire Bible, the whole counsel of God, to work through difficult issues such as this one. The evidence of Scripture is that a Christian can indeed serve nobly in the military. In fact, we need Christians within the military to make sure that, when we must fight, we are fighting justly. We also must recognize that our largest problem is that we are at war with God (Romans 5:10). Each of our sins declares rebellion against Him. We require a Conqueror of that sin, and that Victor is Jesus Christ, God the Son. May each of us trust Him right now for the eternal salvation that He freely and mightily offers. `