WE ARE IN A WAR
Selected Scriptures

Introduction
1. War is a horrible thing. Ukraine is a small example. Israel and Hamas are just a reminder.
Today we have been honoring our war veterans.
2. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior you are in a battle. We are at war! (I Timothy
1:18) Timothy was to fight a good fight. How can we ‘fight a good fight’ ?
3. We will look at selected passages to see how we can fight a good fight.

We are at war! How can we ‘fight a good fight’?
I. THE PLACE OF WAR
A. Our Lusts
1. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then
when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death (James 1:14, 15)
2. From where come wars and fightings among you? Come they not here, even of your
lusts that war in your members? You lust and have not; you kill and desire to have,
and cannot obtain; you fight and war, yet you have not… (James 4:1-3)
3. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts
which war against the soul. (I Peter 2:11) Fleshly lusts…Sight, touch, taste, smell.
Lusts constitute an army of soldiers engaged in constant warfare against the soul
aimed at capturing the believer and making him or her useless to God.
B. Our Flesh
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (II Corinthians 10:3)
1.In the flesh…in the human body…after (according to) the flesh. These are impulses of our unredeemed side…our sinful nature.
2.It is possible to live from our unredeemed side instead of being led by the Spirit. There is the human spirit and the Holy Spirit.
C. Our Imaginations
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ
(II Corinthians 10:5) Imaginations… Speculations against the knowledge of Christ.
D. Our Thoughts
Every high (lofty) thing…every design…against obedience to Christ (II Corinthians
10:5) It’s a head game!

We are at war! How can we ‘war a good war?’
II. THE POWER IN WAR
A.The Source
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. (II Corinthians 10:4)
1.We are no match for Satan.
2.The weapons of our warfare are not carnal…but mighty through God!
B.The Strength
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)


We are at war! How can we ‘war a good war?’
III. THE PRIORITIES IN WAR
A. Engagement
1.Persistence Fight the good fight…Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith, have made shipwreck… (I Timothy 1:18,19) Holding faith…Don’t quit! Hang on to Truth! Living divinely implanted principles that see us through!
2.Purity Having a good conscience…The person who has a guilty, accusing conscience is terribly handicapped when doing the Lord’s work. Be genuine!
B. Employment
Having your behavior honest among the Gentiles, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God… (I Peter 2:12)
1.Having your behavior honest (among the Gentiles). This is how you act…how you behave.
2.By your good works (they shall behold) …glorify God. This is what you do.

We are at war! How can we ‘war a good war?’
IV. THE POSSIBILITIES IN WAR
A. To Subdue
(II Corinthians 10:5) God’s power can Destroy Fortresses…Destroy Imaginations (Speculations)…Destroy Every Design…Capture every thought to the obedience of Christ!
B. To Stand
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13) As we take God’s strength, power and might displayed in the whole armor: May be able to stand…every assault of Satan and his army. Having done all to stand…this is by appropriating God’s power!

When the smoke of the battle clears and the dust settles, may He find you and me still standing!!