The Battle is the Lord’s?
I hear this statement often from people and a song is titled “The Battle is the Lord’s,” but some of it is incorrect, especially “the Lord is the only one who can fight it”. That was quite befitting for God’s people in the Old Testament, and here is the explanation. God’s people did not have the Holy Spirit living in them; therefore, He fought their battles.
In other words, God took care of their enemies. For instance, He gave them certain instructions. Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah (2 Chronicles 13:15). This happened many times in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, after Jesus resurrected from the dead, all of us who are born again, not only have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, but He gives us power to fight against the demonic forces, not against people.
What do you think the Holy Spirit has empowered us to do? Jesus said that He gave His to His disciples power while He was with them: Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven ( Luke 10:19-20).
He also told them this: Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
Paul took it further when he wrote to the church of Ephesus: 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 do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:10-19).
Didn’t God’s Word say, “You put on the whole armor of God?”
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
We've been empowered to battle against the demons and win- God takes care of the people.
So, friends, we need to study and be careful about what comes out of our mouths. Did you know that Satan is the accuser of God's people and he laughs at us because we allow him to influence us even when it comes to the Word of God. Example: He’ll say, it’s okay if you don’t study, you’re fine just like you are.” But he takes it to God, what he influenced you to do and laughs because of your ignorance of the Word.
I have not found one scripture in the New Testament that says: “God fights our battles.”
That’s the reason we are commanded to study the Word for ourselves and do not be influenced by the devil’s tricks (deceit) or take what we hear others say and run with it instead of searching to see if what is said is true (2 Timothy 2:15).
~ Betty A. Burnett ~
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