Message Notes

What Does God Say About War?

March 23, 2003

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

  1. WHAT IS THE REAL CAUSE OF WAR?
    Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn't it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven't got it; so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition you can't satisfy, so you fight to get your way by force.
    James 4:1-2 (JB)

  2. IS IT EVER RIGHT TO FIGHT?
    There is a time for war and a time for peace.
    Ecclesiastes 3:8

    When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
    Proverbs 21:15

    (Government) is there to serve God for your benefit. If you break the law, however, you may well have fear ... he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of justice to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
    Romans 13:4 (JB and NIV)

  3. WILL THE WORLD EVER HAVE PERMANENT PEACE?
    "He (Jesus) will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again."
    Isa. 2:4 (GN)

  4. IS THIS THE FINAL WAR?
    (Jesus) "Don't be fooled. Many will come in My name saying, `I am He!' and `The time has come!' But don't follow them. Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen but they do not mean the end is near. Countries will fight each other and kingdoms will attack one another."
    Luke 21:8-9 (GN)

    No one knows that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father!
    Matthew 24:36

    It's not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But ... you are to be My witness ... to the ends of the world.
    Acts 1:7-8

  5. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND DURING WAR?
     

    1.                     
      First of all pray . . . for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life.
      1 Timothy 2:1-2

    2.                                          
      The Lord is my light and salvation - whom shall I fear? ... Though an army besiege me ... and war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
      Psalm 27:1,3

    3.                                               
      Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it!
      Psalm 34:14

    4.                                                                                   
      Carry each other's burden ... and fulfill the law of Christ.
      Galatians 6:4