Servants of Christ Do Not Fight
The Lord works all things, and His ways are higher than our ways.
Mat 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Mat 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
We do not fight or defend ourselves against outward evil, be it physical or even words spoken against us. This is a big change from the law of Moses, which called for seeking vengeance and an eye-for-an-eye approach to evil. Spiritual sheep, like natural ones, are docile. Even when being led to a slaughter and losing their lives, speak or do not do evil.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Christ showed us by example, laying down His life, not resisting evil, nor reviling back. He completely trusted in God His Father whom is the supreme Judge and by whom are all things.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Under the law of faith, we know the Lord is working good and the evil as He is causing all things that happen. When evil is present with us, then we know the Lord has sent it and it is a trial of our faith. We leave the outcome in the hands of God and we stand on the Commandment and do not resist. When Christ was being prepared for His crucifixion, He answered Pilate’s questioning of His Kingdom.
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Joh 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Christ also rebuked an unconverted Peter, who took a physical sword and cut off the ear of those who came to arrest Christ. This was a work of the flesh and Peter’s disobedience to the Commandment to not resist evil. It is an extreme test of faith, but servants of Christ do not resist evil and entrust their life to the works of God Almighty, knowing of His sovereignty and power.
Mat 26:51 And, behold, one [Peter] of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
It is only through faith that we obey and resist not evil. Our faith is in God and His promises and power which is working all things for the counsel of His Will. We trust in the Lord with our whole heart.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Do not confuse this Commandment to not resist evil with the other Commandments to resist the adversary and take every thought captive and kill all the inward enemies that come against the Commandments. Those spiritual enemies of the Lord are vanquished and killed by the fire of the Living Word. We give them no place to occupy in our heavens or on our earth. The fight of faith requires us to engage in warfare, putting on the whole armour of God. There is a time for war, and the walk of faith requires we fight the war in heaven against the inward enemies of the Commandments.
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Those inward enemies within us, who exalt themselves against the Lord and do not want to be ruled, are slain by the Sword of the Spirit.
Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me
The Lord fights for us, meaning the Commandments, the Sword of the Lord does the killing. Our work is to believe and stand on the Commandments.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness
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