Introduction
The term, "violent" means "to use force on; to use power; to assault; to afflict; to oppress; or to constrain." What must we use force on? Who must we use power on? Who must we afflict? Who must we oppress? What must we constrain? Who are to be the violent?
Main Points: Matthew 11:12
- Who are to be the violent? Well, it is the Christians. Who must we behave violently against? Clearly the devil, and his agents. The characteristics of a violent Christian are:
- Someone who Strives: "STRIVE to enter" Luke 13:24
- Someone who Contends: "Earnestly CONTEND" Jude 1:3
- Someone who Wrestles: "We WRESTLE" Ephesians 6:12
- Someone who Fights: "FIGHT the good FIGHT of Faith" 1 Timothy 6:12
- What must we use violence on? Who must we use power on? Who must we afflict?
- We need violence on forces restraining our position or place in the kingdom of God.
- We need violence on forces trying to limit our authority or privileged rights in the kingdom of God.
- We need violence on forces inhibiting the great possessions we have in Christ Jesus.
- Examples of Violence (i.e., striving; pressing, wrestling, fighting):
- The Canaanite woman refused until her daughter was made whole by Jesus Matthew 15:22-28
- The Lords' righteous at the illegal traders who bought and sold in the temple of God John 2:13-17
- The Apostles' preaching or teaching in the name of Jesus, in spite of threat Acts 4:18-31
- Paul's declaration of blindness on Elymas the sorcerer at his resistance of the gospel Acts 13:8-11
- Will you press in and lay hold onto what God says you can have? In Luke 17:20-21 , we read: "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you". If this kingdom is within you, to what extent are you tapping into its resources for a dynamic life?
Memory Verse
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle— Psalm 144:1
You must train your hands to fight, however you think of what this hand is – physical or spiritual! The hand must hold the sword or the rifle. The finger must create a spiral point balancing the weight and movements of the sword. The finger must press the trigger.