What we believe By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
— 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
Introduction:
In the world today, Christianity is often viewed in the context of passivity or quietism, but the Scriptures present a very different picture for the believer. The life of a Christian is not one of passivity or retreat but one of aggression in the spiritual realm.
As believers, we are called to aggressively advance the Kingdom of God, not only by spreading the gospel but by standing firm against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine God’s work in the earth. This aggressive stance is not about physical combat but about taking spiritual authority in the name of Jesus and utilizing the spiritual weapons that God has provided to overcome the enemy.
1. The Call to Spiritual Warfare
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
As Christians, we are called to fight the good fight of faith, but our fight is not with flesh and blood. The true battle lies in the spiritual realm where the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.
We must be aggressive in using the spiritual weapons of prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit to tear down strongholds and bring victory to God's Kingdom. This battle is not passive; it requires boldness and action.
- Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God
- 1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith
- James 4:7 - Submit to God, resist the devil
2. The Power of God’s Word as a Weapon
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. When used correctly, it becomes a weapon that can pierce through the lies of the enemy and bring deliverance. Just as Jesus used the Word to resist temptation in the wilderness, we must also wield it to resist the attacks of the enemy.
Aggressive Christianity means using the Word of God to confront every lie, every deceit, and every evil work.
- Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus’ use of Scripture to resist Satan
- Psalm 119:11 - Hide the Word of God in your heart
- Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word will accomplish its purpose
3. The Role of Prayer in Aggressive Christianity
Scripture: Matthew 17:21
Prayer is the most powerful weapon available to the believer. Through prayer, we communicate with God, seek His guidance, and take authority over the forces of darkness. The Bible teaches that certain strongholds can only be broken through prayer and fasting. Aggressive Christianity calls for persistent, fervent, and powerful prayer to bring God's will into manifestation on earth.
- Mark 11:24 - Believe and pray in faith
- Luke 18:1-8 - The parable of the persistent widow
- Ephesians 6:18 - Pray always in the Spirit
4. The Ministry of Deliverance
Scripture: Mark 16:17
Jesus has given the believer authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. This is part of the aggressive stance that Christians must take in the face of spiritual oppression. We must be bold in ministering deliverance to those who are bound by the enemy, whether in their minds, bodies, or spirits. This is not just the work of a select few but of every believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Luke 10:19 - Authority over all the power of the enemy
- Matthew 10:8 - Heal the sick, cast out demons
- Acts 16:18 - Paul casting out a spirit of divination
5. The Christian’s Battle Against Fleshly Desires
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-17
One of the greatest battles Christians face is not with external forces, but with their own sinful nature. Aggressive Christianity requires that we fight against the desires of the flesh by walking in the Spirit. This battle requires constant vigilance and a commitment to live according to God's Word and not our own fleshly desires. Christians must aggressively pursue holiness and righteousness, resisting the temptations that come from within and without.
- Romans 8:13 - Put to death the deeds of the body
- 1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from fleshly lusts
- James 4:7 - Resist the devil and he will flee from you
6. The Ultimate Victory in Christ
Scripture: Revelation 19:11-16
While Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare, we are not fighting a battle that we can lose. The victory has already been won through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are simply called to enforce that victory on earth. The ultimate victory will come when Jesus returns as the conquering King, and every enemy will be put under His feet. Until that day, we are to stand firm, knowing that the victory is ours.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 - Thanks be to God who gives us the victory
- Romans 16:20 - The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet
- Colossians 2:15 - Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities
Summary:
Aggressive Christianity is not about fighting in the physical realm; it’s about standing firm in the spiritual realm and taking hold of the promises of God. Christians must actively engage in prayer, use the Word of God as a weapon, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit to resist the enemy and bring glory to God. The fight is real, but the victory is assured in Christ. By living a life of aggressive faith, we demonstrate God’s Kingdom on earth and show the world the power of the gospel.
Conclusion:
The call to aggressive Christianity is not for the faint-hearted. It requires boldness, commitment, and a willingness to engage in spiritual battles. But it is a call that we must answer, for the forces of darkness are real, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Let us not be passive in our faith but aggressive in our pursuit of God’s will, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. Stand firm in the faith, take up your spiritual armor, and fight the good fight, for the victory is ours in Christ Jesus!