THE WAR GOES ON By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
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INTRODUCTION
A true Christian is not called to a life of ease but to a life of warfare. From the moment we are born into the Kingdom of God, we are drafted into an ongoing spiritual battle. This war is not one of mere physical confrontation but a deep, relentless conflict between the forces of light and darkness. The enemy seeks to destroy souls, to pull believers away from their faith, and to sow deception in the world. However, those who are truly committed to Christ must recognize the reality of this war and be prepared to fight with unwavering faith and perseverance. The war does not end until our final breath, and only those who remain steadfast to the end will see the victory in Christ.
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THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 - "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.)"
Many believers underestimate the intensity of the spiritual battle that surrounds them. The forces of darkness are constantly at work, seeking to deceive, distract, and destroy. This battle is fought not with human strength or earthly weapons, but with the divine power of God. Victory comes only through prayer, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
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THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST IN WAR
Luke 9:23 - "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
To be enlisted in God’s army means to deny oneself and accept the hardships that come with following Christ. Persecution, suffering, and rejection by the world are inevitable. Yet, the faithful do not turn back, for they understand that suffering for Christ is an honor. The great cloud of witnesses that has gone before us bore the cost of discipleship, and now we are called to do the same.
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THE POWER OF UNITY IN GOD'S ARMY
John 17:21 - "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
A divided army cannot win a battle. Satan thrives on sowing division among believers, but Christ calls His people to unity. When believers stand together in prayer, worship, and mission, the enemy’s attacks are weakened. True soldiers of Christ move as one, fighting with a shared purpose—to establish God’s Kingdom on earth and rescue souls from the grip of hell.
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THE ENEMY'S STRATEGY AND GOD'S PROTECTION
1 Peter 5:8-9 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
The devil is relentless in his pursuit of believers. He uses fear, temptation, and deception to weaken their faith. But God has not left His children defenseless. He has provided the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18), and His angelic host is continually fighting on our behalf. Those who trust in Him are never alone in battle.
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THERE IS NO RETIREMENT, ONLY REFINEMENT
Philippians 3:14 - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
In this war, there is no room for retreat. There is no age limit, no point at which a believer can say they have fought enough. Until our final breath, we must keep pressing forward. Those who are weary are not called to quit but to be refined and renewed by God’s strength, ready to keep fighting.
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SUMMARY
The Christian life is a battlefield. The war is real, the cost is great, but the victory is assured for those who endure to the end. We must recognize our enemy, stand firm in faith, remain united with our fellow believers, and never give up. The war goes on, but so does our strength in Christ.
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CONCLUSION
The battle for souls continues every day, and the forces of darkness do not rest. But God has equipped His people with everything they need to overcome. This war is not fought with physical weapons but with faith, prayer, righteousness, and obedience to God’s Word. Those who remain steadfast will inherit the crown of life.
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THE CALL TO ACTION
Are you ready to fight the good fight of faith? Are you willing to take up your cross and follow Christ no matter the cost? Now is the time to armor up, strengthen your prayer life, and commit fully to God's purpose. Stand firm and declare, "The war goes on, and I will not retreat!"
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Romans 8:37 - "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
No matter the battles you face, remember that victory is already secured in Christ. He has given you the power to overcome. Do not grow weary. Keep pressing forward, knowing that God is with you, strengthening you for every challenge that lies ahead.
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PRAYER OF SALVATION
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, cleanse me, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen me to walk in righteousness and to stand firm in the battles of life. I surrender my life to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
