THE LORD YOUR GOD IS A MAN OF WAR By Major Frank Materu

Introduction

The Bible declares that the Lord is a warrior, a God who fights for His people. He equips His children with courage, humility, and strength to face battles both spiritual and physical. As Christians, we are called to align ourselves with God's purposes, obey His commands, and march boldly as soldiers in His kingdom. This teaching unpacks the Lord’s warlike nature and our role in His ongoing spiritual battles.


Key Scripture:

"The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name." – Exodus 15:3 (NIV)


1. GOD DECLARES HIMSELF AS A MAN OF WAR

Key Verse: "The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies." – Isaiah 42:13 (NIV)

God identifies Himself as a warrior who confronts and defeats His enemies. His zeal and determination to reclaim nations for His glory are unwavering. He calls His people to obedience, promising to empower them as they follow Him.

  1. God’s battles are spiritual, yet their effects are visible in the natural world.
  2. He does not retreat nor is He discouraged; instead, He advances where the trumpet sounds.
  3. Application: Align yourself with God’s mission. Let His courage and strength inspire you to stand firm in the face of challenges.


2. THE COURAGE AND HUMILITY REQUIRED FOR VICTORY

Key Verse: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Victory in the Lord’s battle requires a unique combination of courage and humility. These traits allow God’s people to depend on His power while boldly engaging in spiritual warfare.

  1. The battle for souls is ongoing across the world, often unseen but deeply impactful.
  2. God instills a fighting spirit in His children, equipping them to face challenges with divine strength.
  3. Application: Remain steadfast in humility, acknowledging that the battle belongs to the Lord.


3. SPIRITUAL DECEPTION: THE DEMON CALLED "FELLOWSHIP"

Key Verse: "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." – 1 John 4:1 (NIV)

While true fellowship among believers is valuable, a deceptive spirit often infiltrates the church. This "fellowship spirit" promotes bondage, lies, and hypocrisy under the guise of unity.

  1. Many believers unknowingly participate in counterfeit fellowship that tolerates sin.
  2. True fellowship is marked by honesty, love, and alignment with God’s truth.
  3. Application: Discern the spirits in your gatherings. Rebuke and reject deception, striving for genuine communion in Christ.


4. THE CALL TO PLEASE GOD, NOT MEN

Key Verse: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

God warns against the temptation to seek human approval at the expense of faithfulness to Him. Many leaders have forsaken their calling to avoid rejection or hardship.


  1. Serving God often comes with the "cup of suffering" and separation.
  2. Faithfulness requires feeding others the spiritual bread that God provides, regardless of recognition.
  3. Application: Focus on pleasing God above all else, even when it leads to rejection or sacrifice.


5. THE AGGRESSIVENESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE

Key Verse: "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." – 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)

God’s people are called to be aggressive in spiritual warfare, unafraid of their identity as His battle-ready soldiers.

  1. Aggression in this context refers to boldness and persistence in fighting spiritual battles.
  2. The war is ongoing, and retreat is not an option.
  3. Application: Embrace your role as a weapon in God’s hand, advancing His kingdom with courage and conviction.


6. FAITHFULNESS AND THE SOUNDING OF THE BATTLE CRY

Key Verse: "Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack." – Joel 3:9 (NIV)

The Lord is amplifying His voice in the earth, calling His people to awaken to the spiritual battle. Faithfulness to this call is critical.

  1. God is expanding His reach and influence through His faithful servants.
  2. As His warriors, we must trust His voice and remain steadfast in our commitment to His cause.
  3. Application: Pray for God to increase His voice through you, influencing lives and nations for His glory.



Conclusion

The Lord, our God, is indeed a man of war. He fights not with earthly weapons but with divine power, and He invites His people to join Him in this spiritual battle. By embracing courage, humility, and faithfulness, we become instruments in His hands to advance His kingdom and bring transformation to the nations.


Summary Points:

  1. God is a warrior who calls His people to battle.
  2. Victory requires courage, humility, and discernment.
  3. Reject counterfeit fellowship and strive to please God, not men.
  4. Embrace your identity as an aggressive soldier in God’s army.
  5. Pray for faithfulness and the amplification of God's voice through your life.


Final Charge:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." – Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)