MAKE WAR

Listen to Make War by Tedashii here.

As Christians in a watered down world, a pattern has emerged of coming to the altar, weeping, and confessing our sin that we fail to turn from but continue to repeat. We confess to ease our own sense of guilt, rather than to faithfully seek God's power over the sin and acknowledge our depravity without Him. Our world has stripped our patience and taught us to desire instant satisfaction. This way of thinking has infiltrated our Christian lives and the life-long pursuit of righteousness. To ease our momentary guilt, we quickly pray and accept this deed as being “enough”. Where is the change? Where is the battle? It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

John Piper's Sermon Jam says “The only possible attitude toward out of control desire is out of control war.” He tells Christians to stop murmuring about imperfections and failures, but rather MAKE WAR! We expect God to stop us from sinning without us putting forth any effort. Ephesians 6:10-20 says that we are in a spiritual war and that we must prepare with the spiritual armor that God has given us. Our source of strength and our shield against temptation is found in God’s Word. Are you soaking yourself in it?

A vivid description in 2 Peter 2 describes people who know the way of righteousness yet remain mastered by sin as dogs that return to eat their own vomit. No sugar coating. No tip-toeing around it. It is time for Christians to declare war on sin! Declare war on lust. Declare war on pride. Declare war on lying, cheating, and gossiping! Engage in battle every day or live in defeat. Quit confessing words. Intentionally allow your guilt to seek God’s righteousness.

Stop weeping at the altar over a burden you refuse to allow God to carry. I know the hopelessness of being trapped in sin. It becomes comfortable. It is hard to give up. But you have the power through the Spirit within you: Christ already defeated sin! (1 Cor 15:54-57) So, MAKE WAR AGAINST SIN. Stop focusing on the sin of those around you. BE COURAGEOUS. BE BOLD. Make war within you on the sin the devil has pinned you down with!

Listen to John Piper's full sermon jam here