Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Spiritual Warfare and Suppressing Fire
by Tom Goodman
July 14, 2010

So, in Iraq and Afghanistan, how many shots are fired for every enemy killed?

250,000.

Robert Evans called attention to that figure at Cracked.com. The ammo is expended laying down suppressing fire, which limits the ability of the enemy to fire and allows your own troops to move into more strategic positions.

How come we believers don't follow that philosophy in our own fights?

The Apostle Paul often described the Christian life as spiritual warfare. Twice, Paul tells Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 1:18 and 6:12). It was something he himself was committed to, and near the end of his life Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight." He calls Christian co-workers his "fellow soldiers" (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2; cf. 2 Timothy 2:3). He wrote that we fight "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12) and so "the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). No, we're to put on "the full armor of God" for our warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Now, what's our typical strategy in this spiritual warfare? Maybe we attend a single worship service, and maybe not even weekly?

How about a few more bullets? Let's start with attending the worship service weekly instead of, oh, monthly. Let's add a small-group experience to that. How about daily Bible reading, and choosing books from Christian authors that will help you grow in your understanding and application of the Word? Socialize with other believers who are trying to make the same life choices you're trying to make. And make sure the soundtrack of your life is populated with music that turns your thoughts to God and his ways.

Let's be willing to expend a quarter of a million bullets for each spiritual "enemy" we face!

Onward,

--Tom

Worship Leaders: Gene has such a talent pool of musicians. You've probably noticed that he has enlisted three men to occasionally lead our worship music. We're so grateful for Paul Rusch, Mark Chambers, and Brent Blaha! This Sunday, it's Brent's turn to have a role in leading the worship music. For the message, our text will be Acts 5:12-42, if you want to read ahead. See you @ 10!

Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday.

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Spiritual Warfare and Suppressing Fire by Tom Goodman July 14, 2010 So, in Iraq and Afghanistan, how many shots are fired for every enemy killed? 250,000. Robert Evans called attention to that figure at Cracked.com. The ammo is expended laying down suppressing fire, which limits the ability of the enemy to fire and allows your own troops to move into more strategic positions. How come we believers don't follow that philosophy in our own fights? The Apostle Paul often described the Christian life as spiritual warfare. Twice, Paul tells Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 1:18 and 6:12). It was something he himself was committed to, and near the end of his life Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight." He calls Christian co-workers his "fellow soldiers" (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2; cf. 2 Timothy 2:3). He wrote that we fight "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12) and so "the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). No, we're to put on "the full armor of God" for our warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Now, what's our typical strategy in this spiritual warfare? Maybe we attend a single worship service, and maybe not even weekly? How about a few more bullets? Let's start with attending the worship service weekly instead of, oh, monthly. Let's add a small-group experience to that. How about daily Bible reading, and choosing books from Christian authors that will help you grow in your understanding and application of the Word? Socialize with other believers who are trying to make the same life choices you're trying to make. And make sure the soundtrack of your life is populated with music that turns your thoughts to God and his ways. Let's be willing to expend a quarter of a million bullets for each spiritual "enemy" we face! Onward, --Tom Worship Leaders: Gene has such a talent pool of musicians. You've probably noticed that he has enlisted three men to occasionally lead our worship music. We're so grateful for Paul Rusch, Mark Chambers, and Brent Blaha! This Sunday, it's Brent's turn to have a role in leading the worship music. For the message, our text will be Acts 5:12-42, if you want to read ahead. See you @ 10! Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.