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Special Requests Message 26 of 50
God’s Position on War and Violence
Brian Anderson· June 15, 2025
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
The series
Messages on questions our church family asked to hear preached, taken straight from the Scriptures.
God is just
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Deuteronomy 32:4
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?Job 9:2
Our sense of justice will never be as God’s.
What was Jesus saying when He commanded us to “turn the other cheek” or “love our enemies”?
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.Matthew 5:38-39
These instructions were to help those in authority to carry out just punishment for offenses.
Many teachings from the sermon on the mount address the heart behind the Jewish laws and provide moral teachings for all people.
“Turn the other cheek”
“Turn the other cheek” is an idiom referring to not retaliating against insults or personal offenses. Not a command to forgo all self-defense.
Self-defense is biblically in both the Old and New Testaments.
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.Exodus 22:1-3
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.Luke 22:36
Jesus’ teaching promotes restraint and humility, not a blanket prohibition on defending oneself or others from real harm.
Why did Jesus say He came to bring a sword rather than peace?
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.Matthew 10:34-36
What about loving your enemy?
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Matthew 5:44-45
Love your enemy does not mean that all force is prohibited.
So, what about national or international matters for the government?
God established governments to uphold justice for matters of this world.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.Romans 13:1-4
While the individual who loves God adheres to His laws and commandments, the government abides by and carries out laws that protect all individuals, of any religion.
The government’s responsibility is to “execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
How should Christians think about modern warfare, terrorism, or national defense?
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.Matthew 24:6-7
Trust in the character of God.
Look for opportunities to extend grace.
God will use any means necessary to accomplish His perfect plan.
Don’t let world events distract you from the fact that God is in complete control.
23Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24
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