Embracing Conflict: The Call to Spiritual Warfare
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor discussing the role of conflict in the lives of Christians. He acknowledges that conflict is not always consistent, as there are times when Christ demands conflict and believers must be people of conflict in order to defend the Lord and His cause. The pastor emphasizes that this psalm serves as a reminder that conflict is a part of the lives of those who follow God, although it is not carnal conflict like in the Old Testament. Instead, believers are called to wage war against Satan and his forces, casting down high and lofty things.
The pastor then addresses the question of why there is a desire to sing a new song. He explains that sometimes the old songs we sing do not capture the current emotions and feelings we have, leading to a desire for something new. This desire is seen throughout the Psalms and even in the New Testament. The pastor connects this desire for a new song to the idea of praising God. He emphasizes that salvation is something to truly get excited about and praises God in light of that.
The pastor encourages the congregation to continually praise God in all aspects of their lives, even in their thoughts before sleep. However, there is a dramatic transition in verse six where it mentions that a two-edged sword is in the hands of the people of praise. The pastor explains that this connects to the reality in the New Testament where there is a tension between the teachings of Jesus and the presence of conflict in the lives of Christians.
The pastor concludes by reminding the congregation that Jesus himself said that his teachings would bring a sword, indicating that the Lord does not always bring peace. The sermon was delivered near McDowell Mountain in Mesa, Arizona, with the pastor describing the picturesque scene of a nearby granite rock formation and a small body of water.
Key Takeaways:
- Conflict is an integral part of a Christian's life. It is not always consistent, and there are times when Christ demands conflict. Believers are called to defend the Lord and His cause, waging war against Satan and his forces. This is not a carnal conflict, but a spiritual one. [12:45]
- The desire to sing a new song is a reflection of the current emotions and feelings of believers. Old songs may not capture these emotions, leading to a desire for something new. This desire is seen throughout the Psalms and even in the New Testament. [22:30]
- Salvation is something to truly get excited about and is a reason to praise God. The pastor encourages the congregation to continually praise God in all aspects of their lives, even in their thoughts before sleep. [32:15]
- There is a tension between the teachings of Jesus and the presence of conflict in the lives of Christians. This is reflected in verse six of the psalm, which mentions that a two-edged sword is in the hands of the people of praise. [42:00]
- Jesus himself said that his teachings would bring a sword, indicating that the Lord does not always bring peace. This serves as a reminder to the congregation that following Christ may involve conflict and challenges. [52:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 149:1-9
"Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord."
2. 2 Corinthians 10:4
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
3. John 16:8
"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 149:1-9 tell us about the role of praise and conflict in the lives of believers?
2. How does 2 Corinthians 10:4 describe the nature of the conflict that believers are engaged in?
3. What does John 16:8 reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in the world?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of singing a new song in Psalm 149 relate to the current emotions and feelings of believers?
2. How does the two-edged sword mentioned in Psalm 149:6 connect to the spiritual warfare described in 2 Corinthians 10:4?
3. What does John 16:8 suggest about the tension between the teachings of Jesus and the presence of conflict in the lives of believers?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt the need to sing a new song, reflecting your current emotions and feelings towards God? How did you express this desire?
2. How can you actively engage in spiritual warfare as described in 2 Corinthians 10:4 in your daily life? Can you think of a specific stronghold you need to confront?
3. How can you better respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment in your life? Can you identify a specific area where you need conviction?
4. How can you continually praise God in all aspects of your life, even in your thoughts before sleep? Can you think of a specific routine you can establish to do this?
5. How can you prepare yourself for the potential conflict and challenges that may arise from following Christ's teachings, as suggested in John 16:8? Can you think of a specific situation where you might face such conflict?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Conflict
Conflict is an inherent part of a Christian's life, not always consistent, but sometimes demanded by Christ Himself. As believers, we are called to defend the Lord and His cause, waging war against Satan and his forces. This is not a physical conflict, but a spiritual one. [12:45]
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself for spiritual conflict today? What specific prayer or scripture can you use as your 'weapon' in this spiritual battle?
Day 2: Singing a New Song
The desire to sing a new song reflects our current emotions and feelings. Old songs may not capture these emotions, leading to a desire for something new. This desire is seen throughout the Psalms and even in the New Testament. [22:30]
Psalm 96:1 - "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth."
Reflection: What new 'song' or prayer can you offer to God today that reflects your current emotions and feelings?
Day 3: Celebrating Salvation
Salvation is something to truly get excited about and is a reason to praise God. We are encouraged to continually praise God in all aspects of our lives, even in our thoughts before sleep. [32:15]
1 Peter 1:8-9 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How can you express your joy and gratitude for salvation in your daily life today?
Day 4: The Sword of the Spirit
There is a tension between the teachings of Jesus and the presence of conflict in the lives of Christians. This is reflected in the mention of a two-edged sword in the hands of the people of praise. [42:00]
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: How can you use the Word of God as a 'sword' in your spiritual battles today?
Day 5: The Challenge of Following Christ
Jesus Himself said that His teachings would bring a sword, indicating that the Lord does not always bring peace. This serves as a reminder that following Christ may involve conflict and challenges. [52:30]
Matthew 10:34 - "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
Reflection: What challenges are you facing in your walk with Christ today, and how can you rely on His teachings to navigate these challenges?
Quotes
"Conflict is just not consistent because sometimes Christ demands conflict, sometimes we have to be people of conflict in order to defend the Lord in His cause."
"This psalm is a good reminder to us that conflict is a part of our lives if we are following God. It's not carnal conflict, but we are called to wage war, to cast down high and lofty things."
"The servant of the Lord must not strive, but at the same time, there are times where we merely have to dig our heels in and do that which is right even when others aren't."
"Sometimes the old songs can't capture the emotion and feeling that we have at the current moment, and so there's a desire to sing a new song to the Lord."
"Salvation is something to truly get excited about and to praise Him in light of that."
"How can these be people of praise but at the same time have a sword in their hands? It's not being consistent with the teachings of Jesus or the life of Jesus."
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