For two thousand years, believers have prioritized the importance of “spiritual warfare” for Christian health. (Heck, I was raised Presbyterian, and even Presbyterians taught it.) The battle comprises three enemies: the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. While most teaching mentions these three enemies, the spiritual enemy most frequently taught about is the Devil.
But Scripture warns us about the World one hundred times more than the Devil or the Flesh. One Hundred Times More!
This topic has been stirring my heart since I was in university. In fact, I believe that God’s single greatest call on my life is to write (and speak) about this one issue: The War of the World.
The battle against Satan is ubiquitous (even Hollywood gives it lip-service) and the nature of the Flesh is obvious (nobody robbing a bank thinks their Glock is a legitimate ATM card). But the war of the world is insidious. Its very hiddenness enforces its potency.
Last week I was asked to preach at the Springs Church in Colorado. They asked me to speak on any topic I chose, and I finally decided to speak on the subject that I’ve kept hidden for years. That sermon also forms the substance of the first chapter of my next book, The War of the World.
I invite you to listen to that sermon either on my podcast Beliefs of the Heart Reflections or watch it on the video player below.
And I would really appreciate any comments, insights, corrections, and even a little (if you want) sharing of your own experiences.
Sam
Click here to list to the podcast (the link also gives access to your favorite Podcast app):
Click below to watch a video of the sermon:
The Fool and His Headlines
I can’t help think about how the ways of the world have influenced our Christmas/Advent season–especially in our churches.
Very Timely
Hi Gail,
So great to hear from you. Yeah, the world seems to have infiltrated our Christian celebrations completely.
And they do it so appealingly … until we realize the materialism we are teaching our kids. Alas.
Sam
I so appreciate this perspective and awakening to the worlds’ influence. Swimming in dangerous waters of which we can be so unawares. If you’re blinded, how do you know what’s blinding you? Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, open our eyes.
Amen, Lord Jesus, open our eyes.
Hi Sam,
I’m really glad God has put this topic in your heart. I think it is so vital. In the recent years my husband and I gave up movies. I know it probably sounds extreme and probably sounds like we entered a cult to most people. We thought about how Hollywood comes with an immense amount of counterfeit ideas. We also soon discovered how much of those ideas we were applying to our lives. Quoting movies and rehearsing lines. Just thinking back on the amount of money we were investing in buying movies, whether it was from going to the movies, or watching at home. We are talking thousands of dollars that could have went to vacationing or investing in more productive ideas. That’s just one example of counterfeit ideas out there but there’s so many the world offers. As I thought about your message I thought, can we even escape without seeming as the kind of people who live as cavemen. It’s hard. Almost seems impossible. However, looking back and seeing how much my husband and I have benefited and saved just from giving up the idea of watching movies. We spend more time talking to each other, studying, reading, actually living life. l can’t help to think how much we would all benefit from giving up other counterfeit ideas.
Hi Maria,
I’m amazed (and humbled!) by your giving up movies. I haven’t done that, and I admire you in your decision.
One thing my wife and I do, is to pause periodically and say, “Do you see that subtle worldly influence?”
Like last night, we saw a show where the a couple wonders if they should move in together; a “pastor” asks, “What does your heart say” and their parents say, “Whatever makes you happy.” Both bits of advice are just stupid! Our hears ALWAYS say, “Just one more piece of cake,” and … we are ALWAYS deceived about what makes us most happy.
I think a constant reflection during the show helps keeps us aware … and it makes us laugh! (I mean, if any parent in the world just told their three-year-old kids, “Do what your heart says,” they would be arrested by Child Protection Services for neglect! Are we areally any smarter than those infants?)
Sam