Victory

The Call to Swing the Sword

In this insightful Bible teaching, Matthew Vander Els explores the concept of victory in the life of a believer, drawing a powerful analogy between facing life’s challenges and engaging in battle. He begins by highlighting a common sentiment among those who follow God: the feeling of being overwhelmed by the “armies” of oppression, hardship, and personal struggles. Many find themselves questioning why, if God is meant to protect and fight for them, these difficulties persist. They may long for a clear sign or direct intervention from God to eliminate their enemies and resolve their problems.

This yearning for immediate divine intervention is often accompanied by a moment of realization – the “sword” presented to the believer is not meant for God to wield exclusively, but for the believer to pick up and use. This sword is identified as the Word of God, Scripture, the Bible. The initial enthusiasm at receiving this powerful weapon can quickly turn to fear and inadequacy. The challenges seem too great, the “sword” too heavy, and the believer may feel ill-equipped to fight their own battles.

Embracing Weakness, Embracing the Fight

The teaching emphasizes that believers are often chosen by God precisely because of their weakness. This might seem counterintuitive, but it serves a crucial purpose: when victory is achieved through seemingly weak individuals, it becomes undeniably clear that the triumph belongs to God and His glory alone. There is no room for human boasting when the strength for victory comes directly from the “commander” – God Himself. The path to victory is not passive waiting for God to act, but actively choosing to “swing the sword,” to engage with God’s Word in the face of adversity.

It is acknowledged that this battle will not be without its wounds. Believers will face setbacks, get “cut up,” and be “slammed down.” However, the promise of victory is already secured for those who choose to persevere, to continue walking and swinging the sword despite the pain and challenges. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, He gives the victory through our Master, Yeshua the Messiah,” highlighting that this victory is over sin itself.

Standing Firm with God’s Authority

Continuing this theme, the teaching draws on 1 Corinthians 15:58, which urges believers to “stand firm.” This does not imply retreating or hiding, expecting God to fight the battles alone. Rather, it signifies taking a stand with the authority given by the King. God equips believers to fight under His name, providing the “banner” of His truth to carry into battle. The instruction is clear: when faced with overwhelming opposition, do not run. Instead, fully commit to the work of the King, knowing that labor in the Lord is never in vain. The ultimate glory does not belong to the individual but to God; the believer is simply making the choice to walk and swing the sword.

The Example of Joshua: Action and Obedience

To further illustrate this principle, the teaching turns to the biblical figure of Joshua. Joshua, whose name in Hebrew (Yeshua) means salvation, was the protege of Moses and was chosen to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. Despite God’s promise to give them every place they set their foot and the assurance that no one would be able to stand against them, God repeatedly commanded Joshua to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, Joshua 1:7). This repetition reveals Joshua’s fear and the need for constant encouragement. God’s blueprint for success was clear: obedience to the Torah, the law given through Moses, would lead to blessing and success.

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Application for Everyday Life:

• Acknowledge your battles: Recognize the areas of your life where you face oppression, hardship, or personal struggles.
• Pick up the sword: Engage actively with the Bible. Read it, study it, and seek to understand how its principles apply to your specific challenges.
• Don’t expect God to do it all for you: While prayer and reliance on God are crucial, understand that you have a role to play in your own victory through obedience and action.
• Embrace your weakness: Recognize that your limitations are an opportunity for God’s strength to be displayed.
• Keep swinging: Persevere through difficulties. Even when you feel tired or discouraged, continue to apply God’s Word to your life.
• Stand firm: Don’t retreat in the face of opposition. Stand on the truth of God’s Word and the authority He has given you.
• Remember the ultimate victory: Know that God has already secured the ultimate victory through Yeshua. Your current battles are part of walking in that victory.
• Learn from historical context: When reading Scripture, consider the historical and cultural background to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding.
• Be bold in your faith: Like the apostles, be willing to stand for your beliefs even in the face of opposition.
• Trust in God’s plan: Even when you don’t understand why you are facing certain challenges, trust that God has a plan for your growth and ultimate victory.

References:

• 1 Corinthians 15:57
• 1 Corinthians 15:58
• Joshua 1:1
• Joshua 1:6
• Joshua 1:7
• 2 Chronicles 14

Books and Resources Mentioned:

• The Bible
• Black warriors from antiquity to present

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