How should believers respond to being chosen as God's "proudly exultant" warriors? Chosen Yet Called to Humility “On that day you will not be put to shame for any of your deeds by which you have transgressed against Me. Then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be arrogant on My holy mountain.” (Zephaniah 3:11) Being enlisted in God’s service is an honor, but Zephaniah reminds us that God will not tolerate self-exalting pride among His people. Our first response must therefore be humble gratitude rather than self-promotion. • Remember the Source – 1 Samuel 17:47: “The battle is the LORD’s.” – James 1:17: every good gift—including our calling—comes from Him. • Reject pride quickly – 1 Peter 5:5: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – Philippians 2:3: pursue humility so the Lord does not have to “remove” us as He warns in Zephaniah. Embracing the Warrior Identity Scripture repeatedly pictures believers as soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Accepting that identity involves active, disciplined living. • Train daily in the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Stay alert to the enemy’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8) • Keep “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” close at hand (Ephesians 6:17) • Submit to our Commander without questioning orders (Luke 6:46) Fighting with Spiritual Weapons Our warfare is “not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). God arms us differently: 1. Truth-belt – keeps us from tripping over lies. 2. Righteousness-breastplate – protects the heart from accusation. 3. Gospel-boots – readiness to move wherever He sends. 4. Faith-shield – quenches fiery darts of doubt. 5. Salvation-helmet – guards the mind with assurance. 6. Spirit-sword – Scripture, our offensive weapon. 7. Constant prayer – the battle line of communication (Ephesians 6:10-18). Maintaining Joyful Confidence Humility does not cancel celebration. Psalm 149:5-6 shows saints exulting in praise while wielding swords. • Rejoice in what Christ has already won (Colossians 2:15) • Sing victory songs before the battle is visibly over (2 Chronicles 20:21-22) • Encourage fellow soldiers with testimonies of God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25) Serving Side by Side No warrior fights alone. • Unity protects against friendly fire (Philippians 1:27) • Mutual accountability keeps pride in check (Proverbs 27:17) • Shared burdens lighten the march (Galatians 6:2) Living for the Coming Parade Revelation 19:14 pictures the final, triumphant army riding behind the conquering Christ. That certain future shapes present conduct. • Stay clean, knowing a review is coming (2 Corinthians 5:10) • Endure hardship—the campaign is temporary (Romans 8:18) • Fix eyes on the Captain, not the chaos (Hebrews 12:1-2) Responding to God’s call as His warriors means laying down pride, taking up His armor, marching in step with fellow soldiers, and exulting—always—in the Lord rather than ourselves. |
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