5 Bible based thoughts relative to this current war in Ukraine Doug Sukhia 3.4.22
1. Wars are inevitable in this fallen world. The fall has brought conflict, suffering and death. Rom 8:20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. The battle between the forces of good and evil commenced after the fall. Cain murdered Abel. Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers... Jesus warned that war would not be eradicated until He returns. Matt 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
2. When attacked, people and nations have the right of self defense. Pacifism is not tenable in a world full of evil. The 6th commandment forbids murder not the just taking of life by capital punishment or self defense. Ex 20:13 "You shall not murder. Ex 21:12 "Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death. The disciples of Jesus had swords for self defense. Luke 22:36...if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one...38 The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied. If it is legitimate to use force to protect your own life it is legitimate to use force to protect many lives in war. Eccl 3:8 ...a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. God’s promised protection does not preclude our use of means. Neh 4:20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" 21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears...
3. All tyrants will eventually be judged and punished for their evil. Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns... 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ...He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Our anger and frustration at this present evil should be balanced with the awareness of God’s coming judgment. See: Psalm 37:1,2,7,10,20; 73:2,3,8,18-20
4. Christians are always at war with: a. our residing sin tendencies ... Rom 7:23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. Gal 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other... 1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. b. the relentless, deceitful attacks on the truth from the world system around us ... 2 Cor 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. c. the enemy of our souls-Satan... Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
5. All in this world have a limited lifespan. We are all subject to death sooner or later. Heb 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment... James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." Our concern should not be only on extending our lives but on how we live during the time we are given . Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.