“The War With Iraq”
INTRODUCTION: Romans 13:1-5
Several things we need to consider:
1.- We must face the reality of evil in the world.
There are some people that you just can’t negotiate with … because they are EVIL.
War is never good … and should be avoided unless it is absolutely the last resort.
- BUT … war is not to be avoided at all costs.
We learned this lesson at WW II.
- Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister of Great Britain wanted to avoid war at all costs … they were still weary from WW I.
- Hitler was counting on this … and made plans to over-run Europe.
- In Sept. of 1938 Chamberlain, Italy & France made a pact w/ Hitler … the Munich Pact.
- They would give part of Czechoslovakia to Germany, if Hitler would not invade any other countries.
- Hitler agreed … but all it did was to sell out the people of Czechoslovakia.
- Hitler broke the pact & took over the rest of Czechoslovakia, and invaded Poland … then Europe.
- The Munich Pact is a symbol of the failure of the policy of appeasement … and a failure to understand the reality of evil.
2.- God has given governments the responsibility for the restraint of evil in this world.
We can turn the other way, and let evil continue.
- BUT … God has set up governments & given them the responsibility to protect the world from evil, and to deal with the evil nations.
- We will see this later, in the Scriptures.
We are partners with God, in carrying out His justice, and maintaining peace in this world.
If we choose to avoid having conflict with evil, then we must be prepared to accept the consequences of that decision.
- Nothing is going to stop the aggression of someone who is bent on evil & destruction.
I. THE BIBLICAL HISTORY IN IRAQ
The land of Iraq has a history or perfection turned into evil.
History in Iraq starts out in PERFECTION.
1.- The Garden Of Eden
Located in what is known as the “fertile crescent” … the birthplace of civilization.
The Garden of Eden was located in Iraq – (Gen. 2:10).
2.- The Tower of Babel – located in Iraq – (Gen. 11:1-4)
In Defiance to God … an act of pride & rebellion … God told them to replenish the earth (9:1).
3.- Ur – located in Iraq.
The birthplace of Abraham … where God called him – (Gen. 11:27-28)
God called him OUT OF UR … it was an evil city … worshipped the ‘god of light’ (“Ur”) … tall buildings that reached high into the sky.
4.- Nineveh – located in Iraq.
The capital city of the Assyrian Empire … a wicked city.
- God sent Jonah there – (Jonah 1:1-2)
The Assyrians were eventually taken over by the Babylonians.
5.- Babylon – located in Iraq.
Became a great city under King Nebuchadnezzar (605 BC).
- Daniel was taken to Babylon when Neb. Conquered Israel.
Babylon is always used as a symbol of evil in the Bible.
- Rev. 17:3-5 – ribbon
II. THE BIBLE ON WAR
Moses chastised the tribes of Reuben & Gad for not going to war Numb. 32:6 – “Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?”
1.- What does God think about war?
The Bible is filled with wars … and God told His people Israel many times to wage war on God’s enemies.
Eccl. 3:1-8 – all turn
1.- Ex. 15:3 – “The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name.”
2.- God strengthened His people for war –
Heb. 11:32-34
3.- God wanted His people ready for war –
Judges 3:1-2 – NLT
2.- What about pacifism?
Mt. 5:38-41
It speaks of a ‘slap on the cheek’ … an INSULT.
- If we are going to war because Iraq has insulted us, then this war is wrong.
3.- What is the PURPOSE for war?
1.- To punish evildoers.
- Ps. 149:6-9
- 1 Peter 2:13-16
- Romans 13:1-5 – NLT
2.- Not for a “holy war”.
- 2 Cor. 10:5
- The CHURCH is not to go to war … it is the job of NATIONS.
- If this is a “Christian holy war” (like Crusades), then this war is wrong.
3.- Seek peace first.
- Deut. 20:10-12
4.- What did Jesus say about war?
Jesus drove the money changers out of the Temple.
1.- Mt. 10:34 – “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
2.- Jesus told His Disciples to take up swords – Lk. 22:35-37
3.- Jesus will return with a sword – Rev. 19:11,14-16 –
III. THE CHURCH ON WAR
There have been many pacifists who are against all wars.
Augustine (354-430 AD) – his “Theory of a Just War” … still the guide for Christians today.
1.- PUBLIC AUTHORITY – War must be declared by a legitimate government, not by private individuals (vigilantes).
2.- JUST CAUSE – War must be waged to protect innocent lives, to ensure that people can live decently, and to ensure their natural rights.
3.- RIGHT INTENTION – The goal must be to achieve a just peace (not to secure oil rights).
4. – COMPARATIVE JUSTICE – War should not be waged unless the evils that are fought are grave enough to justify killing (not “murder” … never justified … for vengeance, personal gain).
5.- PROPORTIONALITY – There must be reason to believe that going to war will end more evil than it causes.
6.- PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS – There must be a reasonable likelihood that the war will achieve its aims.
7.- LAST RESORT – Peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted, and the opponent is not interested in peace.
QUOTE – German Lutheran Pastor …
CONCLUSION:
There will be wars throughout history.
- Mt. 24:6-8
Someday, there will be no more wars … in the Millennium.
- Isaiah 2:4
OUTLINE:
“The War With Iraq”
INTRODUCTION: Sincere people on both sides of the issue.
1.- We must face the reality of evil in the world.
2.- God has given governments the responsibility for the restraint of evil in the world.
I. THE BIBLICAL HISTORY IN IRAQ
1.- The Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10)
2.- The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-4)
3.- Ur (Genesis 11:27-28)
4.- Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-2)
5.- Babylon – Revelation 17:3-5
II. THE BIBLE ON WAR
1.- What does God think about war? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1.- Exodus 15:3 – God is a God of war.
2.- Hebrews 11:32-34 – God strengthened people for war.
3.- Judges 3:1-2 – God wanted His people ready for war.
2.- What about Pacifism? – Matthew 5:38-41
3.- What is the PURPOSE for war?
1.- To punish evildoers – Psalm 149:6-9 … 1 Peter 2:13-16 … Romans 13:1-5
2.- NOT for a “holy war” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
3.- Seek peace first – Deuteronomy 20:10-12
4.- What did Jesus say about war?
1.- Matthew 10:34 – To bring a sword, not peace.
2.- Luke 22:35-37 – He told His Disciples to bring a sword.
3.- Revelation 19:11,14-16 – He will come with a sword.
III. THE CHURCH ON WAR – Augustine (354-430 AD)
1. PUBLIC AUTHORITY – War by legitimate government.
2. JUST CAUSE – To protect innocent lives.
3. RIGHT INTENTION – To achieve a just peace.
4. COMPARATIVE JUSTICE – To justify killing.
5. PROPORTIONALITY – To end more evil than it causes.
6. PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS – To achieve its aims.
7. LAST RESORT – Peaceful alternatives are exhausted.
CONCLUSION: There will always be wars – Matthew 24:6-8
- The Millennium will see no more wars – Isaiah 2:4
- Our responsibility as Christians - PRAY – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
PRISCILLA BAPTIST CHURCH – Ray Scott, Pastor
