HOW THE VIOLENT BELIEVER TAKES IT BY FORCE

 

In the realm of faith and spirituality, the concept of taking something "by force" might seem paradoxical. After all, isn't faith supposed to be about peace, patience, and trust? While these virtues play an integral role in the life of a believer, there is also a powerful biblical principle that encourages believers to exhibit spiritual violence when it comes to their convictions, goals, and promises from God. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of "taking it by force" in a biblical context, explore key Bible references, and understand how the violent believer can apply this concept in their own life.

 

Understanding the Biblical Foundation

The idea of taking something by force in the Christian faith is based on a foundation of faith, determination, and unwavering trust in God's promises. It's important to remember that this concept is not an encouragement for physical violence but rather a spiritual disposition of fervency and relentless pursuit of God's will.

Our starting point in understanding this concept lies in the words of Jesus himself. In the book of Matthew 11:12 (NIV), Jesus says, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it." This statement is perplexing at first glance, but it holds a deep spiritual truth. It suggests that the kingdom of God requires an aggressive and resolute approach by believers. To truly enter into God's promises and experience the fullness of His blessings, we must be spiritually violent.

 

Exploring Biblical References for spiritual violence

    (A) Matthew 11:12 (NIV) - This verse lays the foundation for the concept of taking it by force in the spiritual realm. It emphasizes the need for spiritual violence to access the blessings of the kingdom. In this verse, Jesus is essentially highlighting the profound shift in the spiritual landscape that was taking place with the arrival of the kingdom of God.

It's important to note that the phrase "the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it" does not advocate physical violence. Rather, it underscores the intensity, determination, and fervor required in the realm of faith. The violence referred to here is spiritual in nature, symbolizing the passionate pursuit of God's promises.

To better understand this concept, let's explore the context in which Jesus made this statement. At that time, the religious leaders and Pharisees had largely misunderstood the nature of the kingdom Jesus was establishing. They expected a political or militaristic kingdom, but Jesus was introducing a spiritual kingdom where the heart and soul of individuals would be transformed.

In this context, "violent people" are those who wholeheartedly and passionately seek God's kingdom. They are not content with religious rituals and traditions but are determined to access the blessings, grace, and salvation offered by God. They recognize that the kingdom of God is not something to be casually entered; it requires a resolute and unyielding faith.

As believers, we are called to be these "violent people," relentlessly pursuing the treasures of the kingdom. The violent believer takes it by force not through physical aggression but through a relentless commitment to prayer, unwavering faith, and spiritual warfare.

This concept is further reinforced by the teachings of Jesus in other parts of the New Testament. In the Gospel of Luke, for instance, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). In this story, a widow continually seeks justice from an unjust judge. Her persistence pays off, and the judge grants her request, not out of a desire for justice but because of her persistence.

This parable illustrates the power of relentless prayer and faith. It demonstrates that we should be unyielding in our pursuit of God's promises, just as the persistent widow did not give up until she received justice. This is a practical example of taking it by force in the spiritual realm.

Additionally, the story of Jacob wrestling with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-28) provides a vivid picture of determination and persistence. Jacob, knowing the blessing he was seeking from God, declared, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." This resolute approach reflects the idea of taking it by force in prayer, clinging to God until His blessings are received.

Incorporating these additional biblical references and examples into our understanding of Matthew 11:12 reinforces the message of spiritual violence in faith. As believers, we are called to fervently seek God's kingdom, persistently pray, maintain unwavering faith, and be resolute in our pursuit of His promises. By doing so, we become the "violent believers" who take it by force in the spiritual realm, aligning ourselves with the will of God and the blessings of His kingdom.

 

   (B)  Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) - "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." This verse of the Bible reminds us that our battles are spiritual in nature, and we must approach them with spiritual violence.

This powerful passage from the book of Ephesians serves as a critical reminder for believers that the battles they face in their faith journey are not ordinary or merely physical. Rather, they are deeply spiritual and involve unseen forces that are both sinister and formidable. To fully grasp the significance of this verse, we need to explore its implications in greater detail.

1. The Nature of Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:12 makes it abundantly clear that our primary adversaries are not human beings, but rather spiritual entities. It distinguishes between "flesh and blood" (human beings) and the spiritual realm, which includes "rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil." This verse reveals that the challenges believers encounter are often rooted in the spiritual realm, manifesting as opposition, temptation, and various forms of evil.

2. The Need for Spiritual Preparedness: Recognizing the spiritual nature of our battles calls for spiritual preparedness. Just as a soldier equips themselves for physical warfare, believers must equip themselves for spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:13-18 goes on to describe the "armor of God," a metaphorical set of spiritual tools that believers are encouraged to put on. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (the

Word of God), and the shoes of the gospel of peace. These pieces of armor are essential for protection and offensive action in the spiritual battle.

3. The Role of Spiritual Violence: To approach these spiritual battles effectively, we must exhibit what can be described as "spiritual violence." This term does not suggest causing harm to others but rather indicates an aggressive and unwavering determination in our faith and spiritual practices. It means standing firm in our convictions, using the armor of God to resist the schemes of the enemy, and persevering in prayer and faith, even when facing intense spiritual opposition.

4. Praying with Perseverance: Prayer is a powerful weapon in the spiritual battle, and it should be characterized by persistence. Just as the persistent widow in the parable from Luke 18 did not give up until she received justice, believers must pray fervently and continually. This kind of persistent prayer is a form of spiritual violence, as it asserts our trust in God's power and our unwillingness to yield to the forces of darkness.

5. The Ultimate Victory: While spiritual warfare can be intense and challenging, Ephesians 6:12 also reminds believers that their ultimate victory is assured through Christ. In Christ, believers have authority over these spiritual forces of evil. Jesus has already conquered the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection. Believers are not alone in their spiritual battles; they have the indwelling Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ to rely on.

Entrenching the message of Ephesians 6:12 into our discussion of taking it by force in the spiritual realm reinforces the idea that the battles believers wage are not against people but against spiritual adversaries. To engage effectively in this spiritual warfare, believers need to be spiritually prepared, exhibit determination, and rely on the spiritual weapons provided by God. Spiritual violence is about resolutely defending one's faith, persisting in prayer, and trusting in the ultimate victory that Christ has already secured. In this way, believers can take it by force in the spiritual realm and overcome the spiritual forces of evil through the power of God.

 

   (C)     Mark 11:22-24 (NIV) - In these verses, Jesus teaches about the power of faith and how we can move mountains if we have faith and do not doubt. Taking it by force requires unshakable faith.

These verses from the Gospel of Mark provide a profound insight into the concept of taking it by force through the unwavering power of faith. To fully understand this principle, we must explore the context and implications of Jesus' teachings on faith and moving mountains.

1. The Significance of Faith: Jesus begins this passage by emphasizing the pivotal role of faith. He tells his disciples, "Have faith in God." Faith, in the Christian context, is more than mere belief; it is a deep and unwavering trust in God's power, promises, and character. It is the foundational element that enables believers to take it by force.

2. Moving Mountains: Jesus goes on to use a vivid metaphor when he says, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." The image of moving a mountain into the sea illustrates the remarkable potential of faith. It implies that faith can conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges in our lives.

3. The Role of Doubt: Jesus also underscores the importance of not doubting in one's heart. Doubt is the antithesis of faith, and it can undermine the believer's ability to take it by force. Doubt weakens faith and hinders the manifestation of God's power. Therefore, unwavering faith is essential for the believer to see mountains move and obstacles removed.

4. Aligning with God's Will: It's important to note that the faith Jesus speaks of is not about selfish desires or whims but aligning with God's will and purpose. When our faith is rooted in God's promises and aligned with His plan, it becomes a powerful force that can accomplish great things. This aligns with the idea that taking it by force is not about self-serving pursuits but about pursuing God's purposes with determination.

5. The Role of Prayer: Although not explicitly mentioned in this passage, prayer is often the means by which believers exercise their faith. When believers pray with unshakable faith, they are effectively speaking to their mountains, entrusting their concerns to God and believing that He can and will act in accordance with His will.

6. A Test of Faith: The passage from Mark 11:22-24 serves as both an encouragement and a challenge to believers. It encourages them to have faith that can move mountains, demonstrating the limitless power of God. However, it also presents a challenge to maintain that unwavering faith in the face of doubt and adversity.

When we face daunting challenges and obstacles in life, we are called to exercise faith that is firmly rooted in God's promises and aligned with His will. This unwavering faith empowers us to move mountains and overcome obstacles, embodying the concept of taking it by force. It is a reminder that faith is not a passive belief but an active force that can bring about transformation and change in our lives when we trust in the power of God.

 

    (D) Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This verse underlines the importance of faith as the bedrock of taking it by force.

The verse from Hebrews 11:1 encapsulates the essence of faith, emphasizing that faith is not merely a passive belief, but a dynamic force that underpins the concept of taking it by force. Let's delve deeper into the significance of this verse and how it informs our understanding of faith in the context of spiritual determination.

1. The Nature of Faith: Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, is a deep and unwavering confidence in what we hope for. It's not wishful thinking or blind belief; it's a profound trust in the promises of God and the assurance of things that may not yet be visible to the human eye. This kind of faith is foundational to the believer's journey in taking it by force.

2. Assurance in the Unseen: The verse also highlights the aspect of faith that concerns assurance about what we do not see. In the realm of spirituality, believers often contend with promises, blessings, and spiritual realities that are not immediately visible or tangible. This is where faith comes into play. It provides believers with the unwavering confidence that even though they may not see the fulfillment of God's promises at the moment, they are assured that these promises will come to pass. It is this assurance that empowers the believer to take it by force.

3. Active Faith: Faith is not a passive state of mind but an active force that drives believers to seek, pursue, and lay hold of God's promises. In the context of taking it by force, faith motivates believers to approach their spiritual goals with determination, resolve, and an unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. This active faith, as exemplified by the "heroes of faith" in Hebrews 11, spurred them to action and allowed them to overcome tremendous obstacles.

4. Aligning with God's Will: Faith, in its truest form, is rooted in a deep relationship with God and an alignment with His will. Believers take it by force not by imposing their desires but by pursuing God's purpose and promises with trust and obedience. The faith described in Hebrews 11:1 is faith that aligns with God's plan, trusting that His plan is always for the best.

5. Overcoming Doubt and Uncertainty: Hebrews 11:1 underscores the importance of faith in the face of doubt and uncertainty. In the journey of taking it by force, believers often encounter doubts and challenges that can erode their confidence. It's during these moments that faith becomes a crucial anchor. It enables believers to press on, unwavering, and unyielding in their pursuit of God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.

6. Faith in Action: The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 provides a compelling narrative of individuals who exhibited remarkable faith in action. Their faith wasn't merely theoretical; it led them to do extraordinary things for God. This serves as a powerful reminder that taking it by force involves active engagement with faith, which manifests in courageous actions aligned with God's will.

Taking it by force through faith reinforces the idea that faith is the bedrock upon which believers stand as they confront spiritual challenges and pursue God's promises. It is not a passive belief but an active, unwavering trust in God, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Faith empowers believers to take it by force by acting in alignment with God's will, trusting in His promises, and persevering in the face of doubt. Ultimately, faith is the force that propels believers to achieve spiritual victories and experience the fullness of God's blessings.

 

    (E)  James 1:6 (NIV) - "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Doubt can be a hindrance to taking it by force.

This verse from the book of James provides a stark warning against doubt and highlights its potential as a hindrance in the pursuit of taking it by force through unwavering faith. To fully appreciate the importance of this message, let's delve deeper into the significance of James 1:6 in the context of faith and spiritual determination.

1. The Power of Belief: James 1:6 places a strong emphasis on belief or faith as a prerequisite for effective prayer and, by extension, for taking it by force. When believers approach God in prayer, they must do so with unwavering faith and confidence in His ability to answer their requests. Faith is the force that fuels our prayers and empowers us to take it by force.

2. The Destructive Nature of Doubt: The verse metaphorically likens those who doubt to "a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This vivid imagery illustrates the instability and restlessness that doubt brings to an individual's faith. Just as a wave is tossed in multiple directions by the wind, doubt causes a wavering and vacillating faith that can hinder the believer's ability to stand firm and persevere.

3. Faith as an Anchor: In contrast to doubt's instability, faith serves as an anchor for the believer's soul. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) speaks of faith as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." When we exercise faith, we anchor ourselves in the promises and character of God, providing stability and resilience in the face of adversity. This stability is essential for taking it by force, as it empowers believers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of God's promises.

4. A Call to Overcome Doubt: James 1:6 is not just a cautionary message but also a call to overcome doubt. Doubt is a common human experience, and it can arise when circumstances appear bleak or when prayers seem unanswered. However, the believer is challenged to actively combat doubt and choose to place their trust in God's faithfulness. Overcoming doubt is a vital step in the journey of taking it by force, as it enables believers to stand firmly in their unwavering faith.

5. Trusting in God's Character: The ability to overcome doubt is rooted in a deep trust in God's character. Doubt often emerges when we lose sight of God's faithfulness, goodness, and promises. To take it by force, believers must continually remind themselves of who God is and His track record of keeping His word. This trust in God's character bolsters their faith and helps them overcome doubt.

The insights into our understanding of James 1:6 underscores the pivotal role of unwavering faith and the detrimental impact of doubt in the pursuit of taking it by force. It serves as a reminder that doubt can undermine the believer's spiritual journey and hinder the realization of God's promises. However, by actively choosing faith over doubt and anchoring themselves in the unchanging character of God, believers can overcome doubt and confidently pursue God's promises with resolute determination. This, in turn, empowers them to take it by force through unwavering faith.

Taking it by force is not about demanding from God but aligning your will with His divine purpose and promises. It's a posture of determined pursuit, relentless faith, and unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. Just as Jacob wrestled with God and the persistent widow pleaded for justice, you can also lay hold of God's blessings by approaching them with spiritual violence.

In conclusion, the concept of taking it by force in the Christian faith is a call to bold and unwavering faith, persistent prayer, and resolute pursuit of God's promises. It is a spiritual disposition that empowers believers to access the fullness of God's blessings and align their lives with His will. As you embark on your faith journey, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:12, and be a violent believer who passionately pursues the promises of God with unwavering trust and determination.