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On the Front Line (III): Knowing and Serving Our Commander

In spiritual warfare, believers must be well-equipped soldiers of Christ. To fight effectively, we must first understand our identity as Christ’s soldiers and recognize the power of our enemy. However, above all, we must know and serve our Commander, God. This article explores the necessity of reliance on God’s strength, faith over human reasoning, and the key characteristics of a faithful servant.

Victory Comes Through God’s Strength, Not Human Effort

Unlike action movie heroes who overcome challenges through personal strength, spiritual battles are not won by individual might. Instead, victory depends on God’s power (Zech 4:6). The Bible reminds us that our true battle is against spiritual forces (Eph 6:12), making it dangerous to rely solely on human ability.

Satan constantly works to deceive believers, making them overly busy with worldly distractions. For example, after a spiritual retreat, a believer may resolve to pray more but soon finds that other responsibilities pull them away. The devil ensures that spiritual growth is hindered by life’s demands. Therefore, true soldiers of Christ must stay vigilant, relying on God’s Spirit rather than their own strength.

The Danger of Understanding God Through Human Reasoning

A common weakness among believers is the tendency to fit God into human logic. When people cannot understand God’s ways, their faith often weakens. This rationalist approach is dangerous because it assumes that everything about God must be comprehensible.

The Bible reminds us that certain things about God remain mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29). If we could fully understand God, we would be equal to Him, which is impossible. Misinterpretations of biblical language—such as “God regretted” (Genesis 6:6) or “God is jealous” (Exodus 20:5)—can lead to incorrect conclusions about His nature. Rather than analyzing God with limited human perspective, believers must approach Him with simple, unwavering faith.

Having a strong biblical foundation is essential. While it is beneficial to study doctrine, overanalyzing can lead to doubts rather than deeper faith. God’s Word is a weapon (Hebrews 4:12), but it must be wielded with faith, not mere intellectualism.

Knowing God on His Terms

To serve God effectively, we must understand who He is:

  1. God is Supreme and Eternal
  • Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:1) contrasts the temporary nature of human rulers (King Uzziah) with God’s eternal kingship.
  • God is far above human limitations, yet He chooses to reveal Himself to us (John 14:9).
  • To know Him, we must seek Him through prayer and His Word (Revelation 4:1–2).
    1. God is Just and Holy
  • Some mistakenly believe that God’s love ensures universal salvation. However, His justice requires accountability.
  • If God was only merciful, He could have ignored Adam and Eve’s sin. Yet, redemption was necessary.
  • Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrates both God’s love and justice—salvation requires faith and obedience.

Elder John’s vision in Revelation depicts God’s throne surrounded by a rainbow (Revelation 4:3), symbolizing both justice and mercy. Though God is loving, sin carries consequences, as seen in King David’s life. True repentance is necessary to avoid God’s judgment.

The Making of a True Soldier of Christ

Isaiah’s response to God’s call (Isaiah 6:8) shows what a good soldier should be: humble, selfless, and motivated by God’s love. The seraphim in Isaiah’s vision symbolize essential qualities for servants of God.

  1. Humility – Covering the Face

The seraphim covered their faces, illustrating humility before God. Unlike Satan, who exalted himself (Isaiah 14:12–15), true servants of God must reject pride.

  • Serving Without Seeking Recognition
  • Spiritual achievements should not lead to self-glorification.
  • Even powerful apostles like Paul and Peter remained humble.
    • Avoiding Spiritual Pride
  • Miracles, revelations, or leadership positions should not lead to self-importance.
  • Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself to serve (Philippians 2:7–10).

Before stepping onto the spiritual battlefield, believers must cover their faces in humility.

  1. Obscurity in Service – Covering the Feet

Feet leave footprints, but the seraphim covered theirs. Good servants of God do not seek recognition or dwell on past achievements.

  • Not Resting on Past Success
  • Paul never became complacent despite his vast ministry (Philippians 3:12–14).
  • Believers must continue striving forward rather than admiring past efforts.
    • Not Dwelling on Past Failures
  • Sins repented of during spiritual gatherings must remain discarded.
  • Those who fall into sin should repent quickly rather than allow guilt to paralyze them.

The best soldiers press forward, keeping their eyes on God.

  1. A Heavenly Mindset – Flying with Wings

The seraphim’s flying wings represent a focus on God’s holiness. To remain strong on the front line, believers must:

  • Strive for Purity
  • Holiness is God’s defining characteristic, and He calls His people to be holy (1 Peter 1:15–16).
  • In a corrupt world, believers must resist immorality and secular influence.
    • Recognize God’s Glory
  • Isaiah’s reaction to God’s holiness (Isa 6:5) reveals the need for self-examination.
  • Believers must fix their eyes on God rather than comparing themselves to worldly standards.
  1. Purification Through Fire

Isaiah was purified when a seraph touched his lips with burning coal (Isaiah 6:6–7). This symbolizes:

  • The Need for Repentance
  • God can only use those willing to be refined.
  • Even faithful servants must seek continual purification.
    • Spiritual Renewal Through the Holy Spirit
  • The fire represents the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers for God’s work.
  • A soldier’s effectiveness depends on spiritual transformation.

Conclusion: Answering God’s Call

God calls every believer to the spiritual front line. However, only those who are prepared, purified, and dedicated can be effective soldiers. Isaiah’s response, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8), serves as a model for all who wish to serve God.

To be ready, we must:

  1. Depend on God’s strength, not our own.
  2. Have faith beyond human reasoning, trusting in God’s mysteries.
  3. Understand God’s justice and holiness, balancing grace with accountability.
  4. Embody the traits of the seraphim—humility, selflessness, heavenly focus, and continual purification.

God asks, “Who will go for Us?” May our answer always be, “Here am I! Send me.”

Come join us for the Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue spiritual growth life at home, work, and beyond. Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Please find our church location below:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org

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