The term militant is defined in the English language as—1) engaged in warfare or combat : FIGHTING; 2) aggressively active (as in a cause) : COMBATIVE. (Merriam-Webster).
Interestingly, the term has a bit of a negative connotation in our day and time. To be militant in anything is frowned upon. That is why militance is paired with words like extremism, dogmatism, radicalism, and intolerance. Today a large section of our society looks askance at full devotion to any cause.
And yet, the Bible indicates that God requires militance from His people. Every aspect of the definition applies to the Christians, except perhaps the idea of combativeness. Even there, though the term is most often used negatively, scripture requires a Christian to be both willing and ready to fight — for the Lord and for His word. Webster does make one observation regarding the term, saying: “Militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle.” This is certainly accurate. We must have a fighting disposition for the cause of our Lord. Consider the words of Jude, “I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Several passages illustrate this truth. For example, the text of Ephesians 6:10-17 sees Paul equate our conflict with Satan as a putting on of armor to “stand against the wiles of the devil”, wrestling against “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”, and quenching “all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” The language is metaphorical, but appropriate. The war is very real.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). Consider the actions of Jesus who stormed the temple and drove out the livestock with a whip of cords, overturning the tables of the moneychangers, described in John 2:13-27). As He did so, it brought to His disciples mind Psalm 69, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” While our Lord was meek, and willingly gave His life for our sins, He requires the uncompromising diligence of His disciples. Consider the following areas where militance is the proper response of the child of God.
Militance in obeying (applying) truth. Such diligence is needed in order to strengthen ourselves. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Preparation helps us fulfill our charge to preach the gospel. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). It equips us to stand against the tempter, who seeks to destroy our standing with God. “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
It is not enough to be diligent in our own obedience to the truth. As we noted before, Jude indicates that we must be militant in contending for the faith! (Jude 3). Our adversary is impressive. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This is why we fight. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13). If you believe that the faith is absolute, plain and complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then you must fight for it!
Consider that contending for the faith is not the same as being contentious. We are not to “strive about words to not profit, to the ruin of hearers” (2 Timothy 2:14). Nevertheless, we are to humbly correct “those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
In all things, we must be militant in resisting the devil. It doesn’t matter if it concerns doctrinal or moral issues, if it is in the area of steadfastness or zeal, the instructions of scripture are clear. “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). We are given the promise, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). If we are unwavering in our commitment to God (Matthew 6:33), and we do not put up with sin, error, or those who promote it, we will be “a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier”! (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
The consequence of lacking militance in service to the Lord is dire. It is defeat and eternal condemnation. God wins in the end, and those who are His will taste victory because their allegiance is true. Remember, “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).
