As Nehemiah had a vision to rebuild the broken down walls, we are to build the church, but not as the world builds. We build so that the church will no longer be in shame, we are the living stones, with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone, the Stone that sets the pattern for all the rest..
In 2Corinthians. 10:3 Paul exhorts us to utilize our spiritual, not carnal, weapons and to not war as the world does. Jesus is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Bridegroom of his Body, and we must come under his rule and government, the pattern He set to bring the Kingdom of God to individuals.
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
The Greek word for war is Strateuomai means: “To serve in a military campaign; figuratively to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations: – soldier, (go to) war”.
this comes from a root word which means “to camp before the Lord like an army”.
“according to” means that is the focus, the intention, the motivation. So, Paul says that as apostles, they conduct themselves in the world and in its system, but they do not conduct their career and function as apostles according to the motives and purposes of this system.
An army must be disciplined and function within clear parameters, with a focused purpose. There is no room for disobedience or personal initiatives. As an army we come under the government of Jesus, whom we represent. This is serious, it is about survival. It’s about revival. It is about Gods initiative and under His rule there is no negotiation. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess.
Philippians 2:10-11 … that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.(ASV)
He is the Lord (Greek – Kurios; the Boss man). We must be established in obedience, as a matter of life and death. Apostolic Encampment is serious: meant to train and equip to bring an overthrow to the enemy. This is not vacation, resort camping. The pace is set by leaders, by God’s grace, to establish the boundaries, respecting the times and seasons of God’s army. We are encamped before the Lord at all times, everywhere we are.The purpose of this camp is to have an encounter with God, so we can learn to survive and be victorious in the battle. This is a hostile world, and we must be prepared.
Be aware and take the initiative to show Christ to others, even in the small things that don’t seem spiritual, but actually are. This is preparation for God’s army, not entertainment. Reflect on who Christ is for you, and on the Kingdom (government) of God in your life.
