“The Way of a Warrior”

Summit Church
Jul 10
3 min read

By Pastor Warren Richardson

Scripture references: Isaiah 40:29-31, Matthew 11:12, Matthew 20:20, 26-28, & Mark 9:35

Wars at one time were the concern of soldiers. The problem now runs much deeper.

God is sometimes tainted by being part of our story, but the story of God is a story of peace!

God’s declaration of war is against injustice, oppression, inhumanity, & aggression.

God really wants to lead us to the end of violence. Jesus was not the Messiah they expected Him to be.

The war in us can set the world on fire in a wrong way! Gifted & talented people are paralyzed by anxiety, depression, & stress. Our warfare isn’t against flesh & blood!

(Flesh vs. Spirit War)

I can’t bring peace to the world, but I can bring peace to one person myself!

Inner peace will not come without a battle! (It's a battle for our souls.)

The way of the warrior is a discipline of the soul!

While others hoped He would call out an army & use His power to topple an empire. He chose a different way, the Way of Peace! He knows the way of peace; He understands the source of all wars; & He knows it all begins in the human heart!

This one truth stands out; “The world within you will create the world around you!”

1. The warriors strength is their peace.

Jesus didn’t come to conquer kingdoms & nations. He came to conquer hearts & minds.
Shalom is basically used as a form of greeting! (God be with you)
When there is peace there is relationships.
- Lack of peace tears at us, a separation that divides us from God.
Depression is how your soul processes regret, anxiety, & fear.
Many times we feel powerless because someone has taken something from us.
- No one can steal what you freely give.
- Love your life with open hands. Give away more than another can take from you.
So many people love conflict.
Jesus was always developing a culture of love!
This culture is more inclined to make people our enemies than our friends.

2. Don’t create that space in your soul to be against people.

What is worth being angry about?
Judgementalism runs in people's lives.
Why do we use our energy or power to be against another believer?
You can't control how others see you; but you can control how you see others & yourself.
Don't waste your energy & power on the wrong stuff!

3. The warrior lives in the tension between service & greatness!

The warrior does not serve because they can't lead. They know they can't lead if they don't serve.

4. Keep first things last!

“If you want to be first, then you must be last. If you want to be first you must be the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (NIV)
“These words of Jesus have been terribly misunderstood.
- The new definition of greatness is SERVANTHOOD!”

5. Love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength.

David understood the way of a warrior.
- Three postures of David
  - David the Shepherd
  - David the Warrior
  - David the King
- But, David had one role:
  - David the Servant