Christians And Violence

In a world saturated with violence, from global wars claiming over 240,000 lives in 2025 (including major conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, and Myanmar), to tens of thousands of murders and millions of assaults annually in the U.S., and staggering abortion numbers, this sermon confronts how Christians should respond biblically. Cole begins by affirming that God hates violence, especially against the innocent, because every person bears His image (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 6:16-17). He explores key questions through Scripture: Governments may use violence to punish evil (Romans 13:1-4), but Christians must submit to authorities without rebellion (Romans 13; Titus 3), even under unjust rule, following Jesus' example. Vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:17-21), so personal retaliation or vigilante justice is forbidden. Self-defense is permitted when life is genuinely threatened (Exodus 22:2-3; Luke 22:36), but not to protect mere property. Military service is not inherently sinful if conducted ethically and subordinating to Christ's commands. Ultimately, Christians fight spiritual battles with good, peace, gentleness, and the gospel, not physical force, overcoming evil as light overcomes darkness (Ephesians 6:12).