This is war, so walk like the Romans.

I'm taking a class this semester called "Rome in the Early Christian Era" and when I was studying for our oral quiz the other day, I noticed some interesting things about the Romans that reminded me of some of the things that have been preached during the "This Is War" series we have been doing at Life Campus over the past couple of weeks. Although the Roman empire was very corrupt, they had some very strong ideals that could set a bar for present day Christianity.

For example, the main difference between the Greek and Roman view of the world was that Greeks viewed it as a city-state while Romans were left with the false optimism that every man could enjoy citizenship privileges. Unfortunately, however, the "good-life" was not available to just anyone during this time. In the eyes of the Romans, one's virtue could be cultivated anywhere, at any time. They didn't see their public and private roles as necessarily conflicting with one another. The height of a person’s wisdom was to know their duty and then to actually do it – not to pursue self-interest. And although their version of this statement was highly distorted, and coming from a completely different angle, it left an impact on me as a Christ follower. As Christians, God calls us to seek His wisdom, put it into action, and use it to pursue His will for our lives. It is not MY will, but YOUR WILL be done, Lord.


Furthermore, the Greeks viewed the world as chaotic and the people in it as barbaric. Undoubtedly, we are living in a corrupt, perverted, and warped society; and at the same time, facing an even bigger, uglier enemy that goes by the name of Satan. In Genesis 4:7 it says "Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Did you hear that? Sin is CROUCHING! Do you know what that means? It is getting ready to POUNCE. Romans believed in the possibility to bring order to the chaos, exuding confidence and courage in the face of the unknown, translating this thought into action. And that is exactly what God has called us to do!! Through God's mighty power and shield of protection, we are able to overcome our biggest adversary. We are able to conquer it, defeat it, and take full AUTHORITY over Satan.


Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Notice how that scripture never says anything about any armor or protection for our backs... That's because we aren't running away from the devil, we are facing him, and stopping him right there in his tracks.

We need to

Face. Our. Enemy!