I used to think that the church was like a fortress, steadfastly withstanding the continual onslaught of the forces of evil throughout the ages as the remnant waited until Jesus returns in power to bring justice for the servants of darkness and reward for the servants of light. In my mind, I saw the church as primarily a defensive structure aimed at maintaining the number of the faithful few as we try to endure a great siege. From this passage, I viewed the the church as the walled city that would survive the ravages of Satan – scarred, charred, maybe a bit battered – but still standing until the end of time.
I don’t think I could have been more wrong.
The image Jesus uses here is not of the forces of evil attacking the gates of the fortress church – it’s the exact opposite point of view! Jesus took his disciples to one of the most evil places in Palestine, a place where the most heinous aspects of idolatry had been practiced for hundreds of years. And he told his disciples that this place of evil would not stand against the attack of His church! The rock upon which the church is built will be hurled at the gates of Hades – and those gates will fall!
Church, it is time that we stop huddling in our fortress, acting as if we are a besieged people trying to last until the King arrives with his army. We ARE his army – and it is our calling to attack the strongholds of Satan in our time.
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.