Force: Power, Control, and Resistance

Force, which can take many forms from subtle peer pressure to the direct threat of physical abuse and violence, infers control, manipulation, coercion and pressure, which produce ill feeling and resistance in those to whom it is directed because of disempowerment.

Forced Conversion and God's Approach

Thus God does not force people to acknowledge His Lordship as He wants willing and devoted followers. He invites us to become His children and gives the opportunity to voluntarily follow Him and determine the level of our devotion primarily through our love for Him and obedience to His directives (Isa 1:18; Mt 16:24; Mk 12:30; Jn 1:12, 3:16, 14:15, 16:8; 2 Cor 5:15; Rev 3:20).

However, there is coming a time when everyone, including the unsaved, will bow the knee and recognise His authority and justice as they accept their sentence for the life they have lived (Isa 45:23,24; Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10). Unfortunately, many people will go to a Christ-less eternity because they refused to accept His offer of salvation and obey Him.

As new believers continue to walk with Christ their lives will be changed, conforming to God's Word (Mt 28:18-20; Act 1:8; Phil 1:6; 1 Thes 2:13). Then as the gospel spreads, society is changed, one heart and one life at a time – first on the inside, then to the outward visible actions as God works through His Holy Spirit. God is more interested in saving people's souls than He is in forcing people to obey His laws. If an unsaved person is forced to obey God's law, they would be doing so out of fear and obligation. God wants people to come to repentance and then to obey His commands out of reverence and love (2 Pet 3:9; 1 Jn 5:3). Just taking control of the political process or establishing moral laws will not effect change in people's hearts, but a changed heart will lead to changed outward actions.

Early believers chose to obey God rather than the authorities, even under persecution (Act 5:29). Many have accepted suffering or martyrdom for their faith (Dan 3:16-18; Act 7:59-60, 12:1-2; Rev 2:10, 6:9), showing that genuine devotion is voluntary and not forced on others.

God's Kingdom is Not of This World

The unbalanced belief that as believers we are called to impose godly values on the unbelieving world in seven key spheres or mountains of influence is misguided. While this is a commendable goal, God's aim is for primarily for unbelievers to come into a vital relationship with Him. Then through the transformed lives and values of these believers they will affect society by being salt and light in the marketplace and the various areas of interaction with society (Mt 5:16). Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world and, unlike the followers of worldly political leaders, His followers do not use force to establish the kingdom (Jn 18:36).

Satan's Force and Our Response

Therefore, while he can't possess the Christian, he will deceive us into agreeing with his sinful agenda. The Bible warns, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). We fall into his trap when we spend time in his territory and give attention to his activities, opening the door to the influence of evil in our lives.

It is essential to distinguish between external spiritual influences and our own sinful desires. Many times, people excuse their actions by claiming, "I was just tempted by the evil one," yet temptation frequently arises from within ourselves (Jas 1:14-15). Sin is not evidence of demonic strongholds; rather, it reveals disobedience, which is incompatible with salvation in Christ.

Although the world remains under the influence of the evil one, salvation brings believers out of his domain and into the authority of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we become new creations, and while the spiritual battle is real, we are equipped to overcome the enemy's schemes by embracing the armour of God and focusing on the victory that Christ has already secured knowing that while physical harm may be inflicted, our eternal souls remain secure (Mt 10:28;2 Cor 5:17; Eph 6:10-18; Col 2:13; Heb 12:2; 1 Jn 3:8, 5:19).

Believers are called to put to death their old sinful nature (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5) and not give the devil an opportunity to work through them by engaging in behaviours that conflict with their redeemed identity. Scripture instructs, "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (Jas 4:7), emphasising the authority believers possess in Christ to reject the devil's influence.

Although we remain vigilant to Satan's motives, we are no longer slaves to sin. The salvation purchased by Christ has set us free from the devil's tyranny, placing us under the authority of God's Spirit and enabling us to bear His fruit in our lives.  

Our true protection comes not from physical strength but from our faith in Christ and His victory over death and evil. When we stand firm in Him, we have the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love or destroy our eternal soul.

Reflection and Application:

• Consider areas where you may be using force or pressure in your relationships.
• Reflect on whether you're trying to impose your will on others rather than trusting God.
• Examine your own heart for areas where you're yielding to Satan's influence.
• Thank God for the freedom He provides through Christ from the tyranny of sin.

See also: abuse, armour (spiritual), compelled, control, deliverance, evil spirits, freewill, manipulation, power, peer pressure, pressure, salvation.