Why Do Wars Exist?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton
Text: Isaiah 59:1-18
I. In my youth, the Vietnam War was being fought. It was an unpopular war that generated a lot of protest songs.
A. One song called “War” by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong exclaimed, “War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!”
B. So can wars and acts of violence end?
II. Wars exist because people are selfish
A. When people focus on themselves and don’t think of others, then conflicts will happen - James 4:1-3
B. They are arrogant and tell people what they want to hear to get an advantage - Jude 16-18
C. In their arrogance, they want to dominate everything around them - Habakkuk 2:4-5
D. But eventually they will overextend themselves - Habakkuk 2:6-8
E. Yet, their own violence will destroy them - Proverbs 1:19
III. Wars exist because people aren’t concerned with justice
A. There are people who think that might gives them the right - Proverbs 11:7
B. The desires of the treacherous is violence - Proverbs 13:2
C. No love for neighbor (or enemy) nor equal treatment - Matthew 7:12
D. Some refuse to act in a just manner - Proverbs 21:7
IV. Wars exist because of sin
A. People are filled with sin and violence - Isaiah 59:6-7
B. The wicked hide their violent intent - Proverbs 10:11
C. But they cannot have peace - Isaiah 59:8
D. Therefore only in heaven will we find lasting peace - Revelation 21:25-27
V. Wars can’t be always avoided
A. God hates violence, but there will be violent men - Psalms 11:5
B. Those oppose to sin and injustice must, at times, take a stand against oppression - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
C. In speaking about the events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem, Jesus said, wars would increase and that such things must take place - Matthew 24:6-8
D. But violence will not last - Psalms 37:35-40
E. Don’t envy the violent - Proverbs 3:31-33
