Objective (Luk 19:10; Phi 3:8-10). Why are we fighting and what it is we are supposed to win? We are fighting in the cause for which Jesus Christ came to earth—to seek and to save that which is lost. To do this, we have to know Jesus Christ and His power and share His sufferings.
Offensive (Phi 3:12-14). To attain the objective we must be constantly advancing. We must, like Paul, “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi 3:14).
Concentration (Phi 3:13). “Concentration” refers to the massing of forces for decisive action. All our energy, alil our concentration, all our thought has to be focused on Jesus Christ (Heb 3:1). We must narrow down our lives until we can say with Paul, “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on…” (Phi 3:13).
Economy of forces (Zec 4:6; Zec 4:10). “Economy of forces” is the skillful and wise use of what is available. As Christians we have to learn never to expend more in power or energy than is needed for the task. That means we learn how not to wrestle but always to rest in faith, knowing that God delights in bringing victory through small and insignificant things.
Mobility (Eph 4-5). We must be flexible, able to move with speed and ease. The Christian life is a walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4), a walk by faith (2Co 5:7) and by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), a walk in love (Eph 5:2) and in light (1Jo 1:7).
Cooperation (Eph 4:3,13). Refusal to cooperate in wartime is a crime; we call it treason. All believers are one in Christ, and we are expected to cooperate and to function as a single army in the unity of the Spirit and the unity of the faith.
Security (Jud 1:21). Everywhere missies are flying, grenades are popping, bullets are whizzing past. For us there is one—and only one—safe place: in the Love of God.
Surprise (Job 1:21). When Job fell down and worshiped God, when David sauntered out with a slingshot to take on Goliath, when we respond to pain and trouble in faith, the enemy is caught off-guard and blasted by the power of God.
Communication (1Th 5:17; 2Ti 2:15). If we do not stay in constant touch with headquarters, how will we know where we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to be doing? We need to study the Word and to pray every day.
Pursuit (1Co 9:22-23). If we want to win, we must every day be in active pursuit of the enemy with a view toward total defeat. Paul pursued excellence in service so that he might see men won to Jesus Christ.
