In America, there’s a deeply rooted concept that our home is our castle, a sanctuary where we reign as kings or queens. This idea is embedded in our culture and legal system, famously encapsulated by the “Castle Doctrine.” This principle, derived from the old English saying, “an Englishman’s home is his castle,” allows homeowners to use force, even deadly force, to defend their home from intruders. This doctrine underscores the value we place on our personal space and safety.
I recall my father making us watch episodes of All in the Family. In one memorable scene, Archie Bunker declares to his wife Edith, “I’m the king and you’re nothing,” to which she retorts, “That’s right, you’re the king over nothing.” This interaction highlights a crucial point: if we consider our domain insignificant, we render our own authority and responsibility meaningless. But if we recognize the realm God has entrusted to us, it transforms our understanding of our responsibilities and the expectations God has for us.
While the “Castle Doctrine” deals with physical defense, my message today focuses on defending our spiritual castles. We instinctively protect our families from physical harm, but do we exhibit the same vigilance in our spiritual battles?
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
This scripture reminds us that our greatest battles aren’t physical but spiritual. We may have little control over our country, state, or even our neighbors, but we have control over ourselves and our immediate environment. The decisions we make, both significant and mundane, shape our lives profoundly. Choosing not to act is, in itself, a decision with its own consequences.
Building and Defending Our Spiritual Castle
Consider your life as a castle. Just as castles were built to withstand physical battles, our lives should be fortified to withstand spiritual attacks. We all remember the story of the Three Little Pigs: we find a simple piece of truth that the strength of their homes determined their survival against the wolf. Similarly, the strength of our spiritual “house” determines our resilience against the devil’s attacks.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
To withstand such threats, we must build our lives on a strong foundation, prepared to defend against spiritual adversaries. Jesus spoke of this in:
Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
The Importance of a Solid Foundation
Hearing and doing God’s word are the two critical components of a solid foundation. Merely hearing without acting leads to a life built on sand, vulnerable to collapse under life’s pressures. As believers, we need to apply and practice God’s teachings to build a life that stands firm against trials and attacks.
How to Hear and Do God’s Word
To truly hear God’s word, we must maintain a teachable spirit. Approaching the Bible with humility allows us to continuously learn and grow. Even as a pastor, I recognize that there is always more to understand and learn from God’s word. Engaging with the Bible through reading, listening to sermons, and surrounding ourselves with spiritual teachings helps strengthen our faith.
Romans 10:17: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Meditating on scripture involves deep contemplation and study, turning God’s word over in our minds and allowing it to shape our understanding and actions.
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Building our spiritual castle on solid ground requires not only hearing but also doing God’s word.
James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Many Christians struggle with applying God’s word. We might justify our inaction with excuses or misapplying scripture to make and exception. Overcoming these obstacles involves a commitment to follow through on what we learn is a requirement to “Defend the Castle”.
I know I should not but I can’t stop (Addiction) – Ask for help, bring in accountability. Often our inactivity against a certain sin is acceptance of that sin in our life. (We are ok with it).
I question the Authority – To often Christians challenge the authority of the Word of God. We need to be bible believers. We need to make the decision that every Word of God is Pure.
I exclude myself from the Application – Picking and choosing what applies to you in the bible can be a dangerous game. We are told we must rightly divide. Too often we divide based on personal preference.
I justify myself with Excuses – I can’t do this or that because of xyz. Make sure we are not deceiving ourselves.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Conclusion
We cannot go through life with cracks in our foundation. It will inevitably show in the overall structure.
As we build our lives, let’s ensure we construct our spiritual castles on the solid rock of God’s word. The storms of life are inevitable, and the enemy is always lurking. Our resilience depends on how well we fortify our lives through hearing and doing God’s word.
Don’t settle for building a sandcastle that crumbles at the first sign of trouble. Build a fortress that stands strong against any storm or attack, grounded firmly in the teachings of Christ.
This is the first part of a series on defending the spiritual castle. Stay tuned as we explore further how to strengthen and protect our lives against spiritual attack.