Note 6 at Joh 18:36: Christ's kingdom is spiritual (in the hearts of people, Lu 17:21), not physical. Therefore, our fight as Christians must not be with carnal weapons but with spiritual weapons (2Co 10:3-5). Spiritual forces cannot be defeated with human weapons.

However, Jesus said, "If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight." The Lord will establish a physical kingdom on this earth someday, and then there will be fighting (Re 19:11-12).

Therefore, fighting cannot be outlawed as ungodly if a physical foe is being fought for godly reasons. The Old Testament contains many examples of wars that were fought at the command of the Lord.

When we are being attacked for being a part of Christ's kingdom, we must fight with spiritual weapons. When we are being attacked for totally carnal reasons, we can defend ourselves with physical weapons. Certainly, aggression is not commendable, but there are times self-defense is to be commended more than the alternatives.