Photo by Harry Gillen
Stefan Green is a newcomer, though not a new songwriter. He has co-written songs for Elevation Worship, Hillsong, Localsound, Lifeworship, Bridge Worship, Brandon Lake, London Gatch, and others. Songs include Grateful, I can’t believe, and works on albums Here As In Heaven and There is a Cloud. He is currently serving as a worship leader for Hillsong South Africa Worship Team, a position he’s held for ten years.
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1. What message does the song communicate?
This song is about overcoming spiritual warfare. Green admits that the narrow road to life is fraught with danger, full of twists and turns that plagues his mind, tempting him to aggressive acts. Yet, “You” is with Green, providing the power and means to flee his impulses. With “You” at his stead, Green does not worry about his life, trusting “You” with the results.
Who is “You”? Verse 2, line 3 provides our sole vital hint that it’s God and not a girlfriend. He wreaks havoc on Satan’s game plan. Only God can do that.
I have a small concern that believers might interpret Bridge as guaranteed physical protection that falls into Word of Faith. While I think that Chorus clarifies the song as purely metaphysical, some might miss the connection, leading to a false conclusion. Perhaps “Crushing inward giants that try to take me out” would be clearer?
Score: 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
This entire song completely aligns with God’s inspired Word.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
There’s trouble on the narrow road
As I soldier on against all hope
I’m holding out the best I can
The “narrow road” references Matthew 7:13 and Luke 13:24, which is the road that leads to eternal life. As Peter said in 1 Peter 4:12 and Jesus in John 15:18-25, we should not be surprised that Green experiences hardship. He hangs on by a thread, clinging to God with his mustard seed faith (Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6).
But Your strength is what I’ll need to stand
God’s strength is made perfect in Green’s weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
But Your strength is what I’ll need to stand
Repeats line 4.
[Chorus]
Whatever comes my way, the battlefield is Yours
Much like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-18, Green trusts God with his life regardless of how He responds.
I’ve seen Your hands in history and still they’re fighting for me
Green studied the Bible, examining all the accounts where God rescued people and others where He did not. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they were rescued (Daniel 3:20-27). However, Stephen, another man of faith, was stoned to death (Acts 7:54-60). With God at Green’s side, he doesn’t need to worry about the outcome (see line 1).
Eyes on You again the evidence is sure
My heartlines stay unbroken the war won’t take me over
Green’s eyes are fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and will not give up without a fight (1 Timothy 6:12). This contextualizes the entire song as internal warfare (Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 7:14-25, Ephesians 6:12-17, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). This also ccontextualizes the entire song as internal warfare (Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 7:14-25, Ephesians 6:12-17, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
[Verse 2]
There’s danger right outside my door
But no lie of hell could breach these walls
Sin is crouching at the doorway of Green’s heart (Genesis 4:7), yet, the gates of hell will not prevail against him (Matthew 16:18).
You interrupt the devil’s plans
That is, Jesus destroys the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
On Your truth is how my soul will stand
God’s truth is a solid foundation for Green to become upright (2 Timothy 2:19).
On Your truth is how my soul will stand
Repeats line 4.
[Bridge 1]
Your standing in the gap, holding back the violence
Crushing every giant that tries to take me out
This is not a reference to Ezekiel 22:30, which refers to a man speaking on behalf of Israel to appease God, avoiding His wrath on His people. It speaks of a mediator, Jesus (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:24-25, and Hebrews 9:15), who stands between Green and the Father. Given Chorus’ context on spiritual struggle, we can conclude that Christ provides Green with the way to escape temptation, including violence (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Your standing in the gap, with me in the trenches
See line 1.
Close through every challenge Your presence holds me now
Green knows that God is with him through every circumstance (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 139:7-10, Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, and Revelation 3:20).
[Bridge 2]
Your standing in the gap, holding back the violence
Crushing every giant that tries to take me out
Your standing in the gap, with me in the trenches
Close through every challenge Your presence holds me now
Repeats Bridge 1.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Unbelievers should easily conclude that Green has a personal relationship with “You”, whose might helps Green to push through obstacles in his way. While much of these lyrics could push those outside Christianity to interpret “You” as a girlfriend, partner, or John Connor, as mentioned in section 1, Verse 2 line 3 makes it difficult for unbelievers to conclude this. Green uses everyday language, leading them to interpret similarly as I stated in section 1.
My concerns outlined in section 1 are especially important for unstudied outsiders to Christianity.
Score: 9/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies God that Green’s faith prevents him from fear, gripping God’s strength to push through boundaries that prevent him from fully serving God.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Stefan Green’s Battlefield is excellent. Its message focuses on overcoming spiritual warfare with God on our side, that He always provides a way out for internal struggles such as depression, anxiety, anger, and lust. This brings glory to God. Some might see Bridge as a “Word of Faith” guaranteed protection from physical violence, despite Green’s hint to the contrary.
I recommend it for corporate worship, provided that the audience is aware that Bridge is not physical. Perhaps a pre-song speech is helpful.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Battlefield (listen to the song [requires Spotify registration])
Artist: Stefan Green
Album: N/A (Single)
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2021
Duration: 4:46
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2021 Stefan Green Music. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
07/21/2021 – Fixed a typo in red text. Thanks, Neal!
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