The battle within (part 2)
Last week we discussed the fact that we have this battle that we are constantly fighting; the battle against the flesh. Though we are Christians, it doesn’t mean that we are sinless and it doesn’t mean we are free from temptation. It means that we have to fight even more. The attack is on and it is one in which we must recognize. The fact is, “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19).
First thing
From the moment you wake up, the flesh is on the attack. I don’t know many people who pop their eyes open in the morning with the first thought in their mind being, “I can’t wait to get out of bed a talk with Jesus.” Sure, in our “super spiritual” pride we might say this but the reality is that most of us open our eyes in the morning only to close them again. We think, what’s another 8 minutes of sleep going to do? However, if you are anything like me, that 8 minutes turns into 38 minutes pretty quickly.
This is the battle that we are fighting. I don’t doubt that the Christian has a desire to get out of bed early in the morning to seek his savior. What we need to recognize is that the flesh wants us to do anything but seek Jesus in the morning. This is the battle we must recognize and this recognition is the first step to conquering the flesh. Indeed, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).
Put on the armor
Question: If you were going to go to war, bullets flying and bombs exploding, would you enter the battlefield naked? Certainly not! You would put on as much armor as you possible could and still be effective in battle. You would put on a helmet, bullet-proof vest, sturdy boots, and a gun around your shoulder. You would arm yourself and be ready to fight and you would fight in such a way so as to not die. So too, Christians have to put on the full armor. We too have to arm ourselves, go to war, and fight in such a way so as to not die. I fear that we live in a church age in which so many Christians are running around naked. They are not armed and they are ill-prepared to fight any battle.
It would be wise of us to realize that this battle against flesh, sin, and the enemy is not one that we can or ever should try to fight on our own. It is bigger than we can imagine yet it is able to be defeated. Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul says that this battle against the flesh goes even beyond the flesh. The source behind the battle is Satan. We are ultimately fighting against forces of evil that want to take us away from God as much as possible. Therefore, we must be fully armored so that we can go into battle. We are to put on the Word of God, we are to pray, we are to shield ourselves so that we can extinguish all of the flaming darts that the enemy shoots our way.
This is how you fight. Are you in the battle? If so, are you armed? Are you prepared to fight? Have you shielded yourself with God’s Word and with prayer? Church, we must learn to recognize this battle that we fight. It is a battle that can be won and that ultimately has been won at the cross! Don’t give in. Look to Jesus and His finished work, and fight.
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