We, the church, are embroiled in a battle. And if we aren’t aware of it, we should be.
The church, as a corporate body needs to be actively engaged in warfare for all that God calls good. We, as individuals, (because we are the church) need to be actively engaged in warfare for all that God calls good. We cannot be “the church victorious” if we surrender to this culture which labels all God calls good “evil.”
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
(Isaiah 5:20)
But how? How do we fight this battle?
On a physical level, we fight by living our lives to the glory of God. We chose obedience when Satan tempts us to violate God’s commands. We exercise self-control when our flesh screams for satisfaction. We speak truth when other voices tell lies. We respond to hatred with God-grounded agape; not a love that gives unchecked license to bad behavior, but one that says, “I love you too much to let you continue down the path of self-destruction and eternal damnation.”
I’m not suggesting it’s easy. I fail all the time! Then the Holy Spirit reminds me I’ve done wrong. I ask forgiveness. I repent. My good Father forgives me, and by the power of the Spirit, I move forward to God’s glory. I’m so thankful for His mercy!
The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
(2 Timothy 2:11-13)
But it’s easier when we understand our battle is not merely physical. We’re really fighting a spiritual war that manifests itself not only in internal struggles, and emotional turmoil, but in physical and intellectual earthly conflicts as well.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(Ephesians 6:12)
It’s also easier when we go out into the world ready for whatever the enemy (Satan) throws at us. That’s why putting on our spiritual armor is so important.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:13-17)
Truthfully, there are days taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet doesn’t seem feasible. Our Father understands our human frailty, so I don’t want to make this a harsh, legalistic thing. But being prepared for battle is important. Holy habits are important: prayer, studying God’s Word, fellowship, and gathering for corporate worship. God uses these to equip and strengthen us.
As I get older, however, I find the struggle is less about preparation and more about endurance. I’m tired! I want to rest. I don’t want to run the race anymore. Yet, as long as God gives me breath, I’m called to battle. As long as He gives you breath, you’re called to battle alongside me. God left us these encouraging words to spur us on.
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.
(Hebrews 12:1)
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
(1 Timothy 6:12)
And He promised, no matter how dismal the odds seem at times, that we (the church) are going to win the war! In truth, the victory was won the morning Jesus left His empty tomb behind. We’re just fighting the good fight until Christ returns or takes us home.
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world;
even our faith.
(1 John 5:4)
I borrowed today’s blog title from this portion of Samuel Wesley’s hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation.”
“Till, with the vision glorious (Christ on His throne)
Her (the church’s) longing eyes are blessed
And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.”
Our day of rest is coming, but it’s not here yet! So…
Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.
(Galatians 6:9)
*Photo copyright: www.godponderings.com