FAITH THAT FIGHTS

The service of God includes fighting. Spiritual warfare is more than complete theology; it is the practical experience of all who seek to serve Christ. The devil is on the prowl, walking about like a roaring lion seeking to devour us all (1 Peter 5:8). We must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), for he is full of trickery and deception. He wants to move us away from the simplicity of following Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:3) and take us captive to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26).

Because we have such a powerful enemy after us, we are told by God to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). We must fight the devil by being strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10-12). We must take our stand upon the promises of God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:57). There is no reason for us to be afraid, for Jesus came to release us from fear by conquering the one with the power of death—the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15).

He who sins is of the devil (1 John 3:8). We are all sinners (Romans 6:23), therefore we are of the devil. How then can we fight him if we are of him? The answer is found in Christ. Though we are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), we can be partakers of the divine nature through Christ (2 Peter 1:4). There is power that comes to us through Christ by which we are strengthened with the power of his might in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16).

Remember it is “the good fight of faith” and the only way to win is to depend upon God. Satan is stronger than we are, but greater is the Holy Spirit in us than the devil in the world (1 John 4:4). We will only win the battle when we believe (1 John 5:4). Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and take note of what Paul calls “the whole armor of God.” Make sure that you are “wearing” it. God has told us how to defeat the devil in our lives. The key is to fight him. To fight him in faith.

Dewayne Dunaway