The Battle
George Stiekes
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty THROUGH GOD to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
You already recognize that our world is filled with Satanic darkness. There are so many things that fit into this category. Secularism, paganism, philosophies, Hollywood, greed, worldliness, religion (false cults), atheism, evolution, pride of intellectualism, materialism, false doctrines, and so many more isms and sinful practices, We are surrounded with the world and yet it is God’s will that our minds are stayed on Him Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 6:3; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-3).
It is in the midst of this darkness that God has called us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14, 16). Many Christians fail to recognize that we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. It is the struggle of sin against righteousness and the flesh against the Spirit. Every believer is called to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3). This will involve diligence, discipline, training and a good understanding of God’s Word.
Jesus said that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As lights, we are to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:20), illuminate truth, expose darkness and glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31). We are to be reflectors of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A middle-aged couple heard the good news of God’s grace and trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. However, both, having come out of such a wicked background were very troubled. Their past kept coming back to their minds and robbed them of the joy of the Lord and the peace of God.
The solution to their problem is in our text. When the past comes to mind, we should analyze it and RECOGNIZE ITS EVIL SOURCE. Satan does not want to give up on those over whom he has been victorious in the past. Secondly, we must REJECT IT, recognizing the source and then seeking God’s help to finally put it out of our lives. Thirdly, we must REPLACE IT by saturating our minds with God’s truth. Finally, we must REGARD Christian fellowship as very important. This will result in changing your activities but more than that, it will provide new friendships, those who will help you grow in the Lord and pray for you in the midst of the battle.
Always take a positive approach. When sinful thoughts enter your mind, immediately refuse to concentrate on them. Memorize today’s texts and others and repeat them out loud when attacked. Sing hymns and pray to the Lord about it. That is all part of bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
One more thing: Get busy serving Christ in and through the ministries of your church. It is amazing how our minds seem to forget about so many other things when we are busy serving Christ. Again – recognize that we are in a battle against the enemy of our souls. Be a missionary and let your light shine for the glory of God. Let your heart be filled with praise with every victory that takes place in the service of the King.
Peter wrote: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, HAVING ESCAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUSTS (2 Peter 1:4). He that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:8,9).
Sinful sowing will always bring tragic reaping while sowing directed by God’s Spirit will produce life changing results.
Thought: Have you ever longed for the “good old days?” There have been times when I would have loved to turn the calendar back. I remember revivals that are not prevalent today and wish those days were here again. As you read II Kings, Elisha remembered the spiritual miracles and the fellowship of Elijah, but he never asked for Elijah’s return. No, we cannot go back, but you can almost imagine the fellowship in Heaven when we remember God’s special gifts and blessings while here on earth.
It is strange how we tend to remember the good things of the past and forget the bad things. The battle against us by the enemy of our souls was as fierce then as it is today. Instead of looking back to the good old days, we need to keep looking up. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.