“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” 2 Corinthians 10:4
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he addresses the nature of the conflict and warfare that the believer has in this world. First of all, with regard to essential elements of this conflict, he writes: “…follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience meekness.” (6:11) The pursuit of these things will invariably be met with conflict and opposition of the enemy. Hence, the Apostle instructs Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto Thou art also called.” (v.12) This “man of God,” as Paul calls Timothy, is thus to gird himself for battle, realizing that he has no choice than to engage the conflict. He cannot flee or turn aside and away. Defeat is not an option. How then is this conflict to be engaged, and what are the elements of it which will always be addressed and faced?
The Apostle makes it very clear at least twice in his letters to Timothy that this is a “good fight,” specifically of faith, a faith that is kept. He does not say that he fought perfectly, nor did he win every battle. But he did say, as a testament to the faithfulness of God, that he had fought in the fight, and that faith had remained intact. Perhaps the greatest evidence of this victory for us today are the writings of the Apostle Paul. Certainly, the enemy of our souls, and his, sought to hinder, and destroy the messenger of these writings. There is evidence in his writings of Paul being hindered, even being attacked by those stirred up by the enemy, to harm and destroy him. And though there were times when he felt loneliness very keenly, having been forsaken even by believers, his testimony was firm: “Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known.” (2 Tim. 4:17) Here was a man who faced the opposition, overcame the enemy, and finished his course, having kept the faith, being fully assured that “a crown of righteousness” awaited him from his Lord’s hand. But the question then becomes: How did he fight, and how did he overcome the wiles, and opposition, of devils and unbelieving men alike?
There are several times in Scripture, when we see Satan, in the presence of God, seeking to destroy believers. Perhaps the greatest, and most well-known, is the example of Job. God allowed Satan to tempt Job severely, all the time knowing that Job would not be tempted beyond what his capacity to overcome. Satan would be on a leash, although Job certainly did not feel that that was the case, because of his suffering. Another time we see Satan in the presence of God, with Joshua the high priest of Israel, standing before God clothed with filthy clothes. Satan had, by his accusations concerning the very real state of Joshua’s sins, neutralized, or paralyzed this priest. How would Joshua be able to overcome such accusations which were based in reality, and certainly were “flaming arrows” being hurled at him to hinder the work of God?
In Revelation 12, we read the following: “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (v.11) Perhaps the foremost spiritual weapon that the believer possesses is the precious, and powerful, blood of Christ. Christ’s blood not only declares Christ’s total victory over Satan, but possesses the power to forgive, cleanse, and remove totally every trace, and leverage effect and influence of sin. By the profession of faith of the believer, his stand is taken firmly upon the truth of God. Power is given to the believer by God when he embraces and aligns himself with it. Lastly, loving not one’s life in this world, but loving Christ, liberates the believer to freely live for the eternal.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to use well the spiritual weapons provided, fighting the good fight, and finishing well our course. In Jesus’ name, Amen.