Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. — 1 Peter 2:11
We are often discouraged by the acts of war that humans wage against one another. We pray for peace but understand that, without the influence of Christ, atrocities will continue to occur in the world. That is no less true in our own spiritual lives. We are at war.
There is a battle taking place, and often we are fighting against ourselves. Peter encouraged his readers to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control…” (2 Peter 1:5–6). This urgent plea recognizes that self-control does not come naturally. It is a part of our new life in Christ.
Paul also strongly urged Timothy to wage the spiritual battle when he wrote, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). The victory is only found in Jesus, but the effort is in our hands. Fight … take hold — these words show that we are personally involved in the battle and must take action.
Thankfully, we are not on our own. This is a Spirit-empowered and Spirit-led enterprise. We are given both protection and weapons to confront the enemy. Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” That armor is described in Ephesians 6: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer. Paul assures us of the outcome of such readiness: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
You are at war. It is not a short-term battle, but one that rages throughout your life. Don’t let your guard down — the Enemy is relentless and crafty. Trust God and let Him be the Lord of your heart. Victory is assured, but only when Jesus returns will the war finally end — and those who surrendered to the Lamb will prevail.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. ~Revelation 19:11