Spirit Fight

We are at war. The war, however, is not the war we see in the world. The battles we fight are not the battles in this world but the spiritual battles against our enemies in the heavenly realm. We do not fight as the world fights. Instead, we fight in the spiritual realm. This is why God gives us His Spirit. We need the Spirit's help to fight.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)

A significant power shift takes place once we receive the Holy Spirit of God. Our enemies, who were more powerful than us before, are not more powerful than us now. God's Spirit is far more powerful than they are. This is why, through the power of the Spirit, we are able to win battles that we could not win before.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. (1 John 5:18 NIV)

We still have to fight, though. We need to send away the spiritual forces who come after us. We need to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. We need to say "no" to temptation and take the escape that God provides. We need to put to death the deeds of the flesh by the power of the Spirit that now dwells in us. We need to do our part. But, through the power of God's Spirit, our part is always successful now. God fills us with His Spirit. God backs our play. God will always help us pursue holiness and righteousness and peace.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV)

God wants us to be home with Him. More than that, God wants us to bring others home, too. This is why we are still here. We have a part to play in God's plan. We need to reach out to a lost and hurting world. We are called by God to go and make disciples of all nations. While we do this, we need God's help so that we do not fall backwards in the process.

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV)

So, how about you? Are you ready to fight through the power of the Spirit? Do you do your part, trusting God to do His part? Do you fight the good fight, stay strong in the Lord, and bring others to Him?