For the next few weeks, I’m giving you a sneak peek into “The Pathway to Discipleship: A Yearly Devotion & Prayer Journal.” I was asked to contribute to this book, along with many other devoted men of God, to help you experience a deeper walk with Jesus. The devotional journal contains 52 weeks of thought-provoking and powerful devotions. Days 1-4 cover subjects essential along the pathway to discipleship, and Day 5 is for journaling, reflection, and prayer.
This beautiful, leather-bound book makes an attractive, Christ-centered Christmas gift that can be enjoyed all year. Why not pick one up for yourself as well? The book is not available in stores. You can purchase a prayer book for $15 in the Blackshear Place main lobby.
DAY 1
What Does It Mean to Do Spiritual Battle?
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Romans 7:18-20
Are you aware that battles and wars have been taking place every day all over the earth for approximately 5,000 years? That’s more than 1.8 million days of fighting! You may be thinking, Wow, I’m glad I’m not living in a dangerous war zone. The truth is, you are, for there is a battle that is being waged every day in your life. It’s an unavoidable spiritual battle that affects every area of your life. Tragically, many Christians are totally unaware of the clashing forces within them.
This inner war is a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Every believer has two natures. You have an old nature, the Adamic nature you received at birth — It’s in your genes! You also have a new nature, the spiritual nature that was given when you were born again. These two natures are in constant conflict because they are incompatible and irreconcilable. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).
The godly Apostle Paul knew about this conflict. Do you? Much of the battle is won just by realizing that the struggle exists. The moment you are born again, sin becomes like an exiled ruler. It no longer is king! However, sin still manages to survive and dwell in our unredeemed flesh. We look forward to the day when we will experience glorification and the absence of sin. In the meantime, to your battle stations! God has given us a plan for victory: “walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Captain of our salvation. I ask You this moment to give me a fresh supply of the power of Your Spirit. Please strengthen me in my inner man. In Your strong name I pray, Amen.
