I am writing this on the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice. This natural event reminds us of a day that was not natural but miraculous when the sun stood still. That day of battle between Israel and the Amorites dramatically displayed the presence, power, and purpose of Jehovah. God fought for Israel that day against five kings and “routed them before Israel” (Josh. 10:10). The Lord also “cast down large hailstones from heaven” against the enemies of His people (Josh. 10:11). As Israel fought, God assured the victory. We look to God for the “power of His might” to overwhelm the strength of Satan, sin, and death (Eph. 6:10; 1 John 3:8; 1 Cor. 15:56-57). He will “never leave you nor forsake you” in your trials and spiritual conflicts against the enemies of righteousness (Heb. 13:5; Rom. 8:35-39). But we must fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12; Eph. 6:11-17). God, who controls the seasons also fights for His people. He does so, not by miraculously stopping the sun again, but by the daily brilliance of His love, providence, and truth. So, let us put our faith in Him and be victorious (1 John 5:4).
Tag Archives: fight
The Wall Fell Down Flat #1465
So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20, NKJV)
God gave Jericho to Israel by His grace (Joshua 6:2, 16). Yet, it was necessary that Israel obey in faith for the city walls to collapse (Joshua 6:3-5). Please notice that while the walls fell by God’s grace, the army of Israel still had to take the city. The edge of the sword was applied to this godless city after the walls fell (Joshua 6:21). Spiritual victories require us to fight to possess the Lord’s victories (Ephesians 6:10-13). We must be militant against the forces of evil to gain the victory of faith (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 John 5:3-4). Today’s passage also reminds us our spiritual battle is right in front of us. We fight the good fight of faith alongside fellow Christians, exhorting and helping one another each day (Hebrews 12:12-13). We do this even as we engage in our own battles against temptation, trials and trouble. By grace through faith, victory in Christ is assured.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith #1402
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12, NKJV)
June 6, 1944. D-Day was the largest amphibious attack in history. It was a battle for the liberation of Europe and the defeat of tyrannical, dictatorial, murderous oppression. About 156,000 Allied soldiers attacked the German forces on the Normandy beaches of France that day. In less than a week, the beaches were secure, with over 4,000 Allied troops dead and many thousands more wounded. The horror of that battle is tempered only by the victory it would help secure. In less than a year Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Forces. Christians, we are at war against a spiritual army of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). The aim of this vile army is the eternal demise of you and every other soul. We must fight more valiantly, endure more bravely and trust more fervently than those brave soldiers did on D-Day. Ours is a battle for eternity. Our victory is assured in Christ as we put on His armor and stand against the devil (1 John 5:4; Ephesians 6:10-17). Onward, Christian soldiers! God has called you this battle and you have confessed your allegiance to Him. Now, fight and lay hold on eternal life!
Fighting Against God #869
38 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38–39, NASB)
Rabbi Gamaliel gave sound advice to the Jewish council members, some of whom “plotted to kill” the apostles (Acts 5:33). We never win when we fight against the purposes of God – we always lose. As Jesus told Saul during His appearance to him on the road to Damascus, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 9:5). Yet, people still fight against God’s word, His truth and His purposes. For example, Christ said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:16). But, many reply, “He who believes is saved and will be baptized.” Again, God said, “you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). But many say, “you cannot fall from grace.” And again, God said, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Yet, many say one is justified by “faith only.” Sadly, all these fight against God. It is a losing battle. Stand with God and His word, and do not “be found fighting against God.”
The Fight is On! #420
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
Christians are at war, and we’d better realize it! The battle is raging for the minds and souls of every person on earth, including ours. Guns, tanks, missiles and bombs will not defeat our enemy. We wage a spiritual warfare, “the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). Our weapons are spiritual in nature and “mighty in God” to break down the bulwarks of unbelief, human wisdom and pride. The “sword of the Spirit”, the word of God, renders error impotent. Truth vanquishes every foe and as it leads us to obedience and victory in Christ. The question is not whether Christ and His army will prevail. The question is, in which army are you a soldier; Satan’s or the Lord’s?
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