WAR WITHIN! We are living in two conflicting worlds simultaneously. The "world to come" (Heb. 2:5) is now our abode by faith. It is depicted as a "kingdom" to which we "are come." It consists of things to which we "are come" – "mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel" (Heb 12:22-24). These are all very real, as faith strongly affirms. -- Tomorrow:
"But I see another law in my members, WARRING against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom 7:23).
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SITUATION
There is also "this present evil world," which is our tangible residence while we remain "in the body" ( 2 Cor. 5:8). It is also the world from which Jesus has delivered us, according to God's own will (Gal 1:4).
These are not merely two different worlds. They are worlds in competition with one another, having differing destinies. One is destined to destruction (2 Pet. 3:10-12). The other constitutes a "kingdom that cannot be shaken," and will be revealed when the other one is destroyed (Heb. 12:27-28). Until that time, they are irreconcilable. An eternal order cannot be at peace with a temporal one! As a believer in Christ, you have to do with both of these worlds, and that is a constant source of inner conflict.
We have also been "espoused" to an absent "Bridegroom" (2 Cor. 11:2). This condition has introduced a conflict of interests. The world solicits us to deny our betrothal and play the harlot with it. No person in Christ is exempt from the struggle. All have received a heavenly mandate to "fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:12,19). Take the warfare seriously, and have done with things of no eternal consequence. The time is short, the battle is fierce, and your eternal destiny is at stake.
An inner struggle also ensues because part of us is dying, while the other part is being constantly renewed. Our "outward man" is perishing, but our "inward man is renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16). However, the "perishing" part of us is not reconciled to dying! Further, the "inward man" requires that our "affection" be "set on things above, and not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1-2), else it cannot survive. However, this can only be accomplished while subduing the earthly proclivities of the "outward man." Thus, the struggle.
OUR REACTION TO THE STRUGGLE
The struggle of which we speak is a reality, not an imagination. Therefore, it requires a decision on your part, as well as personal and determined involvement. Briefly stated, you are to subdue the evil and nourish and sustain the good. Your faculties can be drawn upward or downward, to heaven or to earth. You are the custodian of your thoughts, your soul, your affection, and your desires. They do not naturally turn Godward, and can be adversely effected. Although in Christ, an undisciplined soul can dwell upon unholy thoughts, even developing a preference for the fading fancies of the world. That always precedes falling into sin. To do so, however, is to forfeit life and be "cast away" (Luke 9:25).
We are to "cleave to the good" and "abhor the evil" (Rom. 12:9). Both are present within us, and both must be appropriately confronted. We are to "desire the sincere milk of the Word," while "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts" (1 Pet. 2:2; Tit. 2:12). Like our Lord, we are to fervently "love righteousness" and zealously "hate iniquity" (Heb. 1:9). You have been called to a life that demands growth "in grace" and the crucifixion "of the flesh" (2 Pet. 3:18; Gal. 5:24). "Hold fast" what is "good," and "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21). Ignoring this conflict and passivity are never in order in this struggle. They place one in spiritual jeopardy, and ultimately lead to condemnation.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to at last to stand before You rejoicing and with confidence and boldness.