Battling In A War That’s Already Won

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!.
Romans 7:24-25

Without benefit of bullets or bombs, the world, the flesh and the devil have mounted an all-out attack aimed at crippling “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Paul described this “guerrilla warfare” in Romans 7. And as Thomas à Kempis notes, this is one battle that is best fought on your knees.

WALK WITH THOMAS À KEMPIS
“I confess my own unrighteousness; I confess my weakness unto thee, O Lord.

“Often it is a small matter that makes me sad and dejected. I resolve that I will: act with courage, but when even a small temptation comes, I am at once in great distress. It is sometimes a tiny trifle that sparks a great temptation.

“And though I do not altogether consent, yet their continued assaults are troublesome and grievous to me; and it is exceedingly irksome to live thus daily in conflict.

“O Lord, strengthen me with heavenly courage, lest the flesh prevail and get the upper hand.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
When David met Goliath, he knew God would be victorious, for David knew the battle was indeed the Lord’s. Believers face battles daily too. But they’re spiritual battles against the giants of Satan and self.

The best defense against the warring flesh is a good offense—a confidence that Satan and his allies are already defeated. The ultimate outcome has already been determined; the cross of Christ has seen to that!

Now you, like Paul, can respond to the question, “Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” with the ringing affirmation, “Jesus Christ our Lord!”

After all, there’s nothing like knowing that someone has already won the war to give you strength to face each daily skirmish!