ONGOING BATTLE OF
FAITH
INTRODUCTION
Ongoing battle of faith is still active in many countries who are attempting to hinder the growth of Christianity due to its being a threat. I thank God for those realizing a break-through from oppression at the hand of ungodly individuals.
The ongoing battle of faith has lessened in such places but there is still opposition to the biblical truths of God’s Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; even the church in some instances. There is a progressive social gospel being presented that would undermine the need for sanctification (being set apart), righteousness (doing what is right in the sight of God), and holiness (without which no man shall see the Lord - Hebrews 12:14).
Ongoing Battle of Faith
Spiritual Insight
It was noted that the battle rages on, the wicked continue to reject God’s sovereignty over the earth, the heathen continue to rage, and the powers of darkness are on the prowl. None of this is a threat to the rule of God. None of this is a threat to the flourishing of God’s people. God rules, the Son of God is our Mediator, the Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper, and God’s angels are charged with our care.
Thank God that we can maximize on godly individuals who openly present the truth; without compromise or diluting of God’s Word. One may be faced with difference of opinions but such needs to be shifted through the Word of God; to see whether they will stand or fall under such scrutiny.
There is growing influence given towards what is presented through the media, internet, and other electronic devices being presented as the truth; but is it? If there was ever a time that discernment, needs to be in one’s life, it is the hour in which we live.
Materialistic Culture
In reference to an ongoing battle of faith; or lack thereof, it was noted that ours is among the most materialistic cultures the world has ever known. Many appear to have faith in their business, their trade union, their stocks and bonds, their property, more than they do in Christ.
Jesus said: What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 17:26); take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses (Luke 12:15).
Apostle Paul wrote: Godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:6-7). It was noted that material wealth is relatively unimportant; but that the believer should pursue the important things; righteousness, godliness, faith, love (godly love), patience, meekness, fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life (salvation) (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Troublesome Times
The ongoing battle of faith was noted in Apostle Paul’s message to Timothy, a young evangelist, encouraging him to persevere in the midst of troublesome times. He wrote: Preach the word, be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after the own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
There is a new generation who no longer adhere to the truths of yesterday; desiring to have their ears tickled, rather than to continue upholding the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, without compromise. Paul’s continued instruction to Timothy: Watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
It was noted that preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Teachers (and preachers) who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
Good Fight of Faith
Ongoing battle of faith; the importance of doing so, is highlighted by Apostle Paul’s last testament, he wrote: I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul’s ongoing battle of faith would end in Rome where he was to be a martyr for Christ (Acts 23:11).
Paul had kept the faith, which was pure and incorrupt against all opposition, declaring the whole counsel of God; to receive a crown of righteousness, obtained and possessed in a righteous way, in Christ Jesus, having been redeemed by His blood, and sanctified (set apart unto God).
Overcoming the World
Ongoing battle of faith is through faith. Apostle John wrote: Whosoever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). It was noted that overcoming the world, the lusts which are in the world, false prophets, wicked men who are laying snares, evil doctrine, threatening, and ill examples, to avert one from observing the commands of God.
The Apostle Paul wrote: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). There are many who keep the ongoing battle of faith alive despite atrocities being committed against the saints of God.
Jesus gave an assurance in speaking to Apostle Peter: You are Peter (representative of the church), and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of Hell (all opposition) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
Equipped for Battle
Ongoing battle of faith is properly equipped as identified by Apostle Paul, who wrote: Brethren (the church) be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil (and his cohorts). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). It was noted that the shield of faith is a shield against false doctrines and the wiles of Satan (and his cohorts), a tempter of others to wickedness.
Satan's temptations are as fiery darts, said to be fiery because they serve to inflame the mind, excite one to sin; along with lust, anger, revenge, and the like; if not repelled through the shield of faith. Thank God for His intervention into the affairs of men; in upholding His Word, with enlightenment to world and His continued concern for man.
Acceptance or Rejection
Scripture reveals: This is the condemnation that light (Jesus) is come into the world, and men loved darkness (sinfulness) rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Every one that does (practices) evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (exposed). But he that does truth, comes to the light, that his deeds be wrought in God (John 3:19-21).
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (Jesus) has everlasting life (a heavenly abode); and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (headed for a devil’s hell) (John 4:36).
Apostle Paul wrote: The wages of sin is death (physical and spiritual); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord; being made free from sin (through forgiveness of our sins by Christ and cleansed of sin through His shed blood on Calvary) we become servants (dedicated) to God, having our fruit (life) unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (John 6:22-23).
Who Shall Separate Us
Apostle Paul wrote: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or peril, or sword (Romans 8:35). The reason why the ongoing battle of faith prevails today is due to a world blemished by sin and corruption.
Paul revealed such does not have to be the case, in writing: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him (Jesus) that loves us. I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 7,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.