. . .Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
Hebrews 12: 1-2, NIV
Christ gives us all we need to persevere in this life. Sometimes the struggle is hard but the rewards are great. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9, NIV.
Jesus said, ". . . he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22, NIV. The battle between good and evil will one day be over. It will not continue indefinitely. Conflicts and trials will cease. "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain . . ." Revelation 21:4b, NIV.
We have all suffered loss because of the sin in this world. But the tears that we have as a result of those losses will be gone when Jesus comes and wipes them all away! "All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children." Revelation 21:7, NLT
The pathway of perseverance is like a race. Before us God has set the prize of a crown and eternal life. Though it takes effort and struggle to run this race, and we are often tired and weary, we are never running alone. When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and His life, we will not be easily distracted by things that may slow us down. With perseverance we can win the battle for the development of Christian character. The prize of eternity with Christ makes the battle worthwhile.
Of course, this battle is not what we would normally think of when going to war. As Paul describes in Ephesians 6:11-18, NIV, it is spiritual warfare. Let's read what Paul says:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after your have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes with the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
Paul is telling us that this endeavor of living a Christian life is an undertaking that requires all the strength and power of the mind and body. There are two facets of this struggle, the spiritual--of the mind, and the carnal--of the body. This battle was begun in heaven when Satan was cast out into the earth. It continued in the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve succumbed to his temptations. They did not believe God's words of warning. On through the ages of the earth the battle has continued. One day, when Christ comes and takes us away from this sin-filled world, the battle will at last be over.
Everyone who belongs to Christ will be made ready to battle and to persevere against Satan and his evil angels. There is no neutral ground. Christ, the captain of our salvation, says, "He who is not with me is against me." (Matthew 12:30, NIV) But remember, no one who stands ready with Christ has ever lost a battle. If God be for us, who can be against us?!
We are God's army and Christ is our commander. Everyone who comes to Christ and joins His army will be ready to battle for Christ. Just as soldiers are trained for warfare, soldiers in Christ are trained for spiritual warfare. Christ has even prepared the armor we will need for this campaign. As we read earlier in Ephesians 6:11-18, Paul describes each piece of armor for us. Let's take a closer look at them:
First, is the "belt of truth". Jesus said, ". . . you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". John 8:32, NIV. Truth gives us confidence to know we are in the right. It gives us strength to battle the enemy of truth, Satan, the father of lies. We are helpless unless we have this truth as part of our armor.
Second, is the "breastplate of righteousness." This protects the "heart" of our being and is abtained by faith. ". . . Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith". Philippians 3:9, NIV. Satan cannot destroy anyone who wears the breastplate of God's righteousness. It is the covering for the soul.
Third, are the sandals fitted with the "readiness that comes from the gospel of peace". "How beautiful on the moutains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7, NIV. When we share the gospel of peace, those who receive it become a part of the army of God. Then we have added strength in the battle against evil.
Fourth, is the "shield of faith"-- a defensive part of our armor which can deflect the flaming arrows of Satan. "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalms 7:10, NIV. Without this shield of faith we would be vulnerable to attacks that could separate us from our Lord. Faith is believing in Christ and in His guidance. With faith we will follow His lead and we will not lose.
Fifth, is the helmet of salvation. This is the covering that protects the head and the mind. Our minds control our actions. Satan cannot control the mind of the one who is wearing the helmet of salvation. "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . . without being frightened in away by those who oppose you." Philippians 1:27,28a, NIV. No harm can overtake one who's action are led by Christ.
Sixth, is the "sword of the spirit," which is the word of God. This is the offensive weapon of the Christian. Christ, when He was tempted by the devil, answered His attacker with an "it is written," as He fought back with the word of God. Satan cannot withstand the sword of the spirit. "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 5:12, NIV. The Christian using this weapon is invincible.
Seventh, is the importance of prayer. On all occasions the Christian in prayer is in the presence of God. There is no way he can be defeated, for prayer gives power to speak with confidence. Prayer destroys the opposition and brings Divine power to the army of God. "...Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. . . and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10, 18b, NIV.
"I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me
the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day -- and not only to me,
