A Body at War
In this passage, James asks, “What causes wars, and what causes fights among you?” He then answers his own question, ” Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” James could be referring to the conflicts that we have with others around us, but I think he is also referring to the conflict within ourselves.
Wars take place on battlefields and these sites record some of the most horrific scenes that one could ever begin to imagine. I picture this same imagery in the battles taking place inside of us everyday.
This war escalates as different desires/passions battle for supremacy. The desire for security, wealth, superiority, beauty, possessions, etc., wages this war within us. It is impossible to be peaceful, content and humble when envy, jealousy and pride are at work in us. This is clearly the work of the enemy.
What is the biggest problem in the church today? It is sin. My sin, your sin, our sin. The greatest need we have is sanctification, a desire to be more like Christ and to grieve that we are not. Dying more and more to sin, and living more and more in righteousness.
Paul states in Romans 7:23-24, “but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:11, “I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Only in Christ can we be delivered from “this body of death,” and “abstain from the passions of the flesh.”
If Christ is everything, all surpassing greatness, then everything the world says we should have/do/be all fall away as insignificant. Only in Christ can we have victory.
Questions for Reflection:
- Can you identify the opposing forces currently at war inside of you?
- Do a phrase search for “in Christ” in the Bible and make notes of your findings.
- Psalm 119:11 states, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” What verses from the Word are you storing up in your heart? Robert Morgan’s, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart, is a good resource for identifying themes and verses.
Paul states in Romans 7:23-24, “but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Paul like James answers his own question..”25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Jesus is are only hope.Our Deliverer.
Thanks chuck for the reminder.
So today I woke up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Just a downright mess. Cranky, want to cry, curl up and not wake up for the rest of the day kind of a mess. Alas, my aha moment came reading this.
Ugh, its a war. ahhhhh just breath and rest in His arms. Thank you for this enlightening daily bread.
Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for speaking through Chuck in order to deliver your message in just the right moment. I pray that today Lord other people might read this and be delivered from this war, this bondage they are facing. Whatever their struggle Lord. I pray for your grace and love to light up their days and know that they have a great General who has fought and won the war and that we no longer need to fight but to rest in your holy and powerful arms. I know that you are in me Lord and that through your unfailing love and your grace that I can make it through today without going back to those icky feelings. I am your soldier today Lord use me as you have called for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Abba, I love you!