So we’re fighting a three-front war—something no one’s likely to win without divine power. Let’s take a look at the first enemy, the world.
I wrote some on this just a few posts ago, focusing primarily on definitional matters. Here I’d like to focus on how to fight so as to win. I think a key biblical source on this question is John’s first epistle.
The Right Family
The Scripture often uses military language for the Christian life. Most famously, I suppose, Paul describes the “armor” (lit. “panoply”) of the Christian warrior, supplied by God for both defense and offense (Ep 6.13-17). Christians who take a more pacifist approach to life (e.g.
“Spiritual disciplines are not about legalism or perfectionism. They are about creating rhythms in our lives that cultivate spiritual fitness. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual habits strengthen the soul.” - IFWE
“While some have found a pattern or habit they love and will never deviate from, others like to look for new ways to read, digest, and apply the Word. For those who may be interested in trying something new, here are a few ideas that may be worth considering.” - Challies
“I wonder if we’ve made it a little too abstract, a little too inactive, and perhaps a little too solitary. What is meditation? Meditation is pondering the words of the Bible with the goal of better understanding and sharper application.” - Challies
“Dr. George H. Guthrie has written … A Short Guide to Reading the Bible Better. In this book, he provides helpful tools and guidance to help God’s people read and enjoy God’s Word.” - Lifeway
“This is not sin—to be embodied. It’s God’s plan. But we get so blind…. To seek things above… ‘definitely and deliberately, I will have a non-negotiable time with God.’” - Randy Alcorn
“Watson warns that as we ease off in pursuing our relationship with God, we open ourselves to the temptations of the devil, for a fallow field bears weeds rather than wheat, and a fallow life bears sin rather than sanctification.” - Challies
“Godliness is the result of effort—focused effort that turns us away from useless distractions (1 Timothy 4:7a), and consistent effort that follows an ongoing regimen of spiritual exercises.
“Nothing complicated: I take a notebook, open the Bible, and start copying God’s words. One by one. I focus on the book I’m studying at that time.” - TGC
