Inner Conflicts
Since nearly the dawn of time there have been hostilities, conflicts, battles, wars, and altercations. These are usually the product of one man or group of men in opposition to another. An excellent example of this is the first recorded war we have in the Word of God. This account names a number of combatants, and is found in Genesis 14:2. That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Often, when the call for action in this kind of conflict is made in the field, or location of the clash, there is a need to let all involved know when to charge. Battalions of the U S Calvary included a “bugler” who was well versed in all the “tunes” that were designed to signal various things. The need for this was recognized even in Bible times. In 1Corinthians 14:8, the Spirit had Paul write about this. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
But these types of struggles are “external” in nature and usually involve a multiplicity of individuals. In Romans 7:25 the apostle Paul was directed by the Spirit to inform the Roman Christians that not all “wars” aren’t fought with club, sword, firearm, or other such weapons. Some take place “internally”. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Another congregation was given a similar message. In 1Corinthians 10:3-4, those brethren were reminded that the flesh did not control the Christian’s conflict. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) These are battles of an individual nature and are fought by each of us.
However, as we face these daily, we are not expected to deal with our inner conflicts without aid or assistance. 2Peter 1:3 assures us that we are richly supplied with all we need to live godly lives and overcome even our own inner battles. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: These “all things” are contained within the Word of God and are easily accessed by every soldier of the cross, if he or she will just go to the Word and read, study and meditate. According to Ephesians 3:16, this is where we are to draw that needed inner strength. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Once we have done this, perhaps we can say as the Spirit had Paul write in Romans 7:22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
We cannot separate the inner man from the outer until we die as we read in James 2:26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. So, when the inner man is “conflicted” and fails to remain faithful to God the outer man also suffers. Therefore, God has provided all that the faithful Christian needs to prepare him, or herself, for every type of conflict one might face in this life. The Spirit had Paul pen this so the church that met in Ephesus could overcome inner conflicts. This has been recorded for us as well in Ephesians 6:10-18 so we can be fully equipped. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
How can we be victorious over these “inner conflicts”? We must first obey the gospel. When we become a child of God, Philippians 4:7 tells us, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then as the “inner conflicts” arise, we as soldiers in the Lord’s army have access to all we need to overcome. Let us remember, just as warriors in other battles know, the weapons for offence and defense are useless unless we take them up and use them. They are equally inadequate if we have not been trained to use them. Take up God’s Word today. Obey what it says to do. Learn how to use it to your benefit and to render aid to others.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
