September 14, 2025
Christians often are described as being in a constant battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Although the exact words are not seen, the premise is there.
James 3:14–15 (ESV) — 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
As the Bible describes false wisdom as being earthly, we can attribute that to the world, which means the ways of man by nature. Mankind is constantly coming up with ideas and ways that are contrary to the word of God and accentuate the pride of man. That is what is known as the “world system.” The battle for a Christian is to avoid the world system that promotes pride and self-sufficiency.
The other description of the foe we face constantly is “unspiritual” also called the flesh. The part of us that resists submitting to God from which indwelling sin and rebellion flow. The apostle Paul described his battle with the flesh.
Romans 7:14–20 (ESV) — 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Before we leave this point, I must add the fact that although there is a constant battle with the flesh or the unspiritual part of us that hates to submit to God, there is victory through our Lord Jesus Christ to overcome the cravings as well as the rebellion of the flesh, especially as God carries out the ongoing means of sanctification.
Romans 7:24–8:1 (ESV) — 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
The last enemy is called “the devil” or demonic. We are told to be aware of the work of the evil one who is out to devour us, trip us up, lure us into falling to temptation, etc.
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) — 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
We are also provided the full armor of God that we may be able to stand against the forces of evil, including the “fiery darts of the wicked.”
Ephesians 6:10–17 (ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
The battle line is drawn, but let’s look at the context of James chapter 3 of why it’s so important to realize we are in a spiritual battle.
James 3:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The context is wisdom. We all need wisdom and there is in all of us an inner desire for wisdom to handle the events and circumstances in life. James provides a test to see if the wisdom we are getting is from God or not. You could say wisdom is known by the fruit in the life of the person and how they apply the wisdom from whatever source they are tapping. Boom! Right off it says if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition don’t brag about any wisdom because what you have is false to the truth of God. He says it’s earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. That kind of wisdom will lead you even farther down the road of destruction.
On the other hand, the wisdom that is from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and open to reason. Likewise, this good wisdom will bear fruit in mercy, impartiality, sincerity, and peace.
Is this worth fighting for?
Just weigh it out and take up arms. This is a spiritual battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. As we depend upon the power of the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, we can have victory over these foes that would bring us down.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
