We all have probably heard the phrase that speaks of believers having three enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil. I probably should have said "some of us" instead of "we all" since there seem to be quite a few churches who embrace the world these days, but I will leave it that way because we should consider the world an enemy, since the world system(s) are under the control of the evil one, so the Bible tells us.
What I would like to ask, and then answer is this: "Of those three; the world the flesh and the devil, which one should we as believers be most concerned with? Can we consider one above the others a more 'formidable' enemy? Have you ever thought about it? Why or why not?
Consider those rhetorical questions, I am not after an argument or debate. I think scripture tells us which of the three causes us the most problems; not in exact words, but implicitly nonetheless.
Some years ago now, when I was traveling in Christian circles that made much of battling Satan, and blaming him for just about everything from the evils in the world to individual sins (If he didn't tempt us we wouldn't sin, would we? ), I had one of those "moments", the kind that happen when you hit a passage of scripture that sort of settles an issue, or question you might have about your Christian walk. There have been a few of those through the years, some more memorable than others. This was one of those more memorable "moments".
Now that you're sitting there on pins and needles for the answer I said I would give you, here it is:
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." - James 1:14
As far as I'm concerned, that one passage tells me which of the big three I should be more concerned with. All that the world has to offer me would be nothing to me if I didn't have "my own lust" - those desires still lurking within that are at odds with, yet live along side the new nature in Christ. If you don't believe me just ask the Apostle Paul - read Romans 7. Likewise, Satan would not be able to tempt me with anything If I did not have "my own lust". All of his schemes and cunning devices would be worthless!
So there's an old soldier's answer to the original question. I hope that didn't sound too simplistic. Our own flesh, with it's evil desires, is our most formidable foe in the battle against the Big Three.
So what do we do? How to defeat the flesh? How do we "walk in the spirit"? There are probably several sound biblical answers to those questions and I'm glad you asked. (You were asking, weren't you?)
Of all the things I can come up with that we should be doing, the activities or behavior we should or should not be engaged in, one thing stands out as of most importance:
" For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Cor 10:3-5 (Emphasis mine)
What does that mean? How do you do that? Again, thanks for asking! I don't think that's rocket science either. Read the Book. If you are His, you already have a desire to do so, a grand desire to know Him, His thoughts, His commands, His desire/plan for you as His child (Phil 2:13). read His book! Get to know Him and you will truly taste eternal life here on earth (John 17:3)
Friends, the front line of spiritual warfare begins at home, in our own minds, in our own thought life!
If you were waiting to hear the Ephesians 6 thing about putting on the armor of God, while that's part of it, we'll get to that in another post.
May God richly bless you as you "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ"!