Struggle: Winning the Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

Life in a fallen world is a battle – but every struggle, rightly fought, becomes the ground on which God builds persistence, character and victory. This article explores why we struggle, what is really at stake, and how to come through in triumph with Jesus.

The Battle We Are Born Into

After sin entered the world, life became a struggle for all creation. All humanity has become subject to the blight of a fallen nature, so there is a major battle going on in the life of each believer – the good versus the evil, sinful tendencies and lusts of the flesh (Gen 3:15-19; Gal 5:17; Phil 1:29-30). The flesh is fighting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. This is not a one-off experience but an ongoing occurrence because of the inherent sin-biased nature. Paul expressed it as “sin seizing the moment so I do what I do not want to do” (Rom 7:21-25).

As Satan wants those who become believers back in his kingdom, he does all he can to bring this about. We need to be aware of this and not fall for his tactics but resist him (2 Cor 2:11; Jas 4:7).

The root of any struggle we have is basically a spiritual conflict revealed and outworked in the natural or physical realm. Ultimately, there are only two options and we get to choose which we submit to: either the righteousness of God’s Kingdom resulting in eternal life, or the fleshly, carnal, evil nature under Satan’s control, ending in eternal suffering (Deut 30:15,19; Jn 3:16,36; 1 Jn 5:12). The lifestyle we live will reflect our choice, whether denying or gratifying the sinful nature characteristic of Satan’s Kingdom (Gen 4:7; Rom 8:12-14). “A person is a slave to whatever has mastered them” (2 Pet 2:19).

Am I determined to come through this victorious with Jesus?

Two Kingdoms, One Choice

It requires consistent determination and faith to push through into the victory that Jesus died to gain for us and fulfil His calling on our lives. This may require us to surrender to Him what we consider precious, yet He will enrich our lives for our love expressed in obedience (1 Sam 2:30; Mt 19:29; Jn 14:15; 1 Cor 15:57; 1 Jn 3:8). Satan even tempted Jesus to meet His legitimate desires by a quick, ‘no pain’, by-pass route which was outside the divine boundaries and he will do the same to us (Mt 4:3-10).

Satan doesn’t want us to reach our full potential in Christ, and tries to block or delay our spiritual advancement by hindering our prayers and keeping us ignorant of the resources available to us as children of God (Dan 10:13; Jn 1:12; Phil 2:15; 1 Thes 2:18).

Inwardly, the spiritual struggle is targeted at the control of our mind and heart, for ‘above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’ (Pro 4:23), so we are to utilise the full armour of God and walk in obedience to remain true to Christ, while outwardly the struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil directed at us through other people (2 Cor 10:4; Eph 6:12-13). Keep up the fight with persistent self-control while maintaining the right perspective, refusing to take Satan’s option of quitting. Don’t focus on the problems or any failures but recognize that with Christ you can overcome and thank Him for these character building opportunities to display His nature for His glory (Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 4:17; Gal 5:22-23; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 1 Jn 4:4).

We choose who we submit to: Jesus or Satan

Steps to Victory

There are certain safeguards or steps we can take in the contest to help bring about the desirable outcome of eternal life, although we will not become ‘struggle-proof’ this side of heaven – we will always be outside our comfort zone. These include the following:

Acknowledging that He is still in control, and with Him we can be conquerors (Rom 8:31,37; Eph 1:11).
Actively putting off the old nature, considering it and its desires dead, and responding to the new self (Rom 6:11-13; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:1-10).
Taking strength from the fact that Jesus also experienced trials but did not sin (Heb 4:15).
Following His example when He looked beyond the hardships to what would be accomplished by being obedient to death on the cross, and not giving up (Heb 2:10, 12:2-3).
Being transformed by the renewing of our thought processes – by taking captive every thought and bringing it into submission to Christ (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5).
Recognising that hardships and trials are God’s permitted instrument to further develop the fruit of the Spirit and character in us (Rom 8:28-29).
Knowing the Holy Spirit is willing to help if we but ask (Lk 11:13; Rom 8:26; Eph 1:17).
Having a continual attitude of praise (Ps 34:1; 1 Thes 5:18).

Struggles make us strong and develop spiritual maturity; nothing of significance is attained except through them, and we can only be victorious conquerors through participating in a battle. Don’t view the present challenges as impassable roadblocks but as stepping-stones to growth and progress. Gain the victory in this area so you will be prepared for the next trial that is sure to come. Without struggle, the disciplines of persistence, patience and hard work have little chance to develop.

Keeping our eyes on the goal is what provides the incentive to keep going. An athlete does not win by studying the track beneath their feet but by fixing their gaze on the finish line, and we run our race the same way. Jesus Himself endured the cross by looking beyond its pain to the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2), and Paul, near the end of his life, could say he was still straining towards the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly call (Phil 3:13-14). When the struggle is fierce, lift your eyes: the crown of life is promised to those who endure, and the ‘well done’ of the Father will be worth every step (Mt 25:21; Jas 1:12).

Sometimes we struggle with God’s will or direction, yet Jesus said, “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. It is ‘through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Jn 16:33; Act 14:22). Whatever He allows has been filtered through His love, so pray ‘Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I can’t handle together!’ He promised He would never leave us, and would carry our burdens if we ask Him to (Mt 11:28-30; Heb 13:5).

Lord, I can make it through with you

Everybody has their own struggles to contend with (many people have far greater issues than what we will ever experience); sometimes we need their help to bring us through and at other times, by being other-focused, we can support them (Gal 6:2; Phil 2:4). It was when Job reached out beyond his own numerous trials and burdens by praying for his friends that his situation was turned around (Job 42:10).

Reflection and Application

Name the one struggle that most often defeats you, and take it to God in prayer today.
Memorise one victory verse this week, such as “But thanks be to God, who gives me the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:57), and use it when temptation comes.
Pray daily for one person you know who is struggling, and offer them practical help.
Keep an attitude of praise even when the outcome is not yet visible (Ps 34:1; 1 Thes 5:18).