Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Spiritual Combat

The concept of spiritual combat is central to understanding the point of fighting, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. As the Bible teaches, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). This spiritual warfare is not just about external conflicts, but also about internal struggles. The enemy seeks to resist our growth in Christ, and this resistance is often manifest in our own hearts. Therefore, we must engage in spiritual combat, fighting against our own sinful nature and the forces of darkness that seek to hinder our relationship with God.

The Importance of Engaging the Opposition

When we engage in spiritual combat, we must do so in a way that recognizes the opposition's power and our own limitations. We cannot fight the battle in the external world first, but rather, we must first engage the opposition in the internal realm, before God. This means that we must "get alone with God, do battle before Him, and settle the matter once and for all" (Millard, EHWR.61). By doing so, we can approach our external conflicts with a sense of clarity and purpose, knowing that we have already engaged the enemy in the spiritual realm. This is not to say that we should not engage the opposition in the external world, but rather, that we should do so with a sense of spiritual awareness and preparation.

The Glory of Spiritual Combat

Ultimately, the purpose of spiritual combat is not to avoid conflict or to seek peace at any cost, but rather to bring glory to God. As the Bible teaches, "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). When we engage in spiritual combat, we are not just fighting for our own sake, but for the sake of our relationship with God. This means that we must view our struggles in light of what they provide for us spiritually, rather than what they take from us emotionally. By doing so, we can find strength and courage in our spiritual battles, knowing that God is with us and that He is the one who ultimately brings us victory. In the end, the point of fighting is not to avoid conflict, but to bring glory to God through our spiritual combat.