Wednesday Night Reflection – March 12, 2025: Living Out God’s Standard in a Spiritual Battle
Matthew 5:42-48 | Galatians 5:1-26 | 1 Corinthians 10:1-24 | Romans 8:1-19, 35-39 | 1 Peter 5:1-11
In tonight’s reflection, we are challenged to raise our standard as Christians and actively engage in the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. As believers, we are called to live according to God’s word, even when others are not. The question is not whether life will present challenges, but how we respond when we face them. It’s time to examine how we can live fully grounded in God, fight the good fight, and trust Him through tough times.
The Standard for Christian Living is High
Matthew 5:42-48 reminds us that the standard for being a Christian and living according to God’s will is high. Jesus calls us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and do good to those who hate us. This is not a passive existence—following God is an active choice to live differently. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of retaliation and bitterness, but as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. The world may not live according to God’s word, but that does not mean we should lower the standard of living that God has set for us. Are we living according to the high standard that Christ has set, or are we compromising?
Realize You’re in a Spiritual Battle
Galatians 5:1-26 teaches us that we are in a spiritual fight. Every day, we are faced with choices to either walk in the flesh or walk in the Spirit. This is not a battle we can afford to ignore. The world offers many distractions, and we are constantly pulled in different directions. But the Bible calls us to walk in the Spirit, making decisions based on God’s leading rather than our desires. Are you walking in the Spirit, or are you allowing the flesh to control your actions? When you get angry, how do you react? Do you retaliate in the flesh, or do you respond in love? Jesus calls us to respond in love no matter the circumstance. That’s how we fight the battle—not with anger or resentment, but with love.
Don’t Dibble and Dabble in Good and Evil
In 1 Corinthians 10:1-24, Paul warns us about the consequences of playing around with sin. Too many people think they can dabble in good and evil without consequences. But God is clear that living a double life leads to spiritual destruction. Who else’s well-being are you looking out for? Are you living in a way that benefits others, or are you only concerned with yourself? As Christians, we are called to be mindful of how our actions affect others. If you’re not careful, the line between good and evil becomes blurred, and the consequences are more than just personal—they affect the people around you.
God Loves You and Died for You
Romans 8:1-19, 35-39 offers a beautiful reminder of God’s love and promises. Sometimes a sermon or Bible study is for you, and sometimes it’s for those around you. God’s word is not just for personal growth—it’s also for us to share with others. The truth is that God loves us deeply and died on the cross for our sins. This love is unwavering, and nothing can separate us from it, not even the trials of life. Tough times are inevitable, but they should not shake our faith. We can trust God, even when life is hard. Be ready for tough times, but trust that God will carry you through.
How Can You Fight If You’re Not Grounded in God?
In 1 Peter 5:1-11, we are reminded that spiritual warfare requires a foundation in God. How can you fight if you are not grounded in His word? The Bible tells us to be sober, vigilant, and firm in our faith. The enemy is always on the lookout for someone to devour, but when we are grounded in God, we can resist him. Our foundation in Christ is our strength in the battle. Are you firm in your faith, or are you being tossed around by every challenge that comes your way?
Stay Grounded, Fight the Battle, Trust God
Tonight, we are reminded to stay grounded in God, to recognize that we are in a spiritual battle, and to live in such a way that honors Him in everything. We cannot afford to live passively or to compromise on the standard God has set for us. Our lives have eternal significance, and how we live matters. Let’s choose to walk in the Spirit, to respond in love, and to trust God through every challenge. We are not alone in this battle—God is with us, and His love will never fail.