You are my purpose...You're everything...

In my C.S. Lewis class today, we were discussing sin. To put it in context, we were talking about the sin of lust--portrayed as a lizard--in this great work. Now I know that when it comes to sexual sin, we are supposed to run from it:

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. --1 Corinthians 6:18

But in class discussion, passing reference was made that we as Christians are to flee from all sin. I'm not so sure that this is the case for many reasons. For example, we are given the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. --Ephesians 6:10-18

Why in the world would God instruct us to "clothe ourselves" in this armor if we were just going to run from all of the trappings of this world? Yes, if I was fighting this fight against the world in my own strength, I had better run. I have nothing on my own accord that would allow me to win the victory over all of the crap that I face everyday. However, my Savior died on the cross, defeating all of my foes once and for all:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. --2 Corinthians 12:9

Notice back in the verses in Ephesians that there is no mention of armor covering the back--we are supposed to stand and fight with Christ at our side. It is when we cease to surrender in our own strength that we can see victory in battles fought in His great power!


--Matt

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. --Romans 12:1