• Luke 14:26-27
    "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
     
  • John 15:19-21
    If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
     
  • Romans 8:7
    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
     
  • Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
     
  • Ephesians 6:10-17
    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
     
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6
    Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
     
  • 2 Timothy 2:3-4
    You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Christian Fight


Resources

Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Once baptized, the Christian faces a serious and continuous fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Each of these opponents poses a formidable obstacle to spiritual growth and overcoming. The flesh, representing human nature, remains a persistent hindrance even after baptism, acting as a major component of the cross …


The Christian Fight (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

True Christianity is not an easy way of life, as it involves a constant fight for those serious about glorifying God and achieving spiritual growth. A Christian must be discerning, taking great pains to maintain balance against three primary enemies: human nature, the world, and satan. Regardless of age, social status, …


Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

True Christianity is a fight, a warfare of far greater importance than any war among nations, with stakes that may be eternal in their consequence. This spiritual battle involves every person who has ever been born, some for long periods like Abraham and Moses, and others for shorter times, with varying intensities, but all must …


Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the ongoing series on the Christian Fight, we are reminded that Christian living parallels the Old Testament instruction given to the Israelites. Just as they were to confront and drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land in cooperation with God, we are to confront and drive out old habits, attitudes, and loyalties from …


Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Christian fight is a daily battle against the carnal heart, the world, and the devil, requiring resources that only God can provide through a relationship with Him. To triumph in this warfare, believers must put on the whole armor of God, prioritizing the seeking of Him above all else. Jesus emphasizes trusting God over …


The Christian Fight (Part Seven)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's calling initiates a profound separation for the Christian, severing ties from the world and death, while binding us to the Kingdom of God and life. This dual separation demands that we live as strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land, prioritizing our citizenship in heaven and obeying the laws of our new nation. As James …


Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the journey of faith, the Christian's fight is a central theme, reflecting a battle that requires divine strength and grace. This fight, often termed the good fight of faith, is not merely a human endeavor but one initiated and sustained by God. The Christian faces constant pressure from a hostile world, where skepticism and …


Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Christian's fight emerges as a central reality in the life of a believer, reflecting the daily, experiential struggle that arises from walking to the beat of a different drummer. This battle involves two competing, warring dimensions within the mind that must be contended with simultaneously. With the help of God, through …



For more resources, please see the library topic for Christian Fight