Our previous meditation emphasized the need to be battle-conscious. This does not in any way suggest that we should live in fear as that will lead to unnecessary torment. The Bible makes it plain that fear has torment. There are several reasons why believers should not be afraid of raging battles. Firstly, Jesus assured us of victory. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV). Jesus’ victory is not for His own sake but for ours. The fact that Jesus already overcame implies that believers are not just fighting for victory but from victory. We engage in battles from the standpoint of the finished work of Jesus.

The fact that Jesus already overcame implies that believers are not just fighting for victory but from victory. We engage in battles from the standpoint of the finished work of Jesus.

Secondly, believers do not need to fear in the battles of life because we have a greater company roosting for us than whatever may be assaulting us. When Elisha’s servant saw the host of Syrians surrounding them, he panicked. Elisha tried to assuage the young man’s fear by saying that those who were for them were more than those who were against them. When he eventually prayed that the Lord should open the man’s eyes, he saw chariots of fire all around them. The same holds for us. Innumerable company of heavenly hosts is around to help us through every battle. Our text shows that Jesus lives on the inside of us, and He is greater than the force of evil in the world.