If you are a true Christian, did you know that you are a vital player on a cosmic team of spiritual warriors?

As a result, you are at perpetual war with a malevolent array of evil powers. This is no game and the bullets are real.

Jesus, Our Example

The writer of the Book of Hebrews encourages believers to “hang in there” and keep fighting to the end.

This race is not a sprint, but a marathon, as explained in Hebrews 12:1-3:

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

This is how I picture it: Using a football analogy, that “great cloud of witnesses” (above) represents the opposing fans in the stadium stands, rooting for their respective teams.

On the Devil’s team, there are God’s eternally sworn enemies, “the rulers … the powers … the world forces of this darkness … the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” according to Ephesians 6:12.

On God’s team, are the saints that have gone before us, dying in faith and gaining approval through their faith in God, according to Hebrews 11.

When the “good guys” score, for instance by leading a person to faith in Christ, Heaven erupts in joyous cheers for the home team.

Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

When the “bad guys” score, perhaps by enticing a person to give up their faith or to fall into sin, Hell celebrates wildly with laughter and cruel derision.

This contest between good and evil has been going on since the dawn of time and will continue until Christ returns in the future. And YOU get to play a part in this cosmic adventure.

You Belong to God

As a believer/team member, you are a vital part of what is described as a spiritual “building” that belongs to God and that is very precious to Him.

The Apostle Peter put it this way in 1 Peter 2:4-6:

“And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone. And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.’”

As with a physical building, each “brick” matters. If one collapses, it degrades the whole building.

Before you became a Christian through personal faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, you were on the outside looking into God’s household, but now you belong to Him forever.

As written in Ephesians 2:19-22:

“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

In Satan’s Crosshairs

But be cautious here — the other side wants to bring you down and they won’t give up easily.

The Devil’s primary “play” is to draw us into the “sin which so easily entangles us,” and which spiritually “benches” us until we confess and forsake our transgressions.

And when we fail, following restoration, we need to get up and get right back in the battle — we’re needed — YOU are needed, fellow believer.

How About You?

The late Believer’s Bible Commentary author Bill MacDonald reminded us: “The Christian life is a race that requires discipline and endurance. We must strip ourselves of everything that would impede us.”

How’s your training going?