The Apostle Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, encouraged the Christian to press forward (Phil. 3:14) towards the mark of Christ. When one considers the adversities that Paul faced (2 Cor. 11:23-28), it is easily understood that he was aware that such faithful service would not be convenient. Paul realized that his call for the brethren to keep going forward would be ignored by some Christians. Paul did encourage others to follow him as he followed Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

James 3:15 identifies three enemies of the Christian: the world, the flesh and the Devil. The world is contrary to Scripture. One man said that a possible way of discerning the will of God was to see which way the world is going and go the opposite way! This may be an oversimplification, but it does provide a starting point. The Christian can use the good things of the world, but caution needs to be maintained not to abuse our liberty in Christ (1 Cor. 7:31).

If one ever wins victory over the temptations of the world, then he or she will certainly have to fight against his/her own flesh. Paul admitted (and so should we) that there is nothing good in our flesh (Rom. 7:18). Paul taught the necessity of the Christian to die to the desires of the flesh (Rom. 6:6-13) daily (1 Cor. 15:31).

One who faces conflict with the Devil must realize that he or she cannot strive alone. The Devil can only be defeated through the power of the Lord (Eph. 6:10-13). Resistance to Satan is accomplished when a believer submits to God (Jas. 4:7).

The child of God can enjoy a life of fellowship with the Lord. While it is not possible to be sinless (1 John 1:8), it is possible for the Christian to enjoy victory by exercising faith in God (1 John 5:4; Heb. 11). Beloved, we must quit looking at the difficulties and press forward!