I have two books downloaded on my home computer. One is “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu written in the 6th century B.C. and the other is the United States Marine Corps manual “Warfighting.” War is very complex and I have found strong parallels with these books and our experiences in the battlefield of relationships and against sin.
Dave Harvey points out that the cause of marriage battles is not our spouse, but the sin in our own heart. In other words, as the famous cartoon character Pogo once declared, “We have found the enemy and it is us.”
Just like the cardinal rule of war is that whatever strategy you enter a battle with, it will always have to be adjusted, so sin is crafty, alluring, and always betrays us. But by the cross of Christ, the battle has already been won.
Marriage is to meet on the battlefield where the war is won. There are no lost causes or hopeless conflicts. Every conflict has redemptive possibilities through the grace and power of our Sovereign God.
1. Sin is a battle we face within us. John Owen wrote, “Be killing sin or it will kill you.” Describe what the battle of sin within you is like.
2. Starting at the bottom of page 49, examples are given of how the battle within us can impact our marriage. Describe some similar experiences in your marriage.
3. Read James 4:1-3 about the cause of conflict. Think of a recent conflict you have had and how does it describe the truth of James 4?
4. The “law of sin” is a battle we all face. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with it. Where might it be governing your life right now?
5. Why is sin so difficult to see at work when we are in conflict?
6. Are you convinced that you are the worst of sinners? How does Romans 8:1-4 address this?
Dave Harvey points out that the cause of marriage battles is not our spouse, but the sin in our own heart. In other words, as the famous cartoon character Pogo once declared, “We have found the enemy and it is us.”
Just like the cardinal rule of war is that whatever strategy you enter a battle with, it will always have to be adjusted, so sin is crafty, alluring, and always betrays us. But by the cross of Christ, the battle has already been won.
Marriage is to meet on the battlefield where the war is won. There are no lost causes or hopeless conflicts. Every conflict has redemptive possibilities through the grace and power of our Sovereign God.
1. Sin is a battle we face within us. John Owen wrote, “Be killing sin or it will kill you.” Describe what the battle of sin within you is like.
2. Starting at the bottom of page 49, examples are given of how the battle within us can impact our marriage. Describe some similar experiences in your marriage.
3. Read James 4:1-3 about the cause of conflict. Think of a recent conflict you have had and how does it describe the truth of James 4?
4. The “law of sin” is a battle we all face. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with it. Where might it be governing your life right now?
5. Why is sin so difficult to see at work when we are in conflict?
6. Are you convinced that you are the worst of sinners? How does Romans 8:1-4 address this?
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