A few months back, a stranger stopped me in the produce section of my local grocery store and said, “Pastor, you don’t know me, but I want to show you this.” He pulled out of his wallet a sermon I had preached on sexual sin, and I could see his personal notes scribbled in the margins. This man looked at me with an intensity in his expression and said, “It’s about the fight, right? I’m still fighting.” 

I don’t know much about that man’s story, but I bet you can relate to it. You are far from perfect in your behavior, but you really do want to obey your Father. You are so grateful for the mercy of Jesus that you want to follow him. But sometimes following Christ is a fight against the comfortable ways of your own flesh.

Jesus’ brother Jude has some encouragement for us today: “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 1:20,21).

As you fight against those old temptations, take note of all the help that God is offering you. You are his dear friend. You have been given this most holy faith. When you pray, you have the Holy Spirit in your heart. You are kept in God’s love, waiting on Jesus’ mercy and longing for eternal life. 

The fight may be fierce, but faith in Jesus is more than enough.