Key Verses:

Romans 7:15: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” 

 

Galatians 5:17: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against (battles) the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

The instant we believe the gospel by faith alone, God saves us. We are immediately delivered from the kingdom of darkness and placed into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). We are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Our sin nature dies, nailed to His cross, and we receive a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:21). We become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and will be with Jesus for eternity, unchangeable by any power (Colossians 3:3; John 10:27-29). However, in our daily lives, we still have our mortal, corruptible bodies and minds influenced by a corrupt world ruled by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking to devour believers (1 Peter 5:8-9). Scripture makes it clear that, as believers, we face a continuous battle between our new and old natures. Though the war is won through Christ’s finished work on the cross, the nature that wins the daily battle is the one we feed the most.

The Illustration

The following is an illustration first given by Billy Graham in a book he wrote in 1978.

An Eskimo fisherman came to town every Saturday afternoon. He always brought his two dogs with him. One was white and the other was black. He had taught them to fight on command. Every Saturday afternoon in the town square, the people would gather, and these two dogs would fight, and the fisherman would take bets. On one Saturday, the black dog would win; another Saturday, the white dog would win, but the fisherman always won! His friend began to ask him how he did it. He said, “I starve one and feed the other. The one I feed always wins because he is stronger.” This story about the two dogs tells us something about the inner warfare that comes into the life of a person who is born again. We have two natures within us, both struggling for mastery. Which one will dominate us? It depends on which one we feed.” (Billy Graham, The Holy Spirit, Dallas: Word Publishing, 1988, pp. 92-93).

The Ongoing Battle

As believers, we are in a constant battle between these two natures. Romans 7:15 vividly captures this struggle: we often find ourselves doing what we hate and failing to do what we desire in the Spirit. This conflict is described further in Galatians 5:17, highlighting the opposition between the flesh and the Spirit: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against (battles) the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

This battle will continue until we pass from this life or are caught up with the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) when we will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye into our new and glorious bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52). Until that time, the one who wins this daily battle is the one we feed the most. We can choose to study our Bible, fellowship with other believers, and pray, or we can choose to conform our minds and bodies to this evil world. For instance, we can choose to participate in Bible study and fellowship with other believers on a Friday night or go to an ungodly nightclub or bar. God gives us the freedom to choose how we will live for Him.

Feeding the Spirit

Feeding the white dog (our new nature) involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word (study), prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. When we feed our Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will and grow in the knowledge of Christ.

The War is Won

While the daily battle is ongoing, the ultimate war is already won. The finished work of the cross has secured our victory. In experience, however, we must continuously fight against our flesh, the world, and spiritual forces of evil. But take heart, because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). God is faithful even when it seems like He’s just forgotten about you and left you alone to fight a losing battle. NEVER! The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Conclusion

Remember, the power of the gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus—has broken the power of sin and death. Though we may struggle daily, we are not alone. Feed the white dog, nurture your Spirit, and walk in the victory Christ has already secured.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the victory we have in Jesus. Help us to feed our Spirit daily with Your word and rely on Your strength in our battles. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to walk in the newness of life. Amen.

Daily Power-Up:

Take a few minutes to meditate on these verses and believe in God’s promises. Rest in what He is saying.

Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Reading and meditating on God’s Word daily will give you the power you need to stand firm in the faith and walk in His truth in this dark world.