Physical battles involve spiritual ones, and it works in the opposite as well. We must recognize that it is only the Gospel and the sight of Jesus in his saving grace that can give us faith and genuine obedience. Command and threats are part of Scripture, and we need to acknowledge them, and when we do so, we will more deeply feel our need for Jesus Christ, but commands and threats, even when nicely issued as helpful suggestions, cannot fill our sails with faith, hope, and love. Apart from the Gospel, the law is the most terrible burden and can lead us to either despair or the delusion of self-righteousness.