FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

1 Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses

§   True Christianity is about ‘fighting’ – Spiritual fighting.

§   There are 1000s of men and women in the world today who profess to be Christians – simply because they attend church fellowship every Sunday, have been baptized, married in the church etc. But of striving, warring and self-denial, they know nothing about or are ignorant.

§   True Christianity is a ‘fight’. The true Christian is a soldier from the day of his conversion.

Nature of Fight

§   The fight is not with fellow Christians, churches, groups etc., but with the world, flesh and devil. These are the three (3) main enemies throughout the Christian’s life and unless he overcomes these, the rest of the victories are incomplete.

§   Everybody is not exempt from this fight/war – preachers, man, woman, old, young, rich, poor etc.

Fight with the World: i.e. the good things, fear of laughter and isolation, blame, persecution, to do       what others/all are doing. “Friendship of the world is enmity with God (James 4: 4, 1 John 2:    15; Gal. 6: 14; 1 John 5: 4; Romans 12: 2)

Fight of the Devil:  that old enemy going to and fro seeks whom to devour like a lion. He never         sleeps and slumbers. Unseen but always near. He must be kept out of our lives daily (Job 1: 7;          1 Peter 5: 8; John 8: 44; Luke 22: 31; Ephesians 6: 11)

Why Christian Warfare is Good Fight

§   Fought under best generals – Jesus Christ

§   Fought with best help – Holy Spirit (no matter how weak you are)

§   Fought with best promises, e.g. I will never leave you or forsake you, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Romans 6: 14; 16¨20; Phil 1: 6; 1 Samuel 43: 2; John 10: 28; 6: 32; Hebrews 13: 5)

§   Does good to the soul – All other wars cause damage, injuries to people and countries but this one brings morality, blessings, goodness to where Christians live.

§   Glorious reward to all who fight – world would give medals that won’t last or endure. But Christ will give eternal life.

How To Win This Fight

§   Do not underrate our enemy and make a little war.

§   Endure as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2: 3)

§   Take on the whole armour of God. Do not leave any (Ephesians 6: 11-18; 1 Tim. 6: 12, 2 Tim. 2: 3, Eph. 6: 11-13; Luke 13: 24; John 6: 27; Matt. 10; 34; Luke 22 & 36; 1 corin. 16: 13; 1 Tim. 18: 19)

Conclusion

§   Remember others have fought before us and being conquerors. They overcame by the blood of the lamb, so shall we (Hebrew 7: 25; 6: 12)

§   Remember that the time is short and the Lord’s coming is near. A few struggles/battles and the trumpet shall sound.

§   Don’t give up. Fight on.  Rev. 21: 7. Amen!