December 18, 2017. I Timothy 1-6.

 

How many times has the ring of this life thrown us into the fight?

Should we be hit with surprise and anger, as punch after punch is thrown in our direction?

But wait…let’s step back for a minute…..what fight is it? And who is this fight against? And who is it for?

(I Timothy 1:18) This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.

As believers, we are in a fight! That will prove to be a daily fight against sin and Satan.

Jesus set the beautiful example of endurance for us, through His endless mercy and grace.

(I Timothy 1:16) However, for this reason, I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

God’s desire is for all of the human race to be saved, and that they may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2: 2-4)

But there is an opposition, so for this fight, we are going to need to be disciplined, trained and ready!

That our hearts would desire to lift our hands in worship and prayer. To avoid those things that would bring us to reach for wrath and doubt, we will need the instructions of nourishment for this long fight with the words of faith. We need to be taught and trained in truth.

Choosing to make it an all-encompassing lifestyle.

Along the way, there will be those that choose to depart from the Trainor of truth and faith. For you see in one’s own strength when knocked down, it might seem easier at times to stay down. Not remembering what was learned, experienced, and believed when those previous battles had been won. No judgment for those that depart…because (I Timothy 4:4) For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.

We have to guard the faith as believers! By making God’s word a priority as we obey and act on it. There will be many times our minds will need to be filtered through His word as well. Trust that God will be faithful to His Word…all the time…every time.

In this spiritual fight, we are called to both offense and defense to advance the Kingdom of God and to defend ourselves against all of the lies of the opponent. We would be wise to be good at both offense and defense in the fight of faith.

Remember who the fight is for and what the fight is about…and worthy of fighting for!

We are called in our faith to fight the good fight!

(I Timothy 6:12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.