FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH
I
Tim. 6:11-12 “But thou, O man of God,
flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness. 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.”THE TRUE BATTLE FOR THE CHRISTIAN
Paul’s
exhortation to his “son in the Lord,” Timothy, stands out as an
appropriate exhortation to all Christians. As Paul closes out this epistle,
he describes to Timothy the activities that a man of God should indulge
in. He deals with the need for the believer to flee from the love
of money. He declares that the true man of God will follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. He
goes on to exhort Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” This is
the true battle for the believer. We are to believe that God has already
established a solid redemption plan. We are to believe that despite what we may
feel, hear, or see, God will always be faithful to those who depend
upon that plan. This is the good fight of faith.
THE GOOD FIGHT DEFINED
In Verse 12, the
word fight is used twice. The first time it is the Greek word agonizomai,
which means, “to struggle” — literally, to compete for a prize;
figuratively, to contend with an adversary. The second time it is the Greek
word agon, which means, “a place of assembly” (as if led), i.e.,
a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety. From this base
word, we arrive at the English usage of the word agony. Therefore, we are to
struggle to believe. We are to compete and/or contend with an adversary. The
Bible tells us that our adversary, the Devil, goes about seeking whom he may
devour. We must continually watch over ourselves to see whether or not we are
really in the faith. Thus, agonize the great agony of faith! In other words,
don’t release your faith in God’s redemption plan, ever; it stands as the basis
of your redemption. Every other promise in the Word of God will be null and
void if we fail to depend upon the finished work of Christ as a completed work.
Therefore, we fight and struggle to believe in the Cross of Christ to maintain
proper relationship with Him.THE OPPOSITION DEFINED
In the parable
of the sower, Jesus tells us of the sower’s work: how he sows a seed that
should take root downward and bring forth fruit upward. While the condition of
the soil may mirror the condition of the heart, that is another matter. My
focus is the opposition that is sure to come to the heart that receives the
seed. Persecution, trials, and attacks of the enemy are sure to come against
the believer. Despite what arises against us, we are to continue to believe
that God is working in both us, and our circumstances. We are to believe that
the opposition has not come because God is unfaithful, but rather that the
opposition has come and that God will prove Himself faithful. God is in charge
of all things and will not tempt me above that which I am able to handle, as
long as I keep my eyes squarely upon the truth of the Cross and the promises of
God’s Word.
SO WHAT ABOUT
YOU?
Are you troubled
with anxiety and fear? Are you struggling to believe what seems impossible to believe?
Well, my friend, welcome to the good fight of faith. Whatever you do, don’t
fail to continually trust in the faithfulness of your God! While we may not
understand the present circumstances we find ourselves in, we can rest assured
that God will ultimately reveal to us His intention and His plan regarding our
case. Meanwhile, we fight the good fight. We believe that faith in God’s
redemption plan qualifies us to receive any promises that God has made to us.
We refuse to give in to despair, hopelessness, or dismay. Be strong and of a
good courage. For the Lord your God is with you, no matter what you face, and
no matter where you go! Fight the good fight of faith!
God richly bless you and
keep you safe for the manifestation of His glory. Always come to the Ekklesia
Christian Community webpage for spirit filled messages, poetry, news about the
kingdom life etc. to start, continue and end a wonderful day.
Contact us on our contact
page if you want to give your life to the Lord Jesus.
ECCOM, Jesus is Lord !
No comments:
Post a Comment