Let's Fight!

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Timothy was commanded to be different from those who lived for riches and material wealth. He was to flee the proud arguments of those who misuse God’s Word. "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." Instead of pride and riches, Timothy was to make these things his pursuit. These are things which are not valued in the world, but are very valuable to God. This challenge to leave some things and follow hard after some other things isn’t just directed to Timothy, but to everyone who would be a man [or woman] of God. Going God’s way – against the flow of this world – isn’t easy. Therefore, Timothy had to have a soldier’s determination. God calls us to be fighters, not just any fighters. One’s that flee worldly passions! We are to fight the good fight of faith – a fight where some may lose a battle here and there, but they will carry on the fight with great determination until the war is over. What a glorious celebration it will be!

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

"Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them.” Matthew Henry

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

The gospel is a trust committed to pastors like Timothy; but also to all believers. When that trust is broken, we have “swerved” from our faith. We must fight as hard as we can to keep this trust!

Are there any barriers that are holding us back? Let’s remove them and press on in the battle for Christ!

1 Corinthians 10:31- “For whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 John 2:15-17- “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that are in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desire, but whoever does the will of God abides FOREVER.”

Ever since I read this passage earlier today, I've had the "Rocky" theme song stuck in my head =) No, it's not necessarily biblically sound, but it's a good reminder to fight hard! I am pumped! Let's put on our armor and win this fight! Thanks so much for letting me participate in this study. I have benefited from it greatly!