"Fight the Good Fight"

The Eagles have made it to the Superbowl. They are preparing to not just to play but to win. One of the players said, "we have to keep focus and fight the good fight". We often hear that phrase especially in church contexts. It sounds noble, courageous, even a bit intimidating. But what does it actually mean to fight the good fight of faith? Is it about physical battles? Verbal sparring? Thankfully, the Bible clarifies this for us.

In preparation for this weeks teaching I have been studying 1 Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

This verse isn't talking about physical fights or arguments. It's about an internal struggle, a spiritual battle. The fight is good because it's a fight for something good: our faith and the very core of who we are in Christ. Think about a boxer. They don't just randomly swing at the air. They train diligently, focusing their energy on their opponent. They have a strategy, a goal. Similarly, our spiritual fight requires focus and intentionality. We're not fighting against people, but against the forces that try to pull us away from God: doubt, fear, temptation, apathy.

What does this fight look like in our daily lives?

• Choosing faith over fear:  When faced with uncertainty, do we choose to trust in God's promises, or do we succumb to fear and anxiety? This is a fight.

• Resisting temptation:  Temptation comes in many forms. It might be the temptation to gossip, to cut corners, to prioritize our own desires over God's will. Saying "no" to these temptations is a fight.

• Forgiving others:  Holding onto grudges and bitterness is easy. Choosing to forgive, even when it's difficult, is a fight, but a crucial one.

• Serving others:  It's often easier to focus on ourselves. Putting others' needs before our own, even when it's inconvenient, is a fight, but it reflects the heart of Christ.

• Maintaining hope in difficult times:  When life throws its worst at us, it's tempting to lose hope. Clinging to our faith and trusting in God's plan, even amidst suffering, is a powerful fight.

• Avoiding Useless Controversies: Paul warned Timothy that some people will be drawn to the controversies. We should check our own motives especially as church leaders. Do we seek to be heard for all the wrong reasons. Sometimes we need to fight self!

• Resisting materialism: Paul told Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." and "The love of money is the root of all evil". Materialism is valuing material things more than God and others. It is revealed through poor spending habits, uncontrolled debt, ungratefulness and a lack of generosity with God and others. Jesus said "you can not serve two masters" so this is a worthy fight to engage.

How do we equip ourselves for this fight?

• Prayer:  Prayer is our lifeline to God. It's where we receive strength, guidance, and comfort.

• Scripture:  The Bible is our training manual. It equips us with truth and helps us discern right from wrong.

• Relationship:  We are not meant to fight alone. Surrounding ourselves with other believers provides encouragement and accountability. Regularly attend church and connect into relationships that challenge you in the areas of your life you have your most struggles.

  
  

Here's the promise. Engaging the right battles results in rewards that are eternal. Our eternal life is secured through Christ but eternal rewards are for those who engage the right battle under God's power. This is the ultimate motivation. The battles we face here on earth are temporary, but the rewards are forever with the greatest of those being Jesus Christ.

Al Rossi