We will continue to look at endurance which includes waging a good warfare against the forces of evil. 1 Timothy 1:18 says: "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare...." The word "war" is a verb in the present tense and subjunctive mood. This means that the action is to be continuous and in the realm of possibility or potentiality. This means that you can successfully wage war against evil. Many people think that they do this all the time. They bind this devil or that territorial demon and think that that is waging war. Did Paul, Peter or any other early disciple wage war this way? The answer is "no." You wage war by enduring. Verse 19 gives us the key to effective "war": "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck...." When you refuse to give up your faith, you are waging a "good warfare."
The Barnes New Testament Commentary explains: "He "wars a good warfare" who is engaged in a righteous cause; who is faithful to his commander and to his post; who is unslumbering in observing the motions of the enemy, and fearless in courage in meeting them; who never forsakes his standard, and who continues thus faithful till the period of his enlistment has expired, or till death." You don't retire from this army; you are in it for life. You wage good warfare until you die or Jesus returns!
Today, try to see yourself as a soldier in God's army. Take it seriously; this is not a call to dress in a military uniform. It is far more serious than that. Consider the soldier and how he prepares for combat. He is ready because he knows that he has sworn an oath to protect his country. We have through the blood of Jesus been placed into His body, His army to engage the forces of darkness. We win because He has already won. Yet, we still must fight. Be prepared today as a good soldier.
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