We will continue to look at endurance which includes waging a good warfare against the forces of evil. 1 Timothy 6:12 says: " 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." Someone once said that the only good fight is a fight you win. The good news is that the fight of faith is a fight that we can, must and shall win. The word "fight" means "to take pains, to wrestle as in an award contest, straining every nerve to the uttermost towards the goal." Notice that fighting may be painful, will involve a struggle like a wrestling match, and will involve every part of you (your inner person and your physical body, i.e. your flesh). This is not an option; it is a command. The word Paul chose "fight," is in the present tense and imperative mood. This means that Paul is commanding you to continually fight. This is not a part time activity; it is for real and for the rest of your Christian walk.
The Adam Clarke Commentary explains: "'Agonize the good agony.' Thou hast a contest to sustain in which thy honour, thy life, thy soul, are at stake. Live the Gospel, and defend the cause of God. Unmask hypocrites, expel the profligate, purge and build up the Church, live in the spirit of thy religion, and give thyself wholly to this work." Clarke gives practical instruction in explaining the fight. We are not to sit idly by when sin abounds. We have a duty to resist and point out sin for the sake of others. It may cost us friends or money, but we have a duty as God opens the door to fight against evil.
Today, continue to consider your self as a soldier for Jesus Christ. You are engaged in combat against the world, sin, and the devil. Do not back down from the fight. Our society is changing. We are returning to a first century church. More on this tomorrow as we will learn how the immorality sweeping our land will give us the opportunity to be a light for Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment