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Monday, June 20, 2005

"The Good Fight"

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:11,12).

Yesterday I had the opportunity to preach and what a joy it was to issue a Biblical challenge to men to rise up as men of God on "Father's Day". My main text was the solemn charge to Timothy expressed in the daily Scripture portion. My main points were flee, follow and fight, but today I just want to consider the final point.

I have never enjoyed fighting. I recall a period in Junior High School when a class bully had the word out that he wanted to fight me. That was sure a hard several months. I was terrified. Thankfully, we never had the fight he desired.  I would rather avoid conflict than face it. I don't enjoy books or movies that have physical conflict. It brings about feelings of angst.

But there is an ongoing conflict in the spiritual realm that is unavoidable. We who have decided to flee evil and follow Christ are engaged in this conflict by virtue of the fallen condition of mankind. Supposed neutrality in this conflict is actually surrender and an alliance with the forces of evil. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

The Apostle Paul calls this "the good fight." This specific phrase is only used in the letters to Timothy. This ancient conflict goes back to the fall of Satan from the heavenly realms. As the great old hymn declares, "For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe, his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal."

Today I pray for all those fighting the good fight, seeking to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints and standing up for God's truth and righteousness. I am convinced the battle will get increasingly fiercer. Let us all remain faithful to our call!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's note: "Father, thank you that we do not fight this spiritual battle in our own wisdom or strength, for that would surely bring absolute defeat.  We often become fearful and feel hopeless when we are confronted by Satan.  Would you help us to resist the nagging temptation to see only what the enemy wants us to see, remembering that he is a cunning deceiver.  Help us instead to focus upon the plan you have for our lives, trusting You to work out the many questions and uncertainties that lie ahead for us and those we love.  Amen."
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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