Fight the Good Fight

"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 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." (1 Timothy 6:11-12 NIV)

These action-packed verses are a command and calling to change the direction. We, children of God, are to flee from false teaching/doctrine, pride/conceit, unhealthy obsession with disputes/ controversies and arguments/quarrels, envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, useless friction, corruption, ungodliness, greed and love of money (see 1 Timothy 6:3-10). Flee. Run away. Avoid deliberately and habitually. Don't try to rationalize or justify. Don't partake. We must make a conscious decision to continually shun these enticements/subtle dangers because they continually seek to contaminate our soul and spirit. Remember that money itself is not evil. The love of money is. Money is one of necessary things in life which can test our integrity and our devotion to God.

We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience/endurance, and gentleness. All these virtues don't happen automatically just because we are children of God. Spiritual growth requires a determined choice and effort (enabled by God's Holy Spirit and grace). We must earnestly and zealously go after these godly virtues. "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3) Yes, it is a beautiful interplay of human's responsibility and God's sovereignty.

Pursue Righteousness--We have been made positionally righteous in Christ because God puts our sin on Christ who died on the cross for our punishment and Christ's righteousness is imputed to us. Having been saved and justified (declared righteous) by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we Christians are commanded to be practically righteous/to pursue righteousness (right behavior before God and men) in our daily lives. This is also known as progressive sanctification. It's not about perfection; it's about the direction of one's life.

Pursue Godliness (eusebeia in Greek, most literally meaning "well worship")--Do what pleases God! The essence of well worship is saying ''No'' to our flesh and saying ''Yes'' to God.

"Godliness leads a man to love God, and to serve God; it brings the fear of God before his eyes, and the love of God into his heart." (Charles Spurgeon)

Pursue Faith (faithfulness, conviction, faith accompanied by action)--Keep trusting God in all circumstances, through trials and difficulties. Submit to God completely and seek Him daily. 

Pursue Love (agape)--Love everyone (including the unlovable like enemies) unconditionally, selflessly, and sacrificially. Christlike love is a lifelong pursuit. Each day is an opportunity for us to learn to love better...to love like Jesus more and more. Keep putting agape into action!

Pursue Patience--We need to have patience, steadfastness, and endurance. We are to bear up under difficult circumstances and look beyond current hardship. "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Timothy 2:12a)

Pursue Gentleness (meekness, calm disposition, strength under control)--Be humble and gentle (even to those who oppose, provoke, or insult you). It's the opposite of being out-of-control angry and arrogant, harsh and mean.

Fight the good fight of faith--A life of faith is a battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Spiritual warfare is real. Put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:11-17). "Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:16) Stand firm in the faith and stand up boldly for God's truths and sound doctrine. Study apologetics and learn how to effectively share why you believe what you believe. Don't be afraid to expose false teachers' errors. Don't let fear of men (fear of being accused judgmental or unloving or prideful) stop you from doing what's right and loving in God's eyes and speaking the truth in love (with grace and gentleness).

Last, but not least, take hold of the eternal life which God has graciously given to us. Remember that eternal life is a gift from God and take a firm grip on it. Never lose sight of it. Fix your mind on things above (eternal things), not on earthly things. Live each day in the light of eternity for God's glory and kingdom!

To be men and women of God, we must resolve to stand against the tide. We must flee worldliness, pursue holiness, flee sin, pursue virtue, fight for the faith, and take hold of eternal life.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for saving me, giving me eternal life, transforming me and sanctifying me! Please empower me to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness, and to flee worldliness and sin. Please give me courage, strength, and wisdom to bravely fight the good fight of faith with perseverance. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

"Every step along the path of life, is a battle for the Christian to keep the eyes of the heart on Jesus." (John Newton)

"You cannot be a pacifist in the spiritual battle!" (Greg Laurie)