Fighting The Good Fight Of Faith

I Timothy 6:11-19

In some churches, time is occasionally given for someone to give a testimony, perhaps of how they were saved or have come back to the Lord after going astray for awhile.  Sometimes this is done when an adult gets baptized, and the new Christian gives their testimony for their Christian brothers and sisters to hear. Maybe during an informal Bible study one or two believers share something that the Lord is doing in their lives to encourage others.  In our Scripture passage today, Paul urges Timothy to remember the confession, the testimony he gave to the church sometime earlier, to not forsake that, and to keep fighting the good fight of faith during the difficult times he was going through. We all go through difficult times, so let’s take some encouragement from these Scriptures.

Timothy, though a relatively young man, was one of the leaders of the church in Ephesus.  Paul wrote this epistle to give Timothy some instructions in ministering to the church there, and also some encouragement, especially since some were giving him a difficult time, especially about his youth (I Timothy 4:12).  Paul encourages Timothy (and us all, as well) to remain faithful and strong, even through persecution and difficulties (vs. 12). He instructs Timothy to flee “these things”, which are mentioned earlier in the chapter, in verses 4-5 and 10.  These are pride, disputing, envy, and love of money. Instead, we need to show righteousness, godliness, and all the fruits of the Spirit. Christians who want to live for the Lord should have an active faith, obeying God with courage, and doing what we know is right, keeping His commandments and obeying His Word.

Paul encourages Timothy and us to “fight the good fight of faith” (vs. 12).  Who are we fighting? We are in a spiritual battle with Satan and the kingdom of darkness.  Our fight involves our spiritual concentration and discipline. As we fight the fiery darts the devil sends our way, keep remembering the eternal life God has promised us.   We must be unreservedly committed to Jesus Christ, regardless of our circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in our life. This will lead to spiritual victory. Believe in and obey God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Represent Jesus well in the world, so others will see and believe. By avoiding sin we glorify God and are a good witness to the lost. Jesus confessed the truth about Himself before Pontius Pilate (John 18:33-37), committing Himself to God despite the consequences (vs. 13).

Paul urged Timothy to keep the Word of God and preach it until Jesus returns (vs. 14).  Since that could be at any time, we are to always remain faithful to our calling. Only God knows when Jesus will return.  He is the almighty sovereign, omnipotently ruling over all (vs. 15-16). As Scripture says, no man has ever seen Him in His full glory.

As our Scripture passage concludes, Paul instructs Timothy to warn those in his church who are rich on how they should act and conduct themselves (vs. 17-19).  Ephesus was a wealthy, affluent city on the west coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), and the church there at the time when Timothy preached and taught most probably had a number of very wealthy members.  Paul had stated just prior to this passage that the “love of money is the root of all evil” (I Timothy 6:10). He didn’t say that being rich was wrong or sinful, but stated that when we have an inordinate love for money, it can and will bring about evil.  Those who have wealth also have great responsibility. They should not act arrogant, haughty, or proud towards those who are not wealthy, especially to fellow Christians, and not put their trust or hope in their money. God wants the rich to be good stewards of what He has given to them.

Believers who have money should use it to meet the needs of others (vs. 18).  To be rich in good deeds is much more valuable in God’s sight! If God has blessed a believer with money, resources, or talents, they should not be used just for themselves.  They should use them to help others and expand His kingdom. Instead of looking for earthly dividends from their money, the rich should be looking for heavenly rewards. All of our earthly possessions will be worthless on Judgment Day.  We need to see the value of things from God’s perspective.