The Fight of Faith
“Fight the good fight for the true faith.”
1 Timothy 6:12 NLT
Paul had incredible suffering and opposition in his life, yet he never gave up the fight of faith.
The harder he worked for the Lord the greater his suffering. He waged spiritual warfare.
It will be the same with us.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.“ (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
The devil is always looking for opportunities to make us stumble and fall.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.“ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
Paul urges us to put on “God’s armour“ so we can stand our ground.
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“ (Ephesians 6:11 NLT)
Paul declares that what he was going through was nothing in comparison to what future blessings would be his.
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.“ (Romans 8:16-18 ESV)
“One thing is certain — this Christian warfare is a great reality and a subject of vast importance. Necessity is laid upon us. We must fight. Where there is grace — there will be conflict. The believer is a soldier. There is no holiness, without a warfare. Saved souls will always be found to have fought a fight. It is a fight of absolute necessity. Let us not think that in this war, we can remain neutral and sit still. Such a line of action may be possible in the strife of nations — but it is utterly impossible in that conflict which concerns the soul. The plan of keeping quiet and letting things alone — this will never do in the Christian warfare. Here at any rate, no one can escape serving under the plea that he is “a man of peace.” To be at peace with the world, the flesh and the devil — is to be at enmity with God and in the broad way that leads to destruction! We have no choice or option. We must either fight — or be lost!“ J.C. Ryle