Jump Start # 4065
1 Timothy 1:18 “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight.”
Twice in this first letter to Timothy, the aged apostle tells the young preacher to “fight the good fight.” It’s stated in the opening words as well as the closing words in chapter six. In the second letter to Timothy, Paul would acknowledge that he had fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith.
In these times today, most don’t like talk about fighting. Fighting in the home, the streets, on the field of sports or nations engaged in conflict, fighting most often doesn’t leave a pleasant taste in our hearts and mouths. Yet, twice, this young Timothy is told to fight the good fight.
There are some lessons for us:
First, there is an enemy to our faith and our convictions. At the top of the list is Satan. He hates all things that deal with Jesus. He will try to spread discord in our fellowship, anger in our homes and discourage our hearts so we will stop walking with the Lord.
The young preacher Timothy was told to fight the good fight. Not all fights are good. Some fights are not worth engaging in. Some amount to nothing more than nit-picking and tearing each other down. What makes this fight “good,” is that it was in the defense of the Gospel. There are many who are critical deniers of God’s word. They say things that are not true. Fight the good fight, is our calling.
Second, the fight becomes a “good” fight in the manner and way that it is fought. Slinging mud and name calling is not what we’d call good. There is a Nigerian proverb that says, “When two elephants fight, the grass suffers.” Stick with the issue at hand and show through the word of God that what you do is right. There is nothing to fear when you have the word of God on your side.
Third, the fight is “good” because the weapons of defense is the word of God. It’s not slick debating tactics. It’s not out smarting someone, but sticking with the message of God. Many are inconsistent and talk in circles when pressed to defend what they claim.
Solomon reminds us that there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. Our Lord was silent before His accusers. Knowing the audience and the temperament of those making challenges to your faith will help you. Some are not interested in listening. Some just want to upset you. Then there are others who have not thought out the conclusions of what they think is right. They’ve jumped on the bandwagon of others and have not truly seen the outcome of where these beliefs lead to.
There is no reason to get loud, ugly and mean in fighting the fight. Most times, you’ll lose the attention because of your behavior. Stay calm. Drive the word of God deep into the discussion. Don’t give up or give in.
Understand you do not have to attend every argument that you are invited to. Some are just looking for a platform of attention. It takes courage and faith to engage in spiritual battles. Many times, especially in settings like school or work, some will like to intimidate you before others. That is not the right setting to fight the good fight of faith. After everyone has disappeared, go to the person and ask him if he wants to seriously talk about what was said. Be happy to show you what the Bible says about that. Don’t be surprised if they are not interested. They wanted to show off and make you look silly. “I can answer everything you said,” is not what they are interested in. They want a crowd and a following.
When you don’t know how to answer someone, get help. Do your homework. Look and find the answers.
If we don’t fight the good fight, who will?
Roger