PURSUE, FIGHT, HOLD

1 Timothy 6:11-12      

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 bold 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

Just after talking about being content with food and clothing and warning of the love of money, Paul gives this encouragement to Timothy about what he should pursue. Six things to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. That's a lot to think about. In fact, these in themselves can truly keep one busy. I can't help but think that this is the purpose: to keep us focused on Him.

The Christian life can bring difficult struggles which may contain many problematic pitfalls, which Paul describes as a good fight: "Fight the good fight of faith," were his reassuring words to Timothy, "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." It is not a fight against God but a joining with Him against our common enemy. It is a spiritual struggle whereby we stand firm in the truth of God's Word and battle against the world, the flesh, the devil, and our own self-will.

Fighting the good fight of faith is not so much hostile combat against a physical enemy, as it is rising to the challenges of our Christian life or confidently taking hold of the eternal life that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord. Each enemy is harmful to the soul and detrimental to our spiritual growth and each must be earnestly resisted with fortitude and determination. We are to fight the good fight of faith by seizing hold of every opportunity, trusting His all-sufficient grace to bring us through by faith, rather than wilting at the enormity of a problem or caving in to the temptation that faces us.

When we fight the fight of faith, we are trusting God in all things and in so doing we are taking hold of eternal life. Eternal life is not only about living forever in the life to come but is about living a victorious life in the here and now. It is about growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and developing a precious intimacy with Him as we abide securely in His love.

Our lives are to be a testimony to His faithfulness, for it is as we run the race that is set before us, with patient endurance and a determination to do all to the glory of God, that we will also fight the good fight of faith and take hold of the eternal life to which we are all called. With Timothy and a great cloud of saints, we too may ensure a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Living as a Christian is not a passive activity. While Chris's righteousness was imputed to me when I believed, Christ's righteousness was imputed to me when I believed, Personal righteousness, along with godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness only come with time, effort, and submission to the Holy Spirit. Flee from unrighteousness and ungodliness and, hand in hand with the Holy Spirit, chase after the things of God. Fight the good fight of the faith!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the strength to walk into it. Lord, pour out Your abundant blessings over my friends and family, let them fall like rain today. Lord, we want to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that the victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, has already been won by You. May we face the challenges of our lives in Your strength and to Your glory. Lord, help us to live in a way that is blameless and with integrity of heart. Lord, use my friends to boldly proclaim Your amazing mercy and grace to all today.

Father, we love You. Amen.