“Fighting the faith fight” is a sports metaphor the Bible uses to represent the Christian life. As believers, we are called to put forth intense energy and effort in our fight for Christ as we run toward eternity.
The apostle Paul makes this point in his first letter to his protégé, Timothy. He tells the young pastor to watch out for ungodly things that weasel into a church and produce a false gospel. Paul wanted to make sure his young apprentice preached truth and stayed humble and wise—while avoiding false teachers. He warned against conceited money-lovers whose greed drew them away from the faith.
“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.” (1 Timothy 6:11) Yes, Paul wants us all to run from carrying out evil desires, temptations, useless fights, and false teachings. What does he want us to do? Flee! If we’re using our mobile device for bad purposes, put blocking software or content restrictors on it. If we need an accountability partner, find a buddy to check in with every week. If we hang out with someone who takes us away from our faith, you may need to take a break from seeing that person, as your commitment to Christ grows stronger.
If any of those points describe your situation, ask yourself if something worldly has become too much of an idol in your life. If that something is keeping you from attending church, praying, reading your Bible, or engaging with other Christians, then you need to re-prioritize. And flee! Instead, start pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
When Paul tells you to follow these things, he’s not talking about a lazy, complacent stroll toward these concepts. No, this is an intentional pursuit. This is a chase. This is a hunt. You are to go intentionally after the qualities God respects.
Righteousness means doing what is right even when no one is looking, even if it costs you financially or socially. Godliness is having a heart and mind so focused on Jesus that no competing passions can draw you away from Him. Faith is your trust in God, your confident belief that He is allknowing, all powerful, and loves you and is for you. Love is about how you treat others—loving them like Jesus, generously and sacrificially, showing kindness and goodness to those you disagree with. Endurance is simply running the race until the end— not stopping completely if you get tripped up or bored. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish this faith marathon—with gentleness in this world of broken and hurting people.
Paul’s advice to Timothy concluded, “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 6:12) If you haven’t yet made that confession, we’d love to hear it in the LECC sanctuary at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula. You are invited to join us for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m. Come join us as we run our faith race and help each other prepare for our eternal victory.
God Bless You, Jeremy Little, Minister
