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Fight the Good Fight of Faith
1 Timothy 6:12-16
Paul brings his letter to a close in dramatic fashion. Unquestionably, Timothy was in a fierce struggle in Ephesus. His opponents are well-documented in the letter. There was little that was easy in Timothy’s work. As will be noted in the next letter, Timothy became tired and discouraged. Certainly, Paul knew the fierceness of the good fight of faith. His closing remarks are a rally-call to Timothy.
Energetic engagement with the opponents of faith is necessary. The fight is not fought with weapons, fists, or insults. The battle is fought with sound doctrine. The energy to do battle is love. Love flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. However, the expression of fighting is more about an athlete in competition than a soldier in battle.
The prize of the competition is eternal life. Paul urges Timothy to “lay hold of eternal life.” Eternal life is ours for the taking. This prize is intended to motivate us in our lives as Christians.
Striving for the prize of eternal life is how we remain faithful to God. Paul reminds Timothy of the commitment he made to God. Timothy’s confession likely refers to his confession that Jesus was the Son of God and his commitment to his work as an evangelist. Confession is not merely an acknowledgment of truth. Confession is also a vow. Vows are to be kept and honored come what may in life. Timothy needed to remain devoted to God and his work as an evangelist.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the meaning of the expression, “Fight the good fight of faith?”
2. How can we fight the good fight of faith?
3. What is the significance of how Jesus is described in verses 14-16?
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