1 Timothy 6:12 KJV,
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art
also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
Paul gave an
advice to young Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, and to lay hold on
eternal life. Paul warned Timothy to teach no other doctrine (1Tim.1:3). Why?
Seven years before Paul wrote this letter he warned the elders of Ephesus that
false teachers would try to distort (mislead or twist) the true message of
Christ. Now that this was happening, Paul exhorts (urge strongly) Timothy to
confront them boldly and to stay on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Paul encouraged
Timothy to hold on to the original faith taught by Christ and the apostles’
teachings. Timothy must hold on to these truths in faith and love toward Jesus
Christ, and never to depart from them. Paul passed on his “legacy” to Timothy
to carry on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who has called Timothy to
continue in pastoring the church.
Finally Paul
confessed himself that he was coming to the close of his time. Paul said from 2
Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I
have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”
Paul said, “I
have fought a good fight.” What kind of a good fight? Here’s a few of what Paul
meant. (1) Paul considers the Christian life as a “good fight,” the only fight
worth fighting. He fought against Satan, Jewish and pagan vices, Judaism,
immorality in the church, false teachers, the twist gospel, worldliness, and
sin. (2) He has finished his race of trials, difficulties, temptations, and has
remained faithful to his Lord and Savior throughout his life. (3) He has kept
the faith in times of severe testing, great discouragement, and much
affliction, both when forsaken by friends and opposed by false teachers. He
never compromised the original truth of the gospel.
Finally, Paul
looked forward to meet His Lord and Savior who will give him the “crown of
righteousness” that was waiting for him in heaven. Paul was rewarded for his
good fight of faith. He has kept it faithfully and passed on to Timothy.
The whole point
of Paul’s advice for us today is to, “Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing
hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when
you confessed the good confession before many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12 NCV).
SONG: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
Chorus: Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to
war,
With the cross of Jesus, Going on before.
1.
Onward Christian
soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus, Going on before;
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, See His banner go!
2.
Onward, then, ye
people! Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song;
Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages Men and angels sing.
(Lyrics: Sabine
Baring-Gould, Sing His Praise)
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