By David J. Riggs
Intro. A. Though spoken to Timothy, 1 Tim. 6:12 applies to all of us. B. We are spiritual soldiers, fighting a spiritual conflict. 2 Cor. 10:4-6 C. As good soldiers, we are not to be entangled in the affairs of this world. 2 Tim. 2:3-4 1. In Scotland, around 1420, "golfe" had become so popular that King James II of Scotland feared the pastime placed the country at risk in its ongoing war with England. He reasoned that his soldiers were spending too much time chasing the "golfe" ball, and too little time practicing archery. The Scottish archers would pose very little threat to their English foes. Thus, the king persuaded his government to pass an act of parliament banning "golfe." 2. As Christians, our own individual interests must be subservient to that of our King. a. Anything that jeopardizes our service for the King of kings must be identified and treated as a lower priority. D. Let us look at what it means to fight the good fight of faith. I. FIRST OF ALL, WE MUST FIGHT. A. We must fight against the devil and his angels. Eph. 6:12 1. We must steadfastly resist the devil. 1 Pet. 5:7-8; James 4:7 B. Also, we must fight against falsehood and error. 1. We should earnestly contend for the faith. Jude 3 2. Paul was set for the defense of the gospel. Phil. 1:7,17 a. He strongly defended the truth. Acts 15:1-2; Gal. 2:3-5 b. Some did not like Paul's rigid stand for truth. Gal. 4:16 C. We must fight against worldly lusts. 1. Fleshly lusts war against the soul. 1 Pet. 2:11 2. Paul spoke of the war that goes on within the individual. Rom. 7:23-25 3. The Spirit and fleshly lusts are contrary to one another. If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Gal. 5:16-17 II. WE SHOULD FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. It is a "good" fight for the following reasons: A. It is for a worthy cause. 1. It is in behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. a. He enlisted us. 2 Tim. 2:4 2. He is the captain of our salvation and He gives eternal life. Heb. 9:15; 1 John 2:25; James 1:12 B. It is a stand for what's right. 1. It is a stand with the Lord in the power of His might with His armor. Eph. 6:13-17 2. It is both standing "with" the Lord, and standing "before" the Lord. Mal. 3:2-3 a. The Lord purifies and cleanses. Each one will be tested by fire. 1 Cor. 3:12-15 C. It glorifies God. 1. Our efforts as good soldiers should be to bring glory to God. 1 Pet. 4:10-11 2. To God be the glory in all things forever. Eph. 3:20-21 III. WE SHOULD FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. A. Faith is the motivating force behind our warfare. 1. We "walk by faith," "live by faith," and "fight by faith." 2 Cor. 5:6-8 2. Paul's faith in Christ enabled him to live a life of dedicated service. Gal. 2:20 B. Faith gives strength and courage. Heb. 11:11,31-40 C. Through faith we gain the victory. 1 John 5:4 IV. PAUL ADDED: "LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE." A. Thus, Timothy was to work toward receiving eternal life. B. In the Scriptures "eternal life" or "everlasting life" is an expression that is used of both present and future, just as the terms "kingdom" and "saved" are used of both present and future. 1. There are many passages which speak of eternal life as future. Titus 1:2; Mark 10:30; Matt. 25:46 2. There are passages which speak of eternal life as present. John 3:36; 5:24; 1 John 5:11-12 a. If a Christian begins to hate his brother, eternal life will no longer be his. 1 John 3:14-15 C. Let us heed Paul's encouragement to lay hold on eternal life, to gain the eternal reward. 1. Remember, it is Jesus Christ who gives eternal life. John 11:25-26 a. Actually, He is the eternal life. 1 John 5:20 b. We can share in what He is. Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3 2. We receive eternal life by patient continuance in well doing. Rom. 2:6-7 3. Paul did not consider himself as already saved ("once saved, always saved"), but he pressed toward the goal. Phil. 3:13- 14 Concl. A. Let us be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. B. This, by an unknown author, is entitled, "I Am A Soldier." I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the end of time, or die in it; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me to teach a class, to teach my neighbor, to help someone in need, or just to sit and learn, He can use me because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing materially. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win spiritually. My God has supplied my needs, and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me, because I'm safe in my Savior. I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me, and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, and I am heaven bound, and here I stand! Will you stand with me as a good soldier of Jesus Christ?