Fight the Good Fight!

Fight the Good Fight!  1 Timothy 1.18-19

Shalom. 

Often as I am researching different topics related to our fascinating delve into Scripture, I hit a vein of interest that is a bit offbeat—like the college fight songs, for instance.  As related to yesterday’s “Fight On,”¹ I went from university to university across the country (on-line, of course), considering the various traditions, and listening to the songs.  I am convinced all of us need our own Fight song!  But, I had a thought in the night--if these words of Paul to Timothy were really like a rousing “Fight” song directed toward him, do they apply to us? Hmmm, well . . . I think they do.

Paul wrote: “Timothy, my son, the instructions I am giving you are based on what some prophets once said about you. If you follow these instructions, you will fight like a good soldier. You will be faithful and have a clear conscience. Some people have made a mess of their faith because they didn’t listen to their consciences.”²

‘Remember.  Remember when you came to Christ, after a long faith tradition, taught by your mother and grandmother.  And remember that day when you answered the call on your life to serve God . . . you have walked alongside me and served with me, through thick and thin, Timothy.  You were called and commissioned to go to Ephesus and serve God there—living within the community, serving and teaching those people I love so much.  God has equipped you with everything you need, young man.  Believe it.’

Friends, you and I have been similarly chosen by God …

you and I have been set apart and commissioned to have a relationship with him, and also to represent him in this world…

he has given us all we need to remain strong in him.  But sometimes, we need to take stock—are we on point?  Do we live with discipline or, are we weak?  Even—like do we say ‘yes’ to things we ought say ‘no!’!  When things get rough, do we get scared – or do we remember—who we are, whose we are, and that we are meant to be over-comers?  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”² Been thinking a lot about how Paul really got it—that you and I will face struggles, sometimes trials, and that this life can often feel like a battle, but it is a battle to be won, through the power of God in our lives!

Looked for a ‘fight’ song with lyrics that speak of what it takes to fight the good fight . . . this one is quite profound:

“It's Three in the morning and I'm still awake, so I picked up a pen and a page.  and I started writing just what I'd say if we were face to face…

I'd tell you just what you mean to me, tell you these simple truths:

Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope.  You're gonna do great things, I already know. 

God's got his hand on you, so don't live life in fear—

      Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here …

  Take your time and pray . . .

These are the words I would say.³

Last time we spoke you said you were hurting, and I felt your pain in my heart.

I want you to know that I keep on praying love will find you where you are …

I know 'cause I've already been there, so just hear these simple truths:

Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope.

You're gonna do great things . . . I already know

God's got his hand on you so don't live life in fear.

Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here.

Take your time and pray . . .

These are the words I would say

From one simple life to another, I will say

“Come find peace in the Father~

Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope.

You're gonna do great things . . . I already know

God's got his hand on you so don't live life in fear.

Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

Thank God for each day … His love will find a way~

These are the words I would say.”

These are the words, these are the principles that will strengthen you in the fight … the ones that will help you and I finish the course well.  So, let’s fight the good fight; let’s fight on!