“Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses… Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.” 1 Timothy 6:6,9-12,14-20
Paul knew well the fierceness of enemy opposition and entanglements with temptation when going after the Lord. He also knew the power and substance of God’s presence and promises. In order for Timothy to overcome and win in faith’s good fight, Paul spelled out for him what to flee and what to pursue and the importance of doing both. This good fight was well worth it, and possible by God’s grace.
Every fight has encumbrances to shake off and ends to achieve. For the Christian, ungodly distractions steal energy and mind space from what we should be striving toward, and demand that we retreat and redirect. The good fight of faith is a constant putting off and pressing on, leaving behind and moving ahead, fleeing and following, repenting and obeying. It’s vital we recognize our false idols, misplaced affections, haughtiness, and rebel spirit. Candid confession and hope in Christ fuel persistence in faith and keep us heading in the right direction.
What entanglements of ungodly desire, pesky sins, or unwholesome, debilitating relationships are holding us back from fighting faith’s battles well? What attractions, entertainment, and involvements veil us from seeing the enemy clearly, ridding unnecessary weight, and going after all that is good? Would we boldly name and confess greed, illicit activities, life-draining gods, bitter revenge that are holding us back from going after righteousness and godliness with a pure heart? The Lord has won the war. He gives grace to conquer and is honored when we fight life’s battles in His name. (2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-3)
Lord, help me remain steadfast, bold, wise, and faithful in the good fight, to Your glorious ends.
As the rain and snow 