Summer Fruit Devotion: Faithfulness Day 3

The Good Fight

“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.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Fighting the good fight of faith means learning how to stand firm against darkness while advancing the kingdom of light, not with muscles and weapons, but by faith, love, and prayer. If that kind of faithfulness was easy the Apostles wouldn’t have had to write so many letters instructing and encouraging the believers. Fighting the good fight takes vigilance and commitment. Our natural inclination is to fight for our own selfish desires, take care of our own needs and then maybe help others if there is anything left at the end of our weary days. But with the help of the Spirit as we link arms with the believers around us, we hold each other up, and fulfill our ministries faithfully.

Journal time. Have you given up the good fight of faith? Have you slipped into selfishness or apathy? Repent and pray for renewed strength and love for the Gospel and the lost.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, what a blessed example of the good fight of faith you have given us in Paul the Apostle. We want the same testimony at the end of our days, to be able to say we have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. We know we can’t do this on our own. Holy Spirit strengthen us with your power, the same power that rose Christ from the dead and fueled the Apostles for faithful ministry. Drive out our apathy and break our hearts for the lost. Help us to hold up the shield of faith every day and protect us from the enemy. Bring Gospel friends and mentors into our lives so we can encourage one another to keep fighting the good fight. In the loving name of Jesus we pray, Amen.