[Run to Win] Finishing Well Sample

Fight the Good Fight

Are there things in your life worth fighting for? Love, your career, what is right? Paul coached Timothy to see that there were things worth fighting for, including righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Paul used a boxing or wrestling match as a metaphor that would have been well known to his audience—Timothy—who was training to follow in Paul’s footsteps. Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight of faith.

He told Timothy to flee things opposed to faith and to fight for worthy things, such as the fullness of eternal life here and now. Some people have eternal life given by grace, through faith in the work of Jesus Christ, but they never really take hold of it. They never really see the incredible value of living a life that matters for eternity and the rewards that come with it, available right here and now.

Paul coached Timothy to fight for the things worth fighting for, those which bring fullness to this life and rewards in eternity. This effort is not automatic but comes with the exercise of spiritual disciplines, prayer, obedience, faith, the study of the Scriptures, and a response to Christ in your life. When you fight, fight for the things that truly matter in this life and lead to rewards in the next one.

These things take practice and effort, but the results are a full life now and in eternity. Possessing eternal life is a static position—you either have it or don’t. But taking hold of eternal life is dynamic. Paul wanted Timothy to experience the vibrant life which comes in fighting for important things. What are you willing to fight for?

Lord, show me the important things in life worth fighting for and help me take hold of the dynamic life You offer through an obedient life with You. Thank You that through You, I can experience this vibrant life.