The Good Fight of Faith: 2 Timothy 4:7
“7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” 2 Timothy 4:7
I want to take a moment and zero in on the good fight of faith. Paul had previously admonished Timothy two times to fight the good fight of faith. (See 1 Timothy 1:18 and 6:12) Every believer is called into the good fight of faith. Paul’s own testimony was that he had kept the faith.
I believe there are two aspects to the good fight of faith. The first was mentioned by Jude in 1:3; “… I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” This is the fight for the gospel and all sound biblical doctrines that make up the Christian faith.
These include things like Creation, the inspiration of Scripture, the gospel, personal salvation, justification and sanctification, biblical morality and a Christian world view. Make no mistake, the Bible and all sound doctrines are constantly under attack by the devious god of this world. (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Paul laid his own life on the line for this battle. He refused to allow the gospel to be watered down or distorted in any way. The whole book of 2 Timothy projects how intense this battle will become in the last days. He had fought the good fight. He had finished his course. He had kept the faith. He was now handing the baton to Timothy and other faithful men.
The second part of “the good fight of faith” is far more practical. This is the battle against doubt, unbelief, fear, anxiety and pacifism. God wants us to stand firm in our faith and resist all the schemes and temptations of our adversary. (1 Peter 5:8-9) When Satan launches his attacks against us, we are to hold up the shield of faith. (Ephesians 6:16) Trials have the hidden benefit of refining our faith which is more precious to God than gold. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
These two area’s make up “the good fight of faith.” Do not let down your guard in either area. Opinion polls, social trends, friends and even your own emotions will be launched against you in this good fight of faith. As Paul said when closing his first letter to the Corinthians; “13 Be on the alert, stand firm in your faith, act like men, be strong. 14) Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
Just a closing word on this subject, if there is a “good fight”,so also there are many “bad fights” in this life. Don’t be distracted or get pulled into bad fights anchored in the flesh. Avoid family feuds, fruitless theological arguments, political and social wrangling or worthless church conflicts. These battles will suck much time, energy, emotions and resources from you. They will feed fleshly attitudes and actions. Focus instead on kingdom priorities. Work to keep the faith, mature in Christ and advance the gospel. Fight the good fight of faith!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
