Faith is a Fight
FAITH IS A FIGHT
1 Timothy 6:12 tells us to, “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.” As Christians, we are in a fight, but many are unaware of what that fight is or how to fight it.
Are You Fighting the Wrong Fight?
Often, I hear people say that they are going to fight the devil, or they are fighting sin. Listen, Jesus has already defeated the devil for us. Jesus was our substitute. He is the cure for sin. As believers, we get trapped into fighting the wrong fight. The devil is not our friend, but we waste a lot of time, energy, and resources trying to win a fight that has already been won. We get tricked (deceived) into fighting with people because of something they have done or said that hurts us. Our enemy is not our neighbor, spouse, sibling, co-worker, fellow student, the church down the street, the Democrats or Republicans, or anyone else. We do have a fight to fight, but it is the “good fight of faith.” Most believers are losing the battles in their lives because they’re fighting the wrong enemy!
The Devil Is Defeated!
Jesus defeated Satan, the devil, and all his demons at the Cross. Colossians 2:15 tells us, “In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” We need to stop magnifying the devil and giving him so much credit. However, we are not to underestimate his shrewdness.
Peter instructs us to, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Those he can devour (deceive) are those who are not in faith. Thus, the need to build yourself up—your spiritual muscles—in the Word of God daily. Understand “who you are in Christ Jesus” and act in the authority you have been given. Hold fast to your confession of faith. Don’t get distracted, don’t get impatient, and don’t let fear in. Don’t allow wrong thoughts to get to you. (Heb. 10:22) Don’t waste time, fighting the wrong enemy.
Faith is Our Victory
1 John 5:4 says, “The victory that overcomes the world is our faith”. God expects us to live by faith; (Rom. 1:17) this is what pleases Him. (Heb. 11:6) Using our faith does not make God do something on our behalf. Jesus already did what He needed to do to get us the victory. Our fight is to continue to believe that keeping our focus on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) Our fight is against those things that try to undermine our faith.
Good Fight of Faith – is a Fight You Win
Notice 1 Timothy 6:12 says it is a “good fight”. The only way a fight is good is when you win. You are destined to win the fight of faith – “IF” – you keep the faith. Hebrew 4:14 (NIV) says, “let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” The enemy will do everything he can to rob you of your faith. He attacks us with negative thoughts to create doubt and unbelief. and tries to get us to question God. When the attack of the enemy hits, we must fight back. We must not waver but be prepared to immediately fight back. We just need to know what we are fighting and how to defeat the enemie(s) that are trying to steal our faith.
Next Time
Next time we will go into detail on exactly what the enemies of our faith are and how to defeat them. Remember if there is a fight to fight there must be an enemy. We just need accurately identify what those enemies are and then be properly armed to defeat them and stay in faith.
Remember – In Christ, you are more than a conqueror! (Rom. 8:37)