How to Fight the Good Fight of Faith (1 Timothy 6:12)

The Christian life is not always easy. There are challenges, obstacles, and battles we must face.

The Apostle Paul knew this very well from his own experience of persecutions and trials.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul gives an important encouragement: “fight the good fight of faith.”

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:12 (King James Version)

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What does it mean to fight the good fight of faith, and why is it so important for Christians?

Timothy Called to Battle by Paul

The Greek word for “fight” is ‘agonizomai’, meaning to struggle, compete, or contend.

The Christian life is pictured as a struggle, a fight, and a battle. But it is specifically called the “good fight of faith.” This makes it clear that the primary battleground is in the spiritual realm.

As believers, we are in a spiritual conflict, a fight of faith. Jude 1:3 exhorts us to “contend earnestly for the faith.”

Our chief enemy is Satan, who seeks to destroy our faith and lead us astray from the truth. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)warns,

“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

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So you must be alert and ready to resist him.

Paul reminds Timothy to take hold of eternal life. Eternal life represents the spiritual vitality and blessing that Christ has made available to us now through faith.

But if you allow the devil to undermine your faith, you can miss out on receiving all that God intends for you.

So why is it called the “good” fight? Because it is good in its purpose. It is fought in faith for righteousness, godliness, and the eternal life found in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV) says,

“¹¹ But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² 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.”

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Why It Is Necessary to Fight And Take Hold of Eternal Life

Some may wonder if fighting is really necessary. Can’t you just trust God and let Him handle the enemy and challenges we face?

Certainly, we can trust in God’s power and ability to defend us. But Scripture makes it clear that we have a part to play in standing firm against the enemy’s attacks and schemes.

We see this in Jesus’ example when He faced temptation from Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

He did not passively let God do all the resisting for Him. He actively resisted the devil, responding to each temptation with God’s Word.

• 1 Peter 5:9 instructs us to “resist him, firm in your faith.”

• James 4:7 commands “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Having a fighting spirit has proven essential for overcoming sickness and disease. Medical research has proved that patients with a “fighting spirit” have a greater survival rate and ability to recover than those who resign themselves to defeat.

The truth is, if you don’t fight, you leave yourself open to be devoured by the enemy. A passive attitude leads to decay and death in your spiritual life.

Only as you actively fight the good fight of faith can you walk in the victory Christ won for us.

7 Keys to Fight The Good Fight of Faith

To fight the good fight of faith first realize that you are in a fight. Secondly, decide not to quit or back down.

Be vigilant, watchful, and purposeful, ready to resist the enemy’s attacks through faith in God’s Word.

Here are 7 keys to fight the fight:

• Use the Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is your chief weapon against the enemy. Resist temptation and satan’s lies by quoting Scripture out loud. Jesus modeled this by responding to satan’s temptations with, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4).

• Walk in the Spirit’s power: Do not fight using your natural abilities but through the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

• Pray at all times: Prayer will keep you connected to God, your source of strength and wisdom for the battle. Pray in the Spirit to build yourself up in faith. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20).

• Keep your eyes on Jesus: “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

• Don’t lose heart: Even when you get weary, persevere in faith. Do not lose heart. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we shall reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).

• Stand your ground: Resist the devil by standing firm in your faith, no matter how fierce the battle is. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:13).

• Counterpunch: When you get hit with sickness, lack, fear, etc., you need to counterpunch! Strike back with the promises and truth of God’s Word.

Fighting Leads to Victory

Paul knew that fighting the good fight of faith was the only way to finish his race with joy and lay hold of the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

He was confident that the Lord would rescue him from every evil attack and bring him safely into God’s heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).

This same confidence and hope is yours as you fight the fight of faith. When you fight, you will see victory!

God will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can endure but always provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

We are assured that everyone born of God overcomes the world, because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us! (Romans 8:37). As you fight, He enables you to walk in the victory He obtained for us through the cross.

So don’t lose heart or grow weary. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate victor. Take your stand on God’s Word, and fight the good fight He has called you to fight. Lay hold of eternal life.

Everyone who perseveres to the end will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love Him (James 1:12).

Key Takeaways

• The Christian life involves fighting the good fight of faith against evil spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).
• Having a fighting spirit enables you to overcome obstacles and walk in God’s purpose.
• We fight by using God’s Word, relying on the Holy Spirit’s power, and persevering in prayer.
• Fighting leads to victory as you stand firm in your faith in God.
• God will give you the power to endure every trial and get victory every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it called the “good fight” of faith?

A: It is a good fight because it is fought in faith for righteousness, godliness, and laying hold of the eternal life found in Christ.

Q: Doesn’t God fight our battles for us?

A: Yes, God does fight for us. However, Scripture reveals that believers also have a responsibility to actively resist the enemy through faith.

Q: What if I feel too weak or tired to fight?

A: God’s grace is sufficient for you. His strength is perfected in your weakness. Just take it one day at a time and He will renew your strength.

Q: What if I fail or fall in the fight?

A: Get back up and keep fighting! Learn from your mistakes but don’t get discouraged. God’s mercies are new every morning. He will help you overcome.

Q: How do I prepare for spiritual warfare?

A: Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Learn to use Scripture as a weapon. Pray in the Spirit. Stay close to Jesus.