Fighting the Good Fight

2 Timothy 4

Ministry and the Christian life are a battle, and although I feel a little guilty putting it that bluntly, I know I am correct.  

The apostle Paul wrote of “fighting the good fight”.  As Paul lived his life for the Lord, and used all of his resources, time and energy to spread the gospel message, he experienced many hardships and difficulties. 

Paul wrote briefly of what he endured in his efforts to serve the Lord.   In 2 Corinthians 11 verses 23-28, he said:

“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.  Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

Call it naivety or innocence, but when I started out in my Christian walk, I never imagined the fierce opposition I would face as I took steps daily to be obedient to the Lord.

If we serve the Lord in any capacity we can be sure that, like Paul, we will face trials and hardships in various forms.  We will deal with Satan's fiery darts as well as all the damage imperfect human beings are capable of inflicting upon us.

Many times we will be left reeling from the aftershocks of  it all. 

Too easily we can become heartbroken and discouraged.

Commentators believe that 2 Timothy was one of the last letters written by Paul before he was martyred.  

In it, he wrote instructions to a young pastor named Timothy, whom he had become endeared to. 

He told him to “suffer with him as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." - 2 Tim 2:3

And then Paul gave Timothy some final words to encourage him as he served and lived his life for the Lord. 

He said:

“But you, remain sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  - 2 Tim 4:5

His words remain great advice to believers who are wrestling with life today.

Regardless of what everyone around you is doing, and regardless of what you are facing:  you remain sober in ALL things.  Stay calm and collected in Spirit.  Remember that God is always in control, regardless of what the situation looks like, or how bad it may seem.

Secondly, he commanded Timothy to endure hardship.  Don’t throw in the towel, because things get uncomfortable or tough.  Remember, you will face difficulties in your quest to live a godly and obedient life.

Thirdly, Paul says: Do the work of an evangelist.  Don’t get so caught up in “you” that you forget the very reason you are here on earth.  If you are a believer, your job is to share the gospel message with a dying world.   Every day, in every circumstance, your life should shine for Jesus. 

Lastly, Paul writes: “Fulfill your ministry”.  Don’t quit.  Carry it through until the end.  Remember who you are serving.  It is not the people who have let you down, it is not even friends who are there cheering you on.  It is the Lord Most High.  

We serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  He gave His life for us that day on Calvary. 

He took our place that day, and we in turn are called to live our lives as a living sacrifice.  

My prayer for my life and for yours is that when all is said and done, we will be able to utter the words that Paul spoke as his end here on earth drew near.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:7