Our Battleground

Dear Friends,

The troubled world in which we live is not a playground, but a battleground. The Lord is calling His faithful ones to armor-up and prepare for the battle between good and evil in 2024. As the Apostle Paul instructed us in 1 Timothy 6:12, we are to fight the “good fight of faith!” Paul gave us insight into these battles. Some believers have a misunderstanding that a life of faith is a relatively smooth endeavor, but in 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul instructs the young minister that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted! Witness:

Hebrews 12:3 (The writer speaks of Jesus)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Emphasis added)

 1 Thessalonians 2:2
We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. (Emphasis added)

If opposition and resistance are a part of our physical life, imagine how much more we will experience them in our spiritual life! God can use such opposition and resistance to strengthen our faith and deepen our dependence on Him.

In 1 Timothy 6:12, the Greek word for “fight” is “agonidzo.” It is the source of our word “agony,” and is used in the New Testament to indicate anguish, pain, distress, torment or conflict – to struggle with difficulties or dangers directed against the gospel. Paul’s hearers would have been familiar with the word as it also referred to the gymnastic games, including wrestling matches, which were far more violent than today’s contests. So, this is a picture of what “fighting the good fight of faith” looks like. And this fight results from:  

·   The Devil, who opposes or attempts to push us back when we step out in faith.
·   Our flesh which opposes God’s will.
·   Our negative thinking, which is faithless and destructive.
·   People and circumstances that resist us.

Paul refers to the “good” fight of faith. The Greek word “kalos” is translated “good.” It denotes something outstanding or exceptional. Picture an athlete who has given his very best effort to the struggle or contest; he has shown himself exceptional or outstanding in resisting his opponent. If we are to overcome as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must fight the good fight of faith with deep commitment, strength, and determination!

Paul’s second usage of the word “fight” is from the Greek noun “agon” in vs. 12. It conveys the idea of one who is approaching his conflict or contest with complete concentration and intense focus, for the purpose of achieving total victory – no matter the cost! This fight of faith is a continuous, ongoing fight we must engage in until we return to our Lord:

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (Jesus is about to call Paul home)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 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.

Deuteronomy 20:4
”The Lord goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

May the Lord richly bless you and equip you with everything good for doing His will,

Pastor Paul