The Good Fight Of Faith!

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Scripture Text:  "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 (KJV) 

Do you know, that our life in the body of Christ is a journey? We are passing through this world, as pilgrims on the journey of faith. 

But in the journey, we are not just passive spectators but active participants in a spiritual battle. 

The apostle Paul in the scripture text (1 Timothy 6:12) of today's devotional exhort all believers to "fight the good fight of faith." 

What Does It Mean To Fight This Good Fight, And How Can We Engage In It Effectively? 

Firstly, fighting the good fight of faith is concerned with believers recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare. The reason is that our adversary, the devil, seeks to undermine our faith, steal our joy, and derail our walk with God. 

So, since the enemy understands the war and strives to gain victory, he employs various tactics; temptation, doubt, discouragement, to hinder our progress in the Christian life. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10 

Therefore, as a believer, you must be vigilant and alert to his schemes, by standing firm in the victorious power of the Lord."Behold, I give unto you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." - Luke 10:19 (KJV)

Secondly, for you to be able to engage in this battle of faith, requires arming yourself with those spiritual weapons of warfare that God has provided us in Christ.

The Bible in Ephesians 6:10-18 describes all of these spiritual weapons, which include the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the gospel, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

When we as children of God put on the full armor of God, we become completely equipped to withstand all the attacks of the enemy and stand firm in our faith. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:13 (KJV) 

Thirdly, this fight of faith also entails the need for our perseverance and endurance during the tumult of life. We must acknowledge the truth, that the  Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring our steadfastness and determination. 

In the course of this faith journey, we may find that we are sometimes faced with trials and tribulations along the way, but we are called to press on. knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.  

Therefore, as we endure hardships and persevere in faith, we will become more resilient and mature in our walk with God.  "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." - James 1:2-3 

Fourthly, engaging in this battle of faith involves brethren supporting and encouraging one another in the body of Christ. 

Because we are not called to fight alone but to stand together as a united front against the forces of darkness. 

And we can effectively do this through our prayers, fellowship, and mutual edification, we can strengthen one another's faith and provide strength and encouragement for the journey ahead.

Beloved! Today, you should not only pay attention to this exhortation  "fight the good fight of  faith." But you should heed to it.

Let us arm ourselves with the weapons of God's Word and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. 

I pray that you will run with endurance the race set before you, knowing that the victory has already been won through our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER KEY POINTS 

Father, IJN: I thank you for your   Word of today that assures us of victory by faith in the finished works of our lord Jesus Christ.

Father, IJN: I ask for the grace to remain in you so that I can overcome the world and all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Father, IJN: Fill me the with Spirit of faith that activates the impossible, making me a sign and a wonder to my world.

Father, IJN:  Make me zealous and untiring in this journey of faith, even during the trying times of life. 

COMMIT TO MEMORY

 "And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" - Mark 4:40 

FURTHER READING

Jude 1:3-4, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 John 5:4-5

ASSIGNMENT 

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17. 

Faith is not a passive thing, it doesn't just come on you, instead, there is a deliberate effort, it is an active force, for the active ones in the body of Christ. 

Faith comes by always hearing and meditating on the Word of God. In this regard, to build your faith in God, you must continue listening and hearing from Him.