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FIGHT OF FAITH
Rod ShimabukuroBut as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
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. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Man of God! Paul’s charge to his spiritual son...the man of God. What an honor that is - to be called a man of God by your spiritual father. Paul’s charge - his command was for Tim to Pursue...faith, to fight the good fight of faith. This faith Paul is referring to is connected to an eternal purpose - eternal life (v11)
Tim also knows well the seriousness of pursuing and fighting for this faith - not only for his own personal relationship - but for the Kingdom benefit of God’s family - other Christians! There were warnings of the love of money which led some to wander away from the faith. (6:10). Paul exhorts Tim to live the example in faith (4:12), and to be trained in the words of faith and good doctrine.
THE FIGHT OF FAITH CORRELATES TO BEING A MAN OF GOD WHO PURSUES FAITH, CONNECTED TO GOOD DOCTRINE.
There’s so much practical application racing through my head and heart. But more than moral corrections or practical living - I sense the Lord growing me in the whole counsel of the Lord and His Word. I see the connections of Paul’s opening writing....“and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1:14) I must continue to read and interpret the word of God, by the Word of God - not just pulling nice verses out of context to write a journal.
God is changing more than my behavior. He is transforming my heart to see His Grandious Glory - that fighting the good fight of faith is more than something I’m called to do. It’s the connection of his words to Timothy leading me to know that I know...the grace of Jesus overflowed faith and love in Him! My response? I LOVE YOU KING JESUS!
I ADORE AND LOVE YOU KING, LORD, SON OF GOD>>>JESUS!!!!