AM Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4.6-8

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

“Fighting the Good Fight”

Introduction:

1. Paul wrote: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4.7-8).
2. Are we able to say the same with such confidence?

ARE WE FIGHTING THE “GOOD FIGHT”?

1. World wars are not “the good fight” Paul was addressing.
   1. The brutality of war does not compare with Satan!
   2. Soldiers of Christ never face a battle alone!
2. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6.12).

ARE WE “FINISHING THE RACE”?

1. Starting the race is easy; finishing takes stamina!
   1. Have you even truly started the race?
   2. Finishing is “being faithful until death” (Rev. 2.10).
2. Read 1 Cor. 9.24-27
   1. Athletic endeavor takes a great amount of training!
   2. We run for an “imperishable crown”!

ARE WE “KEEPING THE FAITH”?

1. “Keeping the faith” implies endurance.
   1. Life can be difficult and is filled with challenges…
   2. “Keeping the faith” is easy when life is good…
   3. It’s like being & remaining “faithful” in marriage…
2. Hebrews 11.1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Cf., 1 John 5.4)

WILL WE RECEIVE THE “CROWN” GOD PROMISES?

1. What kind of achievements & accolades have you received? How does that compare to the “crown of righteousness”?
2. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2.10)

Conclusion: “Fight the good fight” and never face a battle alone…