AM SCRIPTURE READING: 2 TIM. 4.6-8

TIM BARKAS

“THE GOOD FIGHT”

INTRODUCTION:

1. One who would successfully engage in battle must put up a good fight.

2. Paul, in 2 Tim. 4.6-8, knowing that his days were numbered, wrote the words that are an encouragement to all Christians. “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.”

3. As Christians, we are engaged in a battle with eternal consequences. We must “Fight the Good Fight.”

I. WHAT IS THE GOOD FIGHT?

1. Fighting the forces of evil.
   1. The whole world is under the control of Satan. (1 John 5.19; Eph. 2.1-2)
   2. Not conforming to the world. (Rom. 12.2; Eph. 5.11)

2. Battling against anything or anyone who opposes God.
   1. Our struggle is a spiritual one. (Eph. 6.12)
   2. We must not be influenced by others. (2 Pet. 3.17; 2 Tim 4.3-5)

II. HOW DO WE FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT?

1. Make preparations.
   1. Be prepared to work. (1 Pet. 1.13; Luke 12.35)
   2. Don’t procrastinate! (Matt. 24.42-444; 25.10)

2. Understand the enemy.
   1. Our enemy is Satan. (1 Pet. 5.8)
   2. Know his schemes. (2 Cor. 2.11; 11.14; John 8.44)
   3. Know his weaknesses. (1 John 5.18; James 4.7)

3. Train and equip ourselves.
   1. We need God’s help. (2 Cor. 3.5; 10.4)
   2. Fully armed. (Eph.6.10-18)

4. Be ready for battle.
   1. Be on guard! (1 Cor. 16.13)
   2. Our enemy does not surrender. (1 John 3.8; 1 Pet. 5.8)
   3. We are fighting for a reward. (Phil. 3.14; 2 Tim 4.7-8)

CONCLUSION:

Our battle is one that can be won. But we cannot be victorious without God. We all need to look to Him for our strength and our encouragement so that we can “Fight the Good Fight.”