The fight of faith

I. What is the fight of fight?

Explanation

The fight of faith is multi faceted. It includes at least two aspects:

1. moral struggle to pursue virtue

2. ministry struggle

a) protect the flock

b) discern, train and appoint leaders in the church (chapter 3)

c) preach and teach (chapter 4)

c) manage difficult people (chapter 5)

d) keep oversight of the finances of the church (chapter 5)

b) discern and refute the false teachers (chapter 6)

Illustration:

A coin with two faces.

Application:

A mom

A father

An employee

An employer

A son or Daughter

II. Why fighting the fight of faith?

Explanation

1. because of the call to eternal life (future aspect of salvation, designed by grace, for you’ve been called)

2. because of past commitment rooted in Christ’s commitment (confession before Pilate)

a) baptism

c) ordination

3. because of the one you’re fighting for (Man of God)

a) supreme authority

b) supreme control

c) supreme glory (or beauty)

d) Conclusion of the One: Ultimately, because of His supreme worth

Illustration:

Like an athlete for the prize. Like treasure hunter for a treasure.

Application

Be motivated to fight, to avoid the unedifying, to pursue the virtues.

III. How to fight of faith?

Explanation

1. Unstained (Fight as you have to, don’t modify the fight) - keep the fight on the things worthy to fight for)

2. Till the Lord returns