"...It is a good fight, it is a good cause, and it will have a good issue." - Matthew Henry
"Foes never tire, we must never rest." - Biblical Illustrator
2 Timothy 4:7 says - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
These were Paul's words as he was nearing the end of his life on this earth.
As you look more closely at these particular words, you see that he was outlining the three basic responsibilities of every true Born-Again Christian or Minister of the Gospel.
His words were in the past tense. But, for the purpose of this Update, we want you to look at them in the present tense - whether you are starting..in the middle...or nearing the end (like Paul) of your Christian journey on this earth.
The first responsibility that Paul mentioned was - "fighting a good fight."
He was fully aware that he was in a "fight" - a "good fight" - one that was constant...at times very painful...and against severe enemies who were many, strong, and united. This "good fight" was in a good cause - the cause of God and truth - under a good Captain - the Lord Jesus Christ.
On a daily basis, Paul faced the enemies of God. He fought against Satan and evil spirits ...pagan vices...worldliness, sin, false teachers, the distortion of the gospel, and immorality in the Church. His life and ministry could be depicted as the tension of a long struggle with opposing wrestlers who were constantly trying to throw him down...men and things who he had to grapple with and master ...or subtle forces he had to resist which sought to thwart his aspirations and hamper his performance.
In response to this "fight," the Great Texts of the Bible offered this comment - "Everybody is fighting, some for wealth, some for place and power. Many a pitiful contest is being waged in the world...Never is man so noble in the sight of God and His holy angels as when he is... fighting the good fight of faith..."
"Everybody is fighting..."
Look around you in the world today! Is it not true that - "Everybody is fighting"?
"Everybody"!
Think about it!
"Everybody is fighting."
Whether you realize it or not - you are "one" in that bunch!
You are presently - "fighting" - for something and someone!
Whether silently or vocally...passively or actively - you are "fighting"!
The questions that need to be considered are these - "What are you fighting for? And on whose side?"
The Scriptures imply that - just like Paul - you are called to "fight a good fight" - "the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12).
You are enlisted in a "holy war" involving two armies - the army of the saints (whose allies are the angels) and the army of the enemy (whose allies are the evil spirits). Your noble conflict is with sin, error, perversion, the world, the flesh, and the devil. In this war, you are called to watch...exemplify courage and valor... undergo hardships...keep rank and file under the absolute command of the Lord Jesus...never be idle... and live a laborious life. You are to overcome "all" - using faith in Christ and Him crucified as your sole weapon.
How are you doing in this "fight"?
The second responsibility that Paul mentioned was - "finishing my course."
Paul saw himself as a runner in a race that had a definite "course." Hence, he remained focused - setting aside anything that might hinder him from "finishing strong."
Normally a "course" means a sequence or succession of actions which - when taken together - complete a career. But, Paul also looked upon his "course" in this way. It was his "appointed field" for the succession of his efforts - all in one direction - leading progressively to an end. It was also his "track" or path marked out for him by God - wherein he found definite duties and appointed tasks for him to fulfill.
As a believer, you, too, have a "course" to finish. You have a "race" to run.
An easy way to define your "course" is - walking in obedience to the Lord Jesus - not expecting to go the next mile until you have first accomplished what He has told you to do - no matter how menial, boring, degrading, insignificant, or undesirable the task.
How foolish it is to constantly be looking at another saint's "course" or to "strive" with another over their "course" - when you have been given your very own to "finish"! You will not answer to the Lord Jesus for another man's success. But, you will answer for your own!
How are you doing on "finishing your course"? Are you walking in obedience - doing all that Jesus asks - no matter the cost? Is there anything that you have left undone? Are you being diligent in performing your duties assigned to you by Him? Are you keeping your eyes on the goal? Are you setting aside anything that might hinder you from "finishing strong"?
The third and final responsibility that Paul mentioned was - "keeping the faith."
By the grace of God, Paul steadfastly maintained the "faith" of the Gospel. In spite of the times of severe testing, great discouragement, and much trouble - in spite of every opposition, affliction, difficulty, danger, and temptation - he remained true. His trust in Jesus never wavered. He kept the "faith" committed to him - keeping it holy, unadulterated, whole, and complete. He didn't shrink from confessing it - even when death stared him in the face. He didn't corrupt it in order to please the Jews or the Gentiles. With courage, resolution, and perseverance, he kept it to the end.
Like Paul, whether you are a believer or a minister of the Gospel, you are called to "keep the faith" - to never compromise the Gospel or the doctrines of the faith. You are to faithfully declare them and guard the truth - keeping its message unadulterated - against all opposition. You are to not conceal nor keep back anything profitable to mankind but declare the whole counsel of God.
The Biblical Illustrator said this - "It is a true soldier's business to guard the faith."
How are you doing as far as "keeping the faith" goes?
Are you speaking the truth - no matter who likes it or is offended by it? Do you purposely select the "truths" of God's Word that are "ear tickling" - so as to avoid persecution? Do you find yourself "twisting the truth" in order to be liked...please the people...not "make waves" ... receive large offerings ...or get "open doors" to preach?
We are living in a day and an hour when these three responsibilities of the believer will be tested severely.
That is why we bring you this update - reminding you - for the days that are ahead - of your responsibilities before God as outlined here by Paul.
We - at Walking In Truth Ministry - are fully aware of our responsibilities to - "fight the good fight, finish our course, and keep the faith."
With the crucial deliberation going on before the Supreme Court right now concerning the nationwide acceptance of gay-marriage, we understand that there is a very grim possibility of great persecution coming on the Church of America in the days ahead - as a result of this decision.
We as Christians must fully understand that we have three responsibilities before God - we must "fight the good fight of faith"..."finish our course" ...and "keep the faith" - no matter the cost!
It's not a time to hide your head in the sand! It's not a time to go to sleep! It's not a time to run and hide!
It's time for all of the Church - not just some - but for all - to be bold for God - to "fight" - to take a stand for righteousness and the Word of God. It's time - like never before - to "be of good courage" and "play the men" and watch the "LORD do that which seemeth Him good." (2 Samuel 10:12) We serve a Mighty God!
At this time we come before you and ask you - as we have blessed you every week with our written Bible Messages and podcasts, will you now consider being a blessing to us with your financial gift?
At the start of every month, the bills are due to keep this ministry going. Some of you have never given or haven't given in a long time.
Will you help us at this time of need?
To all those who faithfully support us every month with your financial gift, we want to say - "Thank You" - from the bottom of our hearts. We could never have accomplished all that we are doing without your help! May the Lord reward you richly in this life and in the life to come! We know that He will!
If you would like to be a blessing to this ministry or a faithful supporter, you can make your check out to - Walking In Truth Ministry - and mail it to the following address -
Walking In Truth Ministry
P.O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX 75138-3016
Or, if you prefer to use Paypal, you can send your financial gift to - [email protected]
You can also send a Money gram - if that means of exchange will work better for you.
We are a nonprofit organization with a tax exemption status.
Thank you ahead of time for your gracious gift,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved