Fighting the Good Fight (2 Tim 2:3-4)

May 3, 2011 | Podcast, Sermons

“Fighting the GOOD Fight”

Being a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus – 2 Timothy 2:3-4

“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”  1 Tim. 6:12

I.  The DUTY of a Soldier     (2 Tim. 2:3)

The Apostle Paul had a deep love and commitment for Timothy, his _________ in the faith.  cf. 1 Tim. 1:2 Paul knew that the Christian life involved ___________!

cf.  2 Cor. 11:23-28; 1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7

The word “fight” is a word we get our word _________ from and was used of military & athletic contests.

NOTE – Paul calls it a “________” fight!  i.e. kalos Because of this, Paul commanded Timothy to “be strong” in the _________ of God.   cf.  2 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10 The first metaphor of the Christian life that Paul uses is that of a ___________ who suffers well. (vv. 3-4) The Church needs to be more of a spiritual ________ ________ for believers in Jesus Christ.

II.  The DANGER of a Soldier   (2 Tim. 2:4)

Notice that each soldier is in “___________” service and his goal is to “please” his Commanding Officer.

“The readiness of obeying their commanders is so great…when they come to a battle, the whole army is but one body.”   Josephus (1st cent. A.D.)

The Danger is that he get ___________ or “entangled” in the affairs of everyday life.   i.e. civilian affairs To be “entangled” literally means to weuve or _______. cf.  2 Pet. 2:20 – “the defilements of the world” “Civilian affairs” are not necessarily ______ things. cf.  Luke 9:57-62; Phil. 1:9-10

“Are there no foes for me to face?  Must I not stem the flood?  Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God? Isaac Watts

Practical Application:

  1. Are you Enlisted?
  2. What “Fight” are you fighting?
  3. Are you prepared for Warfare?  cf.  Lk. 21:10-28

Appointments with God

“When God CALLS”

Monday, February 14th

Meditate upon the Sovereignty of God’s Call on your life:

  • Romans 8:28-30

Note you were “called according to His purpose” and that your calling originated in predestination! Spend time praising God for His gracious choice!

Tuesday, February 15th

Meditate upon the Complexity of God’s Call on your life:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Note the words “chosen you from the beginning.”  He called us that we might “gain the glory…”  Wow-Thank God for the “Gospel” that was shared with you!  Pray for 1 Person to share it with today.

Wednesday, February 16th

Meditate upon the Uniqueness of God’s Call on your life:

  • 1 Cor. 1:22-31

How is God’s choice of people He calls different than the world’s?  Why does He do this?  Why did He choose you?  Confess your sin of pride to God!

Thursday, February 17th

Meditate upon the Certainty of God’s Call on your life:

  • 2 Peter 1:5-11

Note the long list of character qualities that are to be “yours and increasing” as a believer.  What does it mean to “make certain His calling?”  Ask God’s Spirit to search your heart & show you your sin!

Friday, February 18th

Meditate upon the Mercy of God in calling you:

  • 1 Timothy 1:12-16

Note that God “put Paul into service.”  Paul said “I found mercy.”  Spend time praising God for all the ways He has had mercy on you in calling & giving you a specific gift and area of service!

Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 19-20

Meditate upon the Adequacy of God’s Call on your life:

  • 2 Cor. 2:16; 3:4-6; 1 Thess. 5:24

Did Paul feel adequate to serve in ministry?  Where did His adequacy come from?  Recommit yourself & your gifts to God for Him to use you today!

[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/18-Fighting-the-Good-Fight-2-Tim-2_3-4.mp3|titles=18 Fighting the Good Fight (2 Tim 2_3-4)]

18 Fighting the Good Fight (2 Tim 2_3-4)

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