Man of War “ Now Them’s Fightin’ Words! ” Marks of a Man of God #5

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (I Timothy 6:11-12)

The man of God is a

contender

a battler

and a soldier

He battles the…  world  flesh  devil and his kingdom  sin  Heresy  apathy

Paul’s view – A soldier is the totality of what you are. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. (II Timothy 2:3-4)

Paul saw his ministry as a battle I Corinthians (16:8-9)

At the end of his life his triumphal cry was, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” (II Timothy 4:7)

Some common mistakes that Christians make:  Don’t realize they are in an army  Don’t see what’s at stake  Get tangled up in everyday affairs  Fight the wrong battles  Go A.W.O.L. – some in rebellion, others out of discouragement

Paul’s Promise  Live godly… be persecuted  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (II Timothy 3:12)

“Fight” (agon) – root of our word “agony”. Context: military, athletic events, life and death struggles.

Boxers in the Greek and Roman games wore gloves lined with lead & iron with the loser of the match having his eyes put out.

“agonizomai” (present imperative) – we fight today and the battle wages on! Never stop!

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (I Timothy 6:12) “noble”, “excellent”

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Fight the good fight of (“the”) faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (I Timothy 6:12)

As in Jude 3 the Greek text of I Timothy 6:12 has the definite article “the” before “faith”. Paul says to “fight for the faith”…

As in Jude 3 the Greek text of I Timothy 6:12 has the definite article “the” before “faith”. Paul says to “fight for the faith”…

…“the faith” equals the sum total of Christian doctrine. Today the battle for truth is often seen as divisive & unloving.

Don’t use the wrong weapons. Don’t fight the wrong enemy. Ephesians 6:10-17

Think about it…  “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20a)  I Corinthians 4:8  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (II Timothy 3:12)

Jesus, Paul and all were persecuted… why not me?

Fight hard man of God! The Victory’s won!