1. The Good Fight of Faith Lesson 13 Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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The Good Fight of Faith
Lesson 13

2. Lesson Outline Introduction A. The Fight of Faith B. Lesson Background
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. The Fight of Faith B. Lesson Background

3. Priorities and Politics
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Priorities and Politics
The next general election is little more than eight months away.
Imagine that you were going to found a new political party.
What would your party stand for? What would your party’s priorities be?
Choose three of the following issues as your new party’s priorities. Be ready to defend your party platform.
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4. Priorities and Politics
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Priorities and Politics
Gun Control/Rights
Unemployment
Crime
Protecting the Environment
Illegal Drugs
Immigration
War on Terrorism
Health Care
Religious Liberty
Abortion
Education Reform
Balanced Budget
Eliminating Hunger
Taxation
Energy
Equal Rights
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5. Priorities and Politics
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Priorities and Politics
Perhaps the real fight of faith is more personal than political.
What is gained if we battle an immoral society but fail to address immorality in our own lives?
We face conflicts every day. Some battles are insignificant. But how do we respond to those things that are worth fighting for?
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Graphic: bazzier / iStock / Thinkstock®

6. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Lesson Outline
I. Preparing for Battle (1 Timothy 6:11-16) A. What to Pursue (v. 11) B. What to Remember (vv. 12) C. Whom to Imitate (vv )

7. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Battle Plan
Paul wrote to Timothy to guide him as he continued to spread the gospel.
Paul knew that he would not live forever, so he purposely trained the next generation of leaders to carry on.
Our lesson text today focuses on Paul’s instructions to Timothy.
Read the passages, and then try to summarize them as a battle plan.
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Graphic: Rizal999 / iStock / Thinkstock®

8. Battle Plan Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Battle Plan
Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16.
What battlefield tactics do you see in these verses?
Have the character of a Christian soldier, including righteousness, godliness, faith, and love (v. 11).
Remember why we fight and what we have promised (v. 12).
Follow the example of our commander, Jesus, who has led the charge (vv ).
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9. Horizontal Visual
Display the visual and ask, “How do we know what is worth fighting for and what is not when it comes to the gospel?”

10. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What would have to happen for you to follow the six virtues listed in verse 11 more closely?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In terms of positive prompts to add
In terms of negative influences to avoid 10

11. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What would full application of verse 12 to your life look like?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In your use of time
In your spiritual disciplines
In your friendships
Other 11

12. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways to remind ourselves frequently that God is the ultimate source of life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
By using inanimate objects
With regard to living things
With regard to personal experiences
Other 12

13. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What more can you do to make it clear to others that Christ is your ultimate authority?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In choice of recreational activities
In financial priorities
In moving past the “milk” of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12, 13)
Other 13

14. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
II. Enlisting Allies (1 Timothy 6:17-19) A. Uncertain Wealth (v. 17) B. Eternal Riches (vv. 18, 19)

15. Battle Plan Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Battle Plan
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
What tips about choosing allies in the battle do you find here?
Beware of those who put their hope and trust in worldly wealth, which is so uncertain (v. 17).
Join with those willing to give up everything in this world for eternal riches in the next (vv. 18, 19).
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16. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
III. Eyeing the Prize (1 Timothy 6:20, 21) A. Know Your Mission (v. 20) B. Keep on Track (v. 21)

17. Battle Plan Read 1 Timothy 6:20, 21.
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Battle Plan
Read 1 Timothy 6:20, 21.
What do you learn about the spoils of our battle in these verses?
We have been entrusted with great treasure, which we must guard (v. 20a).
We will encounter false and dangerous opposing ideas, but we are assured that God’s grace will be with us (vv. 20b, 21).
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18. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
How will you make sure that what you value most is what God values most?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In how you initially identify what God values
In making plans for periodic reassessment 18

19. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. False Trust in Wealth B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

20. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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War and Peace
The Bible uses images of both war and peace in reference to our faith.
The famous work of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy is named for this apparent contradiction: War and Peace.
In the book, Tolstoy explores the tension between the concepts of war and peace.
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21. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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War and Peace
One telling quote is, “You can love a person dear to you with a human love, but an enemy can only be loved with divine love.”
How does this statement help you understand how to fight the good fight while being a minister of peace?
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22. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Thought to Remember
“We have met the enemy and he is us.” —Cartoonist Walt Kelly (1913–1973)

23. The Lord Will Provide Next Week’s Lesson Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Next Week’s Lesson
The Lord Will Provide