Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Dana emphasizes the importance of fighting the good fight as Christians, focusing on battles that truly matter rather than engaging in negative or unproductive conflicts. He highlights that the Christian life inherently involves struggles, particularly in sharing faith and living righteously. Dana points out that while the world may not hate Christians, there is a unique conflict that arises due to the reality of God through Christ. He references Paul's exhortations to Timothy to "fight the good fight," which includes maintaining faith and a good conscience. Dana warns against the dangers of becoming shipwrecked in faith, as seen in the examples of Hymenaeus and Alexander. He encourages believers to discipline themselves for godliness, emphasizing that spiritual discipline is as crucial as physical discipline. Dana explains that the new self, which every believer possesses, must be nurtured while the old self is put aside. He stresses the need for self-discipline, humility, and openness in the Christian community, urging individuals to guard the treasure of their faith and to actively participate in ministry. Ultimately, Dana calls for a renewed attitude towards serving God and fighting the good fight of faith.
Outline of Main Points
- Importance of fighting the good fight as Christians
- Struggles inherent in the Christian life
- Unique conflict Christians face in the world
- Paul's exhortations to Timothy
- Dangers of becoming shipwrecked in faith
- Discipline for godliness
- Distinction between the new self and old self
- Need for self-discipline, humility, and openness
- Guarding the treasure of faith
- Encouragement to actively participate in ministry
- Call for a renewed attitude towards serving God
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
