Introduction: Have you ever heard the saying, “We are not fighting FOR Victory, but FROM Victory”? While that is true, we must learn the art of discipling the flesh while FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH! Any battle tested soldier will tell you that. Would you agree, the CHRISTian life is a FIGHT of FAITH?

Paul writes to his son in the Lord, Timothy, urging him to continue to “FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH”!

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim 6:12)

1. By discerning FALSE teaching (doctrine)!

“3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith.” (1Tim 1:3-4)

2. By forgetting where we used to be!

“4And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1Tim 1:14, 15)

3. By keeping a good conscience and avoiding Satan’s influences!

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1Tim 1:19-20)

4. By praying for all!

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1Tim 2:1-3)

5. By Praising the Lord with holy hands!

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:8)

6. By understanding our roles given by the Lord!

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” (1Tim 2:11-15)

7. By understanding the biblical role of leadership in the Church!

“1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work…..” (1Tim 3:1-16)

8. By understanding the last days consist of demonic activity!

“1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1Tim 4:1-2)

9. By honoring widows and elders, and all men and women at their respective ages!

1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” (1Tim 5:1, 2)

10. By being godly with contentment!

“6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Tim 6:6-10)

11. By fighting, fleeing, and not forgetting Jesus is coming again!

“11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Tim 6:11-14)