Fight the Good Fight1 Timothy 6:11-21

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Fight the Good Fight “Fight” not a word Christians like.

A straightforward command: Fight the “good” fight. It is costly, requires discipline Weapons: service, gentleness, love.

The story of Bishop Abraham Yel Nhial.

Bishop Abraham Yel Nhial

Fight the Good Fight …

The story of Bishop Abraham Yel Nhial. Also, Cheryl Chang (Head: Lord Byng PAC) He encouraged us to be bold for Christ. God prepared him for his task (Cf 1 Sam

17:34-36)

Real cost in standing up for God & the Gospel.

1. Flee from all this Love of money & harmful desires (1

Tim 6:9-11)

The issue of wealth (v 17-19) Do not be arrogant Do not hope in wealth

1. Flee from all this Put our hope in God Do good Be rich in good deeds Be generous and willing to share.

Many of us do not feel rich … but we are.

1. Flee from all this … We don’t live in fear & want – God’s

blessing to us

What does fleeing look like? This what the Lost Boys of Sudan looked

like

1. Flee from all this … Count everything as nothing

compared to Christ

Lay up treasure for the coming age (v 19)

Take hold of life that is truly life.

2. Pursue Righteousness Pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith,

love, …

We know what pursuit looks like.

Pau’s words not a list …a picture of how our

lives are characterized. “taking hold of eternal life to which you are

called” (v 12)

2. Pursue Righteousness Each of us should prayerfully consider:

What it looks like for us?

3. Guard what is entrusted to you

Turn away from “godless chatter” …avoid conversations that

draw us away from God

He warns us against: opposing ideas of what is

falsely called knowledge Everything tells us God is not relevant

3. Guard what is entrusted to you …

But humans cannot solve our inner sinfulness.

Timothy must hold on to his “good confession” (v 12) Jesus made his “good confession” testifying

before Pilate.

What does it look like for each of us?

Living it . . . Paul ends with strong words: Flee.

Pursue. Guard.

We are not called to achievement (that is worldly)

We are called to Faithfulness.

Living it . . .

The story of the “talents” (Matt 25) Both good servants received the same

reward.

Faithfully do what God has laid before us to do.

An intentional life of daily choices.