I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
This epistle was Paul’s last before his martyrdom in A.D. 67. It is a deeply moving affirmation of his unwavering faith and unyielding love for Jesus.
I have fought the good fight is a significant reminder that the Christian life is a struggle against evil within ourselves and against the evil of the world.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
The Greek word translated “fought,” means literally “to engage in conflict.” The word was used in the context of fighting against your opponent in military conflict.
The battle is not with flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12-13 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.
The Christian life is a fight and is a never-ending struggle against evil, not an earthly military campaign against politics or society, but a spiritual battle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. This is why we must take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.
Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Paul ministry provides for us a powerful example of modeling Christ today. Not only did he fight the good fight, but he also finished the race and kept the faith. Paul knew where his strength came from which was Jesus, I can do all things through Christ.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
So as the scriptures teach let us lay aside the sin that makes us stumble and run the race to its finish.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
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