Wednesday 18th December 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- 1 Timothy 6:1-14
Topic:- Fight The Good Fight Of Faith [3]
Text:- Hebrews 11:1
G. Fight The Good Fight, A Call To Action:
1. To fight the good fight of faith means that we stand firmly anchored in the Word in the power. Those who want to be faithful to the truth know that living an overcoming life in the virtues of Christ is not something that comes automatically.
2. Therefore the Scriptures speak of a narrow way, about the cross and self-denial—suffering and death. The Scriptures are full of serious exhortations. They use such words as
a. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling .” See Philippians 2:12.
b. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate .” See Luke 13:24.
c. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them.” See 1 Timothy 4:16.
d. “Exercise yourself rather to godliness.” See 1 Timothy 4:7.
e. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” See 2 Peter 1:5.
f. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.” See 2 Peter 1:10.
3. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit precisely so that we should have power to fight the good fight of faith.
4. However, when fighting the good fight in order to abide in His Word and pursuing sanctification is preached, people cry out: “Bondage! Striving in your own strength! You want to sanctify yourself!” etc.
5. They are enemies of the cross of Christ. You can see that by their conduct. See Philippians 3:18-19.
6. This is why they do not have fellowship with one another as the Father and the Son have fellowship. In spite of this they do not want to acknowledge what is written. See James 4:1-4.
7. They have turned away from the truth to the lie. They are not sound in the faith. See Titus 1:13.
H. Sound Exhortations:
1. Let us rather choose to hear the sound doctrine, the sound faith, and Paul’s sound exhortations. See 1 TImothy 6:11-14.
2. Walk straight ahead on the way of God. Don’t look back like Lot’s wife. Continue to say “yes” to Jesus, for He surpasses all knowledge. Forget what lies behind, and earnestly pursue what lies ahead; hasten toward the treasure which is laid up in heaven for you. See Philippians 3:12-14; Matthew 6:20.
3. Do not love the world or the things in the world, and never covet anything on earth. Pursue those things which are above; the kingdom of heaven consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
4. The Spirit of God leads us into the depths of this kingdom so that our peace is like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea.
5. Never resist God’s Spirit. Always let Him lead and guide you, because He is able to guide you into all truth. See John 16:13; 1 John 2:15; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 14:17; Isaiah 48:18.
Prayer Point: Help oh Lord God, that my faith will increase so as to be able to fight the good fight of faith henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
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