Fight!

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1ti.6.12.ESV

We are often tempted to shy away from militaristic sounding illustrations. 'Fight the Good Fight' and 'Onward Christian Soldiers' aren't the most popular of hymns nowadays. Bear in mind though that Paul was probably chained to a Roman soldier on death row at the time of writing. This verse is dynamite, it wouldn't have helped him with the possibility of acquittal by Caesar!

Of course, Paul isn't Spartacus, he wasn't advocating rebellion against the Roman Empire. He's got an eternal perspective, he's not preoccupied with the temporal. We would do well to look forward to the end ourselves.

I think Paul is referring to Timothy's commissioning as an elder in this verse, but we could heark back to our baptisms if we've had one. We might be nearer the finish line than the start, but it's good to remember when we signed up!

Of course, baptism isn't when we get saved. Instead it is when we publically declare our preexisting faith, and join ourselves to a church. Then the relay is on and we have to pass the baton on to the next generation should the Lord tarry.

'Sovereign Lord, please help us to fight good fights for You, until You call us home to our everlasting rest. In Jesus' name we pray, amen'

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