How to Fight as a Christian
(By Rob McLeod)
This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight. (1 Timothy 1:18)
It is often mentioned that as believers of Christ we are in a battle. But what kind of battle are we actually in? The battle that I am going to focus upon here is not a political battle of Liberals versus Conservatives or Democrats versus Republicans. It is not merely a geographical battle with one nation pitted against another to gain more land and resources. Neither is this battle consumed with fighting ‘big tech’ or a myriad number of other economic and societal problems that our country is facing. It is not a battle for personal rights and freedoms enabling me to live the life that I prefer. Now I am not trying to minimize the importance of the previous topics, but what is the real battle that Christians are supposed to fully participate in? And how should a believer properly participate in this fight? It is so easy to be consumed with current world events that we can forget that behind all of the troublesome symptoms lies a cause. We must remember that there are only two kingdoms pitted against one another on this earth: they are the “power [kingdom or dominion] of darkness” and the “kingdom of the Son [Jesus].” Colossians 1:13-14 says, “He [Father] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son [Jesus] of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” 1 John 5:19 reminds us that “The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one [Satan].” 2 Timothy 2:26 says that non-Christians have “been taken captive by him [the devil] to do his will.” If you are a believer you have been rescued from Satan’s grip and have been made a son of God. This act of redemptive grace places us into an entirely new family with an eternal purpose for living (Ephesians 2:8-10). As we grow and mature in our relationship with the Lord our eyes are opened to the plight of the lost. We can’t help but see despair, dysfunction, hopelessness, addiction, pride, and self-will permeating the world around us. This new set of ‘spiritual eyes’ can cause compassion to rise up within us for our family, friends, and co-workers as we see their need for a personal Saviour and forgiveness of sins. Sometimes, however, when faced with the sin of this world we feel increasing levels of frustration and anger welling up within us. Our anger against what is wrong can grow in unwanted ways if left unchecked by the Holy Spirit. Warning: we must be careful that our new distaste for sin does not lead to a growing hatred toward unbelievers!
It is undeniable that the current trajectory of North America, and Canada in particular, is away from the Lord. The disdain for Scripture and basic biblical foundational principles has grown rapidly. Our schools, universities, governments, and media predominantly uphold a secular and humanistic worldview where the biblical good news is scorned and suppressed. Many believers in Canada wonder if they will soon be punished on a larger scale merely for holding a biblical view of sexuality and family. Dismissive views in the populace concerning Scripture, parental authority, and the freedom of school choice (public, Christian or homeschooling) is growing. This can feel frightening but we must not let our emotions and responses follow that of our natural ‘flesh.’ Recall that 2 Corinthians 10:4 teaches us that “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal [of the flesh] but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
So then, as believers how do we respond to the evils around us in a Christ honouring way? Should we mimic the world’s ways with angry protests, vehement social media posts, upstart political movements or even ‘justifiable’ civil disobedience? Many professing believers have followed this approach and, I believe, have tarnished the name of Jesus by misrepresenting a) what the good news of Scripture is, and b) how it is to be spread by Christ followers. In John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Jesus spoke this before His crucifixion while being interrogated by Pilate. Just before this, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, had already cut off another man’s ear at the time of Jesus’ arrest. There was a belief held by some of Jesus’ followers that He should physically defend Himself from being martyred. It is somewhat ironic that if Jesus had killed his arrestors, He wouldn’t have gone to the cross and presented Himself as the payment for our sins. So, when confronted with evil, we must admit that our initial defensive reactions may not be something that will further the kingdom of God!
All of this discussion leads us to the core verse for this article. 1 Timothy 1:18 says that “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight.” The “good fight” is accomplished when we are properly living as the “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13-16) in this lost and deceived world. Perhaps the bigger question now is “How do we accomplish this?” I want to list a number of “how-tos” all taken from 1 Timothy. In this short letter Paul exhorts Timothy how to properly conduct himself within the hostile culture. In following this advice Timothy would be a healthy example to those in his sphere of influence. What follows below are a number of Paul’s instructions to Timothy. (If you really want to study this fully, please read through 1 Timothy several times for a solid launching point.)
(a) First of all: pray, intercede, and give thanks for all men and all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
The strongest instruction from Paul in this letter is that we must engage in heartfelt prayer. We must admit that our natural tendency is not to pray for ungodly authority and those we strongly disagree with. Our fleshly bent is to criticize and express disdain for those in opposition to the Lord’s ways. However, we must not minimize the importance and power of prayer. It is a neglected spiritual weapon. Let us ask the Lord for a true burden to pray in order to properly effect change in the authorities over us.
(b) Don’t get distracted by useless questions and tangential discussions (1 Timothy 1:4)
It is incredibly easy to waste mental energy and spiritual opportunities by engaging in useless discussions, conspiracy theories, and Scripturally unsubstantiated doctrinal positions. When we ‘major on the minors’ and elevate unedifying topics in our conversations we do disservice to the gospel and God’s eternal purpose. Let us stick with conversations and material that actually brings grace and life to the hearers. 1 Corinthians 14:26 says “Let all things be done for edification [building up].”
(c) Love others properly: from a pure heart and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5)
Let’s not have impure motives in our dealings with others. Our relationships should not be motivated by what we hope to get out of them. When we keep ‘short accounts’ with the Lord and others our motives and interactions will be pure and Christ-centred. The Holy Spirit is more than willing to participate in such an environment.
(d) God’s righteous standard, His law, is to be used to convict sinners (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
Most people think that they are good and not as bad as others. People must be presented with God’s standard of holiness in order to see their true spiritual need. We do people a disservice if we pretend that their lives are clean in the Lord’s eyes. To fight properly means to expose sin in a clear but compassionate manner.
(e) Learn that spiritual exercise produces longer lasting benefits than physical exercise (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Young men tend to be infatuated with their physique and often place an unhealthy priority on maintaining their outward appearance. It definitely is good to exercise, work up a sweat, and to eat healthy food. But physical looks are fleeting. Do we ever consider that we need a little ‘spiritual resistance training’ as well? How come we prefer to have an intense sporting event but shy away from an intense spiritual battle? Would we rather work out in the gym for hours but excuse ourselves from intentional Scripture reading, prayer, and fasting? Let us pray for the Lord to properly order our priorities.
(f) Be a Godly example to others in your conduct and purity (1 Timothy 4:12-13)
People don’t just follow what we say. They observe our actions. Paul instructed Timothy to live a life that publicly honoured the Lord and His Word. It is not different for us in the 21st century. Our behaviour, sexual purity, and commitment, or lack thereof, to a holy life can be readily discerned by others, including the lost. We are not fighting properly for the Lord if we are living a double-life. The Holy Spirit cannot bear witness and convict others through our lives if we are living hypocritically.
(g) Don’t be spiritually apathetic; function properly in the body of Christ (1 Timothy 4:14)
Many men struggle with apathy and distraction. At times we just don’t care to engage in the spiritual battle. We would rather satisfy our supposed needs and wants. This is laziness and must be rejected with the aid of the Lord. If we are ‘riding the pine’ in the spiritual realm let us refocus our gaze upon the Lord’s heart! One day we will give account for our actions and choices as members of the body of Christ. Cry out to the Lord for His burden for the lost and for His church. He will answer a genuine request.
(h) Think on proper teaching and doctrine; give yourself entirely to them (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
Unfortunately, in some Christian circles the word ‘doctrine’ has received a bad rap. Proper doctrine, or biblical teaching, is absolutely critical for a healthy foundation in the church life. The Bible is our instruction manual and as we spend focused time in the Word the Holy Spirit will breathe life to the pages and to our hearts. Why is studying the Word considered to be so dry and old fashioned? Do we think that this is the Lord placing these thoughts in our mind or could it be our common enemy? To properly fight as a Christian we need to be frequently immersed in Scripture. I have never met a healthy Christian that minimizes the value of the written Word.
(i) Count the authorities in your life to be worthy of all honour (1 Timothy 6:1-2)
As men we often kick against those in authority over us. This often starts when we are young, as we resist the instructions of our parents. Such disparaging attitudes toward authority can metastasize into disregard for employers, governing authorities, and local church leadership. It is true that many authorities have abused their positions of influence. Remember that it is not just the person we are submitting to but also to the position and office that God has ordained. The Lord works through authority and when we have complete disregard for such oversight in our lives it will not go well. There are numerous examples in Scripture where believers humbly entreated ungodly authorities when they disagreed with their decisions and direction. When we have to disobey authority, on account of Jesus Christ and His gospel, then we must be willing to take the punishment without bitterness and hopes of fleshly-motivated retribution.
(j) Learn true contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
The flesh is never satisfied; it always wants more. True contentment, supplied by the Lord, allows us freedom from entanglement in distracting worldly pursuits. The love of money, ease, fame, and pleasure are a distraction from God’s eternal purpose and will thwart our effectiveness in the church life. No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24); we cannot simultaneously advance both the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of Jesus. When we are filled with peace, joy, and contentment in Jesus the inward fervor to satisfy our other wants is minimized. But note that contentment is a process of growth. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to be content. This fruit of the Spirit was not achieved in one night.
There is so much more that could be said on this topic of how to properly fight as a Christian. If you are burdened to consider this material further, I would encourage you to read 1 Timothy through several times; it has been an incredible blessing to me. Unless we properly wield our spiritual weaponry we will not see a true move of God in the hearts of men and women. Lasting life change is not achieved by legislating morality or by arm twisting and rancorous debate. Rather, hearts are changed when Christians boldly, yet humbly, engage the culture through living lives that are in accord with Scripture. This will produce a genuine testimony which the Holy Spirit can effectively use in the spiritual fight.
