1 Timothy 6:11-12
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and about which you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You would have us run from everything that would destroy our faith and hate everything that could cause our eternal destruction. The problem is this; we cannot pursue this on our own. We can try to lead godly lives, but sin gets in the way, and we are right back where we started. Paul told Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, a faith that clings to the forgiveness Jesus won for us when he suffered upon the cross. Only according to faith which the Holy Spirit began in us, can we even start to escape the world’s evils.
We thank you, Lord, that you have sent your Son, so when we fail at fleeing, we can turn to his forgiveness. So give us faith that will flee from evil and turn to Jesus’ forgiveness, and there we are made right with you. As we live lives focused on Jesus, the result is godly followers—we love those around us, persevere in the face of evil, and are gentle towards others. To fight the good fight means to realize our sins, repent, seek your forgiveness, and, as we are redeemed, we are rescued and have the hope of eternal life. Please grant us opportunities to share this good news of your forgiveness that comes to us for Jesus’ sake and share the peace of forgiveness we have with others so that your Holy Spirit can use that gospel seed so they can also flee from what is evil and pursue righteousness that comes from Jesus. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus paid for your forgiveness with his innocent suffering and death and the spilling of his precious blood on the cross; forgiveness is the key to heaven. You can only run from what is evil when you take refuge in Jesus’ forgiveness. It is there where you fight the good fight of faith.