pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: fight


by Leave a comment

But as For You…

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-16

1st Timothy 6:11 – “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

Photo credit: Caleb Jones

As we turn to 1st Timothy today and tomorrow, we see that idolatry is still a struggle for the people of God. The situation is no different today. In Paul’s day, false teachers were trying to get rich instead of trying to save souls. They bickered with one another because their motivation was selfish. In verse 7 Paul writes this eternal truth: “We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it.” In Paul’s day, just as it is today, many who were trying to get rich were falling into all kinds of temptations. This sad reality leads Paul to this observation: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We could easily substitute power, status, popularity… for the word “money.”

Starting in verse 11, Paul presents a different way of living. In this verse he commands Timothy (and us) to this way of living: “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.” To live in the will and ways of God contrasts sharply with living in the ways of the world. Instead of seeking personal gain in many forms, a life of faith leads us to first love God and then to love neighbor. The focus on self is minimalized as we pursue righteousness, holy living… Paul goes on to encourage Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To live counter to our human tendency towards selfishness is indeed a fight. To give oneself in humble service to God and others – yes, it is a fight. But it is a fight that yields contentment in this life and joy in the life to come. May we daily choose to fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, so many voices, so many things tell us to gather, to hoard, to accumulate. Yet it is so clear that these behaviors do not bring peace or contentment or joy or anything else truly good to our lives. You alone are the giver of all that is truly good. Guide us, O Lord, to pursue you above all else, leading us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Come Near

Reading: James 4:1-12

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.”

Photo credit: Kyle Johnson

James 4 addresses the conflict in the early church. In general, conflict over the things of this world are normal in the world. It should not be so in the church. In the opening verses of chapter 4 James identifies the issue: “cravings that are at war.” He then names want and jealousy as the primary drivers of these cravings. Our human natures focuses on self and our desires for power, status, possessions. These desires, left unchecked, lead us down evil paths. On this path we “struggle and fight,” we gossip and judge and slander, and even “commit murder” in extreme cases

James chooses language such as “hostility… enemy…” because there is a battle within us. Echoing Jesus’ teaching about our inability to serve two masters, James pits friendship with the world against friendship with God. He then offers the Christian choice: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.” When we make this choice it leads us to repent of our sins, to purify our hearts. Continuing, we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will lift you up.” Humility – thinking less of self and more of God and neighbor – is one of the key practices of an authentic faith and is absolutely essential in this battle. Walking in humility works against those worldly lures that tear apart community and fellowship.

Our prayer life is where much of this battle is fought. It is in prayer that we offer humble confessions and commi to repentance. It is in prayer that we find strength to resist the lures of this world. It is in prayer that we offer thanks for God’s blessings, provision, and grace. It is in prayer that we “Come near to God” so that “God will come near to you.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, the walk of faith is not an easy walk. The voices of the world are loud and powerful. But you are far greater. Your Spirit places us within your power. In that place, fill us with strength today, O God, so that we can walk faithfully with you and with one another. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Good Fight

Reading: 1st Timothy 4-6

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.”

In chapters 4-6 Paul addresses spiritual leadership, caring for the family of God, and holy living. These three are very much interconnected and one supports the other. For example, holy living is essential for good leadership and it drives how we care for one another. Likewise, good leadership empowers holy living and caring well for each other.

Chapter 4 begins with the recognition that some will turn away from the faith. They will be deceived. Paul encourages young Timothy to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ.” He implores him to “train in holy living.” Paul invites Timothy to “set an example” for the believers through his own speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and sexual purity. He also asks Timothy to keep working on his own faith growth and development. All of this gives Timothy solid ground to stand upon as he leads the family of God.

Paul turns to caring for the family next. He encourages Timothy to show respect to the older men and women and to treat the younger ones as brothers and sisters. Paul directs Timothy to care for the older widows who are truly in need, who have been faithful, and who are alone. If a widow has family, they are to care for her. Timothy is instructed to publicly deal with sinners, without bias or favoritism. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are creating jealousy and conflict as they try to profit from the believers. Paul declares that this love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, Paul encourages these men to “do good… to be generous… to share with others.” This will store up a foundation for the future, allowing them to “take hold of what truly is life.”

Paul then returns to holy living. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love… Paul implores young Timothy, “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life – you are called to it, and you made a good confession of it.” Paul tells him to do this “without fault or failure” until the Lord appears. May it be so for you and me too!

Prayer: Lord God, may we truly hear and put into practice these guidelines for holy living. Lead us daily to pursue faith, righteousness, holiness, and a servant’s heart. In turn, guide us to use these to lead well when given opportunity and to care well for our brothers and sisters in Christ always. Empower us to fight the good fight of faith today and every day. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Pure and Upright

Reading: Proverbs 19 and 20

‭Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.”

To choose to ignore wisdom is to choose to be a fool. Folly first of all corrupts the heart against God. That can lead a foolish son to be a “disaster to his father” and a “contentious wife” to feel like a “constant dripping.” Fools jump right into fights and they mock justice. Fools and liars will not escape. They will perish. Therefore the sage says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you might grow wise in the future.” Here one finds true life, contentment, and peace.

We seek and we enjoy these gifts. That is some of the reason that we plan. This is good to do but we are also reminded “the Lord’s purpose will succeed.” This is why we must never stop listening to wisdom and why we must never refuse discipline. When we do stop, we wander. The walk of faith is long and slow and steady. Advice for our walk comes from “the deep waters of the heart.” It requires long, slow, and steady care. With understanding we can draw from these waters, gaining wisdom and finding true life.

Listening closely and drawing deeply from wisdom allows us to apply it to our lives and to our living. Doing so we learn to restrain our anger and to walk away from senseless fights and to ignore an offense. We come to value wise speech as “the most precious jewel.” We grow to be gracious to the poor. We wait upon the Lord’s salvation. We learn to walk with integrity and honor. We, like our children, are known by our words and by our conduct. May we be pure and Upright, bringing glory and splendor to God.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see that all of who and what we are really matters. Guide us to walk as you call us to walk, clinging to wisdom and understanding and discipline, walking in your way. Keep our ears and hearts open to your guidance and your correction. Use our deeds and words to make your will and way known. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The Lord Will Fight

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 29, 2nd Chronicles 30, 2nd Chronicles 31, 2nd Chronicles 32

2nd Chronicles 32:8 – “All he has is human strength, but we have the LORD our God, who will help us fight our battles!”

Hezekiah is the focus of today’s readings. In the first month of his rule he reopens the temple and sets the priests to making it holy once again. After eight days the temple is purified. Early the next morning sacrifices are offered for all Israel, songs are sung, the Lord is praised. Hezekiah invites the people to bring thank offerings to God. The response is so great that the Levites have to step in and help.

Next Hezekiah reestablishes the celebration of the Passover. He sends word throughout all of Judah – and Israel. Some from up north laugh and make fun of the invitation, but some come from Israel. A huge crowd gathers and celebrates the Passover. So wonderful and joyous is the celebration, they decide to worship God for seven more days. Fueled by this celebration the people go out and cleanse Judah of all idol worship. The pillars, poles, shrines, and altars are all destroyed.

Hezekiah then calls for the resumption of the tithe to support the daily needs of the priests. The people bring their best in great abundance. Judah is at its high point in its relationship with God – the best since the days of Solomon. It is then that King Sennacherib of Assyria comes. Hezekiah trusts fully in God. He encourages the troops to be brave and strong. He says, “All he has is human strength, but we have the LORD our God, who will help us fight our battles!” Hezekiah trusts that the Lord will fight the battle. That very night God’s messenger comes and kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2nd Kings 19.) Sennacherib goes home in disgrace.

A deadly illness then sets in on Hezekiah but he cries out to God and is healed. But in that moment he is too proud to properly thank God. He and Israel begin to feel God’s anger. They repent and God’s blessings return. Hezekiah dies and is buried in the “upper area” of the tombs with David’s sons. Gold star!

Prayer: Lord God, what a great reminder of the value of a long, steady, obedient faith. In the big and the small, your will and your ways were the focus. Trust in you was sure. Help us to live out this kind of faith. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Questions

Readings: Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16, Exodus 17, Exodus 18

Exodus 16:8 – “Who are we? Your complaints aren’t against us but against the LORD.”

Coming fresh off of the amazing rescue at the sea, today we become familiar with an oft-repeated pattern in the wilderness. The Hebrews are lacking in something so they argue/complain/grumble against Moses. Moses, often in frustration, turns to God and God provides food, water, protection… We often see a version of this played out in our lives, just without Moses as the middle man. We go straight to God with our grumbles, complaints, charges…

At Marah the water is bitter. God makes it sweet. Those hardships or challenges that become blessings? We experience these too, don’t we? Then, in the Sin Desert, hunger sets in. They long for the meat and bread of slavery. Ever look back in the good old days? God provides meat and bread. These come with instructions. These begin to establish the Sabbath. It was not possible in Egypt. As slaves of another they worked 7 days a week. We have a choice. Do we allow ourselves to be controlled by work…? Or do we honor God and ourselves in sabbath rest?

After preserving some manna for future generations, the Israelites travel on to Rephidim. No water. They accuse Moses (read: God) of bringing them out into the desert to die of thirst. Moses hits the rock at Horeb with his staff -> water comes out! Then Amalek comes to fight them. Joshua leads the troops into battle as Moses, Aaron, and Hur go up the mountain. The staff, now held aloft, continues to represent God’s presence. Aaron and Hur help Moses and God gives Israel victory. This leads into Jethro’s visit and suggestion. He sees Moses is too busy. He won’t last like this. Following his wise father-in-law’s advice, Moses appoints judges, sharing the load. God shared the load in battle. Moses shared the load with others. Which kind of sharing is harder for you? What did you learn today about sharing?

Prayer: Lord God, it is a little scary to see how little we’ve changed since Moses’ time. We get caught in nostalgia, we lose faith quickly, we question your love. Today I thank you so much for your enduring patience through the generations and for your great patience with me. Teach me to turn quicker to you and to hold onto your hand longer and more steadily. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Perfectly United

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:10-18

Verse 10: “I appeal to you… that all of you agree… no divisions among you… be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As we turn to our Epistle reading, Paul appeals to those in the church to find unity. There are quarrels and divisions in this church community. There are particulars to this strife – factions are wanting to follow different leaders – but this detail is secondary to resolving the bickering and fighting. Their infighting is tearing at the fibers of community and it is greatly diminishing the church’s witness to the world.

There will always be differences in our churches. Some people may, for example, like the gospel of Matthew better than the gospel of Mark. They like the fact that it has more stories and better connects to the Old Testament. But others prefer the more straight-forward, quicker pace of Mark. Both are right factually about each gospel. Both writings are valuable to Christians seeking to grow in their faith. Yet if both “sides” were to begin talking down to the other, using their gospel truth to bash the other side, then the focus would shift from the words and teachings of Jesus to the bickering and infighting of those in the church. That would not be a good thing.

Paul’s call is to be a community of faith “perfectly united in mind and thought.” Unity comes through having the mind of Christ, from speaking and acting as Christ did. In all things both big and small, may we begin in Christ and with his example. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, bring me back again and again to the one in whom we find our faith. Draw me to Christ’s example and to his humility and love. Ground me in these things always. Amen.


by Leave a comment

In Store

Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

Verse 8: “There is in store for me the crown of righteousness.”

Today and tomorrow we look at the closing of Paul’s letters to Timothy. These are words Paul writes as he prepares himself to face death. Verses 6-8 are deeply personal. Paul shares them with Timothy as words of encouragement and hope. We are blessed to have these words shared with us too.

Verse 6 acknowledges a reality that we all face. The “time for our departure” will come. Currently this is true for 100% of us. Paul, reflecting back on his life, writes, “As for me, I am being poured out like a drink offering.” Other translations read, “as a libation.” Here Paul is connecting back to his Jewish roots. A drink offering or libation was a liquid offering added to a grain or animal sacrifice. It enhanced the gift. Paul is connecting the sacrifice he has made and is about to make to the sacrifice Jesus gave for you and me and for all of humanity.

In verse 7 we find words of great faith. They are words any of us would be pleased to hear at our funeral. There is no hint of pride or bragging in Paul’s words. They are an honest assessment and they are great words of inspiration and encouragement. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” A life well-lived is rooted in the faith. It is a great testimony and witness that we can all claim and live out as our own.

Moving to the last verse for today, we read, “There is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Because of verse 7, Paul can write these words with absolute assurance. Oh to have such rock solid faith! With confidence Paul looks forward to the day when Christ Jesus will crown him in glory. And then Paul closes this thought with great hope for you and for me: “not only me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Paul writes not only to Timothy but to you and me too. The crown is in store. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, as I journey, help me, strengthen me, encourage me, guide me. Empower me to fight the good fight of faith each day. Enable me to finish the race you’ve planned out for me. Walk daily with me, Lord Jesus, helping me to keep the faith. And one day welcome me into your eternal glory. May it be so in and through Jesus Christ. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Hope in God Alone

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-10

Verses 11-12: “Flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.”

This week’s epistle reading begins by contrasting an earthly life with a heavenly life. Paul begins by speaking of contentment. If we have food and clothes, we can be content. He then contrasts this belief with those who “want to get rich.” Paul notes that these folks easily fall into temptations and “have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Instead, Paul encourages Timothy and us to “flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.” He doesn’t say to try and avoid it, to see if you can ignore it. No, Paul says FLEE!! Run from the lures of this world and the evils of pursuing wealth. Escape quickly. And Paul knows this is not a one time decision. The lure of wealth keeps after us. That’s why Paul encourages us to “fight the good fight of faith.” Keep battling, keep choosing faith.

Paul invites us to pursue God and God’s ways: righteousness, godliness, and such. For Paul, if we choose to pursue these things then we experience heaven here on earth, being filled with contentment and joy. If we choose to live out our confession of faith then we will not only “lay up a good foundation for the coming age” but we will also “take hold of the life that is truly life.” We will naturally do what Paul asks those with wealth to do. We will “do good… being generous and willing to share.” Living and building the kingdom here on earth we will put our hope in God alone. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, day by day help me to fight the good fight of faith. Guide me to do good and to be generous to others. Moment by moment empower me to resist the temptations of this world. Doing so, may I find true life in you. Amen.