Fight the Good Fight

Open Your Bible

1 Timothy 6:11-21, Psalm 25:12-15, 2 Peter 1:5-11, Jude 1:20-25

Our societies have always had competing doctrines of faith, hungry idols, and wayward truths vying for our attention, money, and wholehearted worship. Our sinful appetites make it easy to doubt God and wonder, Can we fully trust who God says He is when our culture often celebrates the opposite ideas and values? 

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul warns God’s people about human greed—he doesn’t want the family of God to get lost in the temptations of the world and forget they were not destined to remain a part of it. I very much relate to those who were hypnotized by all the world has to offer. I can easily succumb to wanting good things and believing I deserve them. It could be fancy food or the newest fashion or it could be as simple as clinging to the pleasures of this world and losing my hunger for God. The worst-case scenario is that I suddenly wake up and realize I traded in the true doctrine for the false ones advertised on my social media. What a scary thought! So, Paul calls God’s people to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1Timothy 6:12) and to trust in God’s rich provision over the insufficient riches of this world.

For those of us who confess Jesus as Lord, we must continually fight to keep Him in the position of Lord over our lives. I think of Paul who declared: “I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith” (Philippians 3:8–9). 

Our weapon to fight the good fight is our faith. Trusting and believing that losing everything the world says we need is worth gaining Christ—trusting in His promises over the world’s empty ones. And just when we think we can’t possibly fight this fight, 2 Peter tells us that God will give us everything we require to be able to “escape the corruption that is in this world because of evil desire” (2Peter 1:4). I’m encouraged knowing God will help me supplement my faith with “goodness, goodness with knowledge, [and] knowledge with self-control…” (v.5) so that I stand a chance against those false teachings and tantalizing ideas that are hungry for my soul. 

We stand together and we stand with God, and we fight a battle Jesus has already won. Unfortunately, we may not always walk away victorious from our sin on this side of heaven. Still, our lack of faithfulness never takes away what Jesus defeated in His death and resurrection. Today, let’s fight the good fight of the faith by humbly confessing our faults and failures and taking hold of life found only in Jesus Christ.  

This devotional was updated on May 18, 2022 at 2:05 p.m.

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52 thoughts on "Fight the Good Fight"

  1. Lolly Regan says:

    Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses ❤️

  2. Beth AnneYoung says:

    Thank you for sharing. ❤️

  3. Portia Strange says:

    There have been a few times in my Christian walk in which I’ve thrown in the towel AKA given up fighting. I’ve intentionally & for weeks, months, even years at a time hid, isolated, & ran from God & His people.
    I don’t have to be stronger, do more, or work harder to prevent myself from committing this sin again. Everything I need to supplement my faith, God is ready & willing to help me with.
    I can’t trust in my carnal flesh as it’s opposed to God & will fail me time & again. On the other hand, I mustn’t put my trust in my ability to be & do ‘good’ apart from Christ in me. God help me to find a happy, holy medium.
    Although I realize that their are consequences for my sin & that I will have to give an account to God of everything I’ve done (good & bad), it brings me great comfort & joy to know that my lack of faithfulness never takes away what Jesus defeated in His death and resurrection. The Gospel is still true despite my performance or lack thereof.
    I pray God uses my testimony to bless another sister who may be going through something similar.

  4. Ali Adair says:

    Lord, please open my eyes to your goodness and help me fight the good fight. Amen.

  5. Esther Vaughan says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  6. Kaitlyn Dean says:

    ❤️

  7. Lanie Platt says:

    such a sweet reminder that we are equipped with everything we need to live a Godly life. sweet blessings to all my Godly sisters ❤️

  8. Cara P says:

    Tina, I too have been blessed with that same mercy of knowing where our daughter Taylor is when she was called home on 8-24-19 very unexpectedly. She journaled that morning, “What is my purpose Lord?” Then after doing an act of kindness for someone, she was shot as they shot through her apartment door after she walked through it. So, she didn’t ever see it coming and I believe God took her by the hand and said it’s time to go. Our daughters are together celebrating our Heavenly Father and we have the comfort of knowing we’ll see them again some day. I pray blessings to you especially on those hard, tearful days for I know all too well that they do come.

  9. Kristie Paradis says:

    I like to take time to look at Scripture in different versions, because it never fails that in a different version, something will jump out to me and help me understand even more. Just wanted to share what I found with 2 Peter 1:6 with the word endurance: NKJV says perseverance; ESV says steadfastness; ASV says patience. 2 Peter 1:8 with the word useless: ASV says be not idle; ESV says ineffective; NIV says ineffective and unproductive; NKJV says barren; NLT says “the more productive and useful you will be.” Different ways to say the same thing, but some ways are so much more powerful to me than others! What may not make sense to me in one version, may rock me to my core in another version! God is so good!!

  10. Kristie Paradis says:

    Tina, you are such an inspiration to so many! It would have been so easy to become bitter, angry, lost after losing your precious daughter, But God! You sound so strong in God and His Truth, and you have that peace and comfort beyond all understanding, the peace and comfort that only He can provide. Thank you for taking the time to share your story! This is the kind of strength and courage I want when going through any trial or suffering in this world – to lean on Him first and foremost and know, even though I might be hurting, the He has a plan! Rest assured, you will see your daughter again, and it will be the most precious sight of her running to you and jumping into your arms!! God bless you!

  11. Jeanette Engelstad says:

    Yes!!!

  12. Cathy Krause says:

    Tina,
    As I read your story, I can only think that the tears in your eyes while writing it are not only because you miss your daughter more than your heart can bear, and because of the joy you feel knowing she is with the Father, but also because of the pride you must feel having raised such a God-loving child. We all have our crosses to bear, and I have my own right now. I pray that God gives me the strength and peace he gave you to help me get through my days. You and your family are in my prayers.

  13. Cathy Krause says:

    Tina,

  14. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    Tina, thank you for sharing your story and the story of your daughter. You are a blessing to me and in some respects she is also. I am grateful for both of you.

    Thank you sisters for always sharing your heart. I’m praying over you and your requests right now.

  15. Claire B says:

    ♥️♥️♥️

  16. K Swenson says:

    Tina, what a powerful testimony. Thank you for sharing part of your sweet girl’s story! Praying for all you women today and the very real struggles we go through. I’m encouraged by the hope you see and experience! Many blessings to each of you.

  17. Mari V says:

    Tina, my heart goes out to YOU! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! Can’t wait to someday meet you my sweet friend and your beautiful daughter.

  18. Mari V says:

    I am on my lunch break and reading back through all the comments and I am in tears and moved. I am so blessed to be part of this beautiful community of sisters.

  19. Mercy says:

    I love the part where Bailey mentioned we lost everything of this world to gain our Lord Jesus Christ. I think this statement should be taught in baptism class so the newbies know what they get themselves into. The moment I received our Lord Jesus, things slowly got stripped away. The renewing process started, the old passed away (with me not understanding why and grieving, instead of rejoicing and letting go). Not long ago someone said in the comments, to follow Jesus you will lose much, but to NOT follow him you will lose even more. That stuck with me. So very touched to be in the presence of the fierce warriors of SRT who shared the testimonies. Thank God for strong mothers like our dear Tina and Traci who brave the hardest storms of pain and loss to tell their stories. So grateful. Sending love and hugs to you. Be blessed dear beautiful sisters.

  20. Dorothy says:

    Lord Jesus You died for my sins. Help me to increase my knowledge of Your Father, You and the Holy Spirit so I can be better prepared to “fight the good fight”. Allow me and help me to show my love and faith in all I do and say and convey to those around me. Remind me my wealth need not be in money but in blessing and attributes from Your Father and You. Amen.
    Sisters be blessed and listen closely to what the Lord has to tell you.

  21. Abby Glover says:

    I’ve read these verses many times but today one thought jumped out at me in a very visual way. Fighting the good fight is such a specific metaphor and yet the verses don’t talk about aggressive actions. There’s no “swing your sword”, or “shoot your enemy”, or any kind of offensive moves described. I think that’s because God is the offense. We stand in agreement and unlike other battles, we don’t have to aggressively chase down the enemy.. because Jesus has already won the battle. We put on the armor to protect ourselves. We take a defensive stance. God has won for us already, but He knows that the enemy is still in power and will still try to take us down. Our “fight” is to put on our protection and trust God to do the dirty work. How much of faith is trust? Walking with God is a daily trust fall that requires sacrifice and letting go of our false sense of security. Even when just standing firm – He gives us everything we need. I’m so thankful I don’t have to chase down the enemy or draw blood in a spiritual battle bigger than I can comprehend. And praise God for giving us all the tools necessary to protect ourselves while He takes the enemy down. Thinking we can or should run into battle with our sword swinging isn’t what God intended. He doesn’t expect us to win every battle or get everything right, He only expects us to trust and have faith in Him.

  22. Stacey Hamilton says:

    Dear Mari, thank you for sharing your experience & the very real truth of the ongoing battle that we are ALL in. We are ALL going to mess up, and sometimes very publicly. I can so relate to your situation of being a Christian in a mostly non-Christian working environment. I was in a leadership role for several years in corporate. There were times, just as you, that I had good intentions but failed miserably. But God can redeem those situations and use them as a testimony to others. So don’t be discouraged or get down on yourself! God foreknew each & every failure of mine but still kept me in a position of influence where He could use me for His purposes & glory. And I’m guessing He’s doing the same with you! He is bigger than all our mistakes. Keep trusting Him!

  23. Kasper says:

    Jessica – praying for your husband, that he would come to love God more than his career or his finances. That God would use his strong drive to succeed for kingdom building work. I pray God would prevent him from making any poor choices in relationships with coworkers. That God would give you wisdom in navigating this challenging time during your marriage and he would guard your heart from any further hurt.

    Kimberly – praying for your father’s physical pain and also his mental state as this causes a huge life change for him. I’m praying for your family as well that they would know how to help your father as he begins to heal. Also praying against fear for all involved.

  24. Terri Baldwin says:

    Focus on the glory of God, flee from sin and pursue virtue. Instruct them to do what is good, be rich in good works, be generous and willing to share. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of Faith!

  25. Traci Gendron says:

    Tina I like you have a story. Tanner was raised in a on again off again christian environment. I was pulled away through some abuse that happened. I was an immature believer and blamed God. But Tanner went to a christian school and learned much about God. He walked away a bit in his teen and early twenties. Pulled away by a girl he fell in love with. His choice, I’m not blaming her. Tanner could not tolerate the main medicine that could have kept him healthy enough to have the stem cell transplant. It truly was heartbreaking. Tanner was not meant to remain a part of this world. He turned back to God in his last days. Just think he probably has met Tina!!

    I on the other hand need to resist thoughts that come to me in the night. Like I failed Tanner. I even thought that I had killed him. If I wouldn’t have made him wait on me donating my kidney. (he was noncompliant with meds, he was very young with his first transplant) He would have had 2 more good years. I feel selfish now with my decision. Would he have been healthier and been able to do the stem cell?? I need to stop because I know that I was not his savior. Jesus is!

    I wrote down most of this devotional! I will give much thought to these words today.

  26. Lynne says:

    Thank you for this devotional! I don’t think Timothy is the author of this letter, however, as credited twice in the second paragraph.

  27. Mari V says:

    I messed up yesterday, somewhat. I am my worst enemy. I don’t like it when I mess up. I feel like I need to set the example since I am one of the few as Christians in my work area, so when I mess up or fail, I get SO down. Especially when I did not have bad intentions in the first place. And when I mess up people are quick to point that out and focus on that. And when you do good nobody notices and not that I’m looking for that. But there’s so much truth in people focusing on the bad stuff. I’m thankful for this devotion and reminding me then I’m going to mess up BUT it doesn’t change God‘s mind about me.

  28. Patricia Stewart says:

    I have same issue

  29. Kyah Collins says:

    Thank you !

  30. Cynthia Johnston says:

    Tina, thank you for your sharing your ♥️ with us about your daughter. What a glorious testimony you have! I am touched by every word you write. Bless you!

  31. Eileen Dowd says:

    Dearest Tina, I am humbled by your beautiful words of your sweet daughter and how she “fought the good fight” as a godly woman of faith. I lost my beloved husband two years ago and he is with the Lord singing in the band and has probably already met your girl! What a party we will have in heaven with Our Sweet Savior and all his children! Stay strong in love, dear friend❤️❤️❤️

  32. Eileen Dowd says:

    Dearest Tina, I am humbled by your beautiful words of your sweet daughter and how she “fought the good fight” as a godly woman of faith.

  33. Heidi V says:

    @Holly Bird. Everything is correct except for the portion of Jude. We are meant to read Jude verses 20 through 25.

  34. Patt Courtemanche says:

    I’ve reported this issue to the app developers twice now –along with the green welcome pages that subscribers should not see (don’t know if you’re experiencing that too) but I believe the passages they are posting have nothing to do with the daily

  35. Rebecca says:

    Beautiful testimony, Tina. Love and prayers to all Shes today. ❤️

  36. Zoe Mazzawi says:

    We have victory! because VICTORY, Himself, fights for us!

  37. Taylor says:

    @Holly Bird the correct scriptures for today are 1 Timothy 6:11-21, Psalm 25:12-15, 2 Peter 1:5-11, Jude 20-25 :)
    @Tina praying for you this morning and thank you so much for your vulnerability to us <3
    My prayer for myself is that I would don the armor of God each and every day and fight the good fight well and resist the temptations of this world.

  38. Holly Bird says:

    Can anyone share the correct Scripture readings for today? I see that weird repeating, incorrect Scripture thing again…Thank you!

  39. Debi Marrs says:

    Thank you for putting that here. There are a few times in the devo writing where Timothy is credited as the author not the recipient?

  40. Aimee D-R says:

    Oh Lord that I can keep my eyes on You and Heaven with You. Amen

  41. Beth Ingram says:

    Praying for you Tina! Your faith is inspiring. Thank you Lord for your grace and your love!

  42. Stormi Messmer says:

    ❤️

  43. Jessica Fehland says:

    Oh Tina. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️ I’m covering you in prayer as well. Let’s all continue to fight the good fight.

  44. Ellen says:

    @Tina-you are in my prayers. Thank you for always sharing your grief and your joy, your pain and your peace. “Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses”, this is what you do. May I learn from you to be vulnerable before others and to confess my faith. You are an inspiration and role model. Peace and love ❤️
    My husband is having a colonoscopy in a few hours. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you. Have a wonderful Thursday ladies!
    Peace, love and joy

  45. Kay Hartley says:

    I love that our hope is in the empty tomb not the empty promises of the world.

  46. Blessed Beth says:

    Tina I always look forward to what you write , praying for you my dear.

    Today may we all see our Lord in everything and shine for Him that others will join us all when we meet in heaven!

    And Bailey amen to this devotion and thank you!

  47. Churchmouse says:

    So true, Tina. When the battle is over the commander in chief tells his soldiers that it’s time to go home. It doesn’t mean that they lost, just that the war they fought is over. In fact, for Christians (your beautiful daughter whom I look forward to meeting one day), victory has already been won. She is no longer on the front lines. She is safe at Home. Waiting for you with open arms. Healed. Happy. Eager to give you a tour.

    You are loved, Tina, dear friend. Many many hugs from across the pond.

  48. Kelly (NEO) says:

    SEARCHING ❤

  49. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Tina ❤ I’m looking forward to the day I meet you and your daughter!

    So many “bright, shinny objects” Satan uses to distract us from the Lord. So thankful that God has provided all we need to resist the pull and cling to Him and His eternal promises.

    JESSICA TIMPERIO – praying that the Lord will give you His wisdom and direction.

    KIMBERLY ZIEHL – praying for your dad and your family. May God’s wisdom fill the medical team. Keep us posted

  50. Searching says:

    Devo correction, 2nd paragraph – these are PAUL’s God-inspired words to Timothy, not Timothy’s words.

    TINA – thank you, sweet sister, for your words of strength, faith and eternal victory this morning. My heart could feel your daughter’s pain as well as yours, and the rejoicing mixed with the peace and comfort of God’s love. Love and hugs to you.

  51. Elizabeth Alyse says:

    Amen

  52. Tina says:

    My daughter, was likened to ‘one who fought the good fight’ at her funeral.

    When she was three, she was diagnosed with a blood disorder called sickle cell aneamia. She fought everyday to stay well, to not miss school( she took her GCSEs from her hospital bed) she fought to be ‘normal’, to do what others her age did..

    The bravest person I ever knew..

    Her biggest battle came in her last weeks when she was told she needed a new liver because the one she had had schrivelled to nothing, due to the pain killers, especially morphine, over the years, for her intense pain ..

    I look back to those days, as tears fill my eyes, and I see the young woman she was with big dreams, sitting with hope that a liver would come, that life would carry on for her, that she would get to do normal stuff like others. I see her asked if she understood the implications if there was no liver available, the bravery in her voice in response and the peace she had as she gave her life to Jesus..

    She fought to stay this side of heaven..

    BUT GOD..

    Having given His Son to die for us, and His subsequent resurrection, meant, as I see it now, was that my beautiful girls battle had been won long before we knew the end of her story..

    I have been blessed to know without without a doubt where she is. God in His mercy showed me.. She is happy, safe and above all she is with the One she gave her life to before she was called home.. She fought the good fight of faith (and hope), and now she is with the One who fought with her..

    Amen..

    Happy Thursday beautiful women of God.. So very wrapped in love and covered in prayers.❤