The Spiritual Battle for a Healthy Church
This was an important series for our church as we approach our 175th Anniversary next year. For a church to last 175 years, the principals in 1 Timothy must be present. We’ve learned how to combat false teaching, how to make the Gospel the foundation of the church, how to build our church on prayer, we’ve learned about the proper leadership structure of a healthy church, the role of the pastor, how to care for widows and the vulnerable, and how to avoid the love of money.
175 years is great … but what would it take for us to double that number? What would it take to reach 350 years? In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul tells us what it takes. This verse is a charge to Timothy … and us. MBC, to make it to our 350th Anniversary we must …
Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)
Fight the good fight of the faith! It is so easy to get swept away by new teachings that seem right … but beware, Christian! You need to always be prepared for spiritual battle.
Are any of you facing a battle with the serpent today? Does it feel like the anaconda is lurking nearby? You need to be prepared, with the sword of the spirit to fight the good fight.
I do want to offer a word of caution as we begin. It’s been noted that in Ephesians 6, Paul makes clear who we battle against. “Not flesh and blood … but the spiritual forces of darkness.” We must be careful to not make people, who do not know Jesus yet, our enemies. They are souls who need to be saved and have the veil removed from their eyes. And that presents a tension and a danger for many of us in the church …
First, when it comes to this spiritual battle, some of us fight TOO MUCH. We pull out the sword too quickly. We can easily become captured by the CULTURE WAR that rages in our world. We can begin caring about issues that don’t matter in the long run. To be sure, there are core doctrines and key creational issues that must be advocated for in the public square. However, be careful you don’t fight for fight’s sake.
Second, out of fear or rejection, some of us fight TOO LITTLE. Whenever an opportunity to present the Gospel appears before us … we shirk. We stay silent because we don’t want to upset a relationship. Or, if there is an injustice in this world—we walk away because it is too controversial. We don’t fight the spiritual battle … when we should.
In today’s passage, Paul is going to show us the things we must fight for if we are the preserve the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. A healthy church will fight for these things. What are they?
What should the church FIGHT for? As Christians, we are often looking for things to fight against. I’d like to frame it positively today—what are we fighting for? Paul offers three pursuits: What does Paul say? (1) Public VIRTUE (2) Pure OBEDIENCE. (3) Passionate PRAISE. If we fight for these three things … the church will be strong.
Public Virtue
The first thing we should fight for is Public Virtue. A virtue is … “moral excellence and righteousness; goodness.” If you are a virtuous person, people will see there is something different about your life. Paul wants Timothy and the church at Ephesus to be different than the false teachers and worldly people living in their midst. Their virtue should be seen publicly!
Also, it should be noted that contextually, the second half of 1 Timothy 6 is linked to the first. Two weeks ago we unpacked and defined the “love of money as a root of all kinds of evil.” By contrast, 1 Timothy 6:11-16 counters this line of thinking. Let’s read v. 11:
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11, ESV)
But … as for you … FLEE THESE THINGS! Paul might as well have stated: “Be Different! Don’t be like them!” And then he goes on to outline a VIRTUE list which should characterize the Man of God and his church. So let’s break down this important verse.
“O Man of God” is an important title. While this is a key biblical title, it is the only time the expression is used in the NT. If you were a first century Jew reading or listening to this letter, it would have brought to mind MOSES, who was called the Man of God in the OT. Also, the prophets Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:18) and Elisha (2 Kgs. 8:4) were called the “Man of God,” not to mentioned King David himself (1 Chr. 8:14)! This is not to say that Timothy is the new Moses. Rather, it indicates the gravity of the tradition he carries … he is the leader of God’s people at Ephesus—The Man of God!
And what is this man of God to do? FLEE! These things. What things? Everything Paul just outlined in 1 Timothy 6:3-10. He warned about the WORLDLY CRAVINGS of the false teachers and their followers. They engaged in unhealthy controversy. Then there was the people who CRAVED MONEY and all the worldly power, possessions and prestige it offers. FLEE THESE THINGS!
The Greek word for “flee” is a fun word to say … it is the word “FUEGO!” Let’s say it together: “Fuego!” I’m not talking HUGO. I’m not talking about PUGO. Paul doesn’t say its “In Fuego.” No … he says you have to FUEGO! Tell your neighbor to FUEGO! Look we have some developing Greek scholars today! Flee those worldly cravings in your life!
At the same time, Paul follows this with an equally sharp word: PURSUE … these other things. Don’t just FLEE … PURSUE! Many times, we can easily run away from something that scares us … but we also have to run to something better. For example, when it comes to relationships—yes you should flee worldly immoral relationships … but you should not live alone. You should pursue good, God honoring relationships.
What do you need to flee … what do you need to pursue? Paul says … pursue VIRTUE! Paul lists six virtuous characteristics which, I would say, should encompass both our public and private lives. Christian … you should be known for these things! It is worth noting that these six virtues are a direct contrast to the five vices associated with the false teachers in vv. 4-5. Don’t be like them!
Fight The Good Fight
Instead, you need to take action. What does Paul say?
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)
And now we come to the fight. And it is a GOOD fight. There are so many bad fights that happen in our world … but this is a good fight. What makes it good? It is the stakes. At stake is the very faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the cause that makes it good.
The last part of v. 12 points to the reason we do baptisms here at MBC. Timothy made his good confession through the waters of baptism. He told people he was with Jesus. Baptism is a public profession, a confession, of the inward change that has happened in your life. It is done in the presence of many witnesses. Friends, have you made the good confession? We have had many powerful testimonies of changed life this past year … and we have many more baptisms coming up this summer … perhaps it is your time to get in the waters.
Baptism is also spiritual warfare. The last thing the enemy want you to do is get in this tank and take a stand for Jesus. The Greek word for fight is “AGONIZOMAI,” where we get our English word “Agonizing.” This is an agonizing, ongoing battle to preserve the pure and true Gospel of Jesus. This command is focused on doctrine, not courageous action with religious sincerity.[1] The word for “good” could also be translated as “valiant … this is a valiant fight.” It is the message Paul has been conveying to Timothy the whole letter. And if your doctrine falls astray … so will your life.
Pure Obedience
And this second one is difficult because we live in a world that loves rebellion. Our fallen world is composed of sinful people who rebel against God in thought, word, and deed. More than that, our world tells us that it is good to rebel against God. To be a rebel, to be part of the resistance, gives us purpose and can be intoxicating. Instead, you are your own God—the ruler of your life! This is the message of the expressive individualism moment that we live in.
So … when we talk about a biblical imperative to “pure obedience,” modern ears shutter. This requires repentance and confessing we are sinners—something is wrong with us. Biblical obedience requires a confession: Christ is King! In American we really don’t know what it’s like to have a king. We have an elected President, or Governor, who is accountable to the people. But a King … he rules and we must obey. Listen to what Paul says in v. 13-14:
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, (1 Timothy 6:13, ESV)
Notice … the repetition of the phrase good confession. It is the same words used in the previous verse of Timothy. Jesus offered himself as an example to follow. The word, “charge,” is in the emphatic position. It means to give a “command with force.” And then, he bolsters the weight of this charge by invoking the name of God the Father, “who gives life to all things.” Notice, also, this description of God follows a verse which commanded them to take hold of “eternal life.” Who gives that eternal life? God. He also appeals to the example of the Son, Christ Jesus—who is the manifestation of God in the flesh. What did he do? He stood before Pontius Pilate, stated who he was (Luke 23:3), and went to the cross where he was crucified for us. This was a reminder that Jesus sacrifice was a public event in real history. Christ paved the way for what Timothy must do. Timothy stood for the truth just as Jesus stood for the truth.
Paul means business here. He is not playing games. This sets the stage for v. 14:
[…] to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time. (1 Timothy 6:14-15a, ESV)
So, notice, we have a charge and we have a command. They are complementary—the charge requires the command. The word used for “command” means a “stern order.” It is not optional. What is the command? Everything Paul has just stated in vv. 11-12: FLEE these things … PURSUE these things. Fight the Good Fight of the Faith … TAKE HOLD of eternal life.
How do you hold on? How do you remain obedient when the Anaconda attacks and the storms of life rage? You might be saying, “Pastor Bob, this is too hard at times. How can I hold on in pure obedience when so many things are thrown at me?” Let me give you and image and some categories to help.
Too many of us think following Jesus needs to be constant mountain peaks and valleys. In fact, if you want to keep your heart healthy, many doctors will recommend engaging in consistent, moderate exercise of at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day. This could be walking on the treadmill at 3.5 miles an hour to get your heart to 60-70% of your max heart rate. As you do that, your heart stays strong—its consistent and you must do it over the long haul. Keeping the command … following Jesus is like that.
And if you keep your heart healthy, you will keep holding one when the challenges arise. Because one day the snake will attack and try to consume you. Here are three ways the snake attacks:
First, there are the natural TRIALS that come into our lives. This could be the breakdown of relationships, the disappointments of failure in school or work, or the pressure of finances. When those trials come, it is so easy to give up on Jesus and run to another solution. It could be a series of new romantic relationships. It could be sacrificing your family on the altar of work. It could be running to alcohol, or endless entertainment, every night to numb your pain. But that solution will ultimately fail you. You have to hold on!
Second, there are TEMPTATIONS. There will be many temptations that come in life—and they will make promises that pull you away from your faith. In our younger years, the pull of sexual temptation in dating is particularly powerful. I have watched many people walk away from the faith because they got into a relationship with someone who was not walking with the Lord. After marriage, I know of many stories where the temptation of pornography has created mistrust and temptation. The Anaconda captures you … and you don’t fight! The temptation could be gambling, or buying that bigger thing to keep up with everyone else. You have to hold on!
Then finally there is TRAGEDY. Sadly, I have watched too many people walk away from Christ because a tragedy came into their life … and they didn’t think God answered their prayers. A loved one died. The baby didn’t make it. You got diagnosed. Those are the moments to hold on … but too many people flee from God.
Passionate Praise
Friends, know this … worship is warfare! There is battle, right now, in our world for worship. Will you worship the true God … or a false god? There is a famous story in 2 Chronicles 20. The kingdom of Judah, under the reign of King Jehoshaphat, is attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites. In this time of distress, Jehoshaphat and the people pray to God and prepare for battle. The next morning, the King has the worship leaders go out on the frontlines of battle. Listen to this:
And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22, ESV)
Did you hear that church? When Israel went to battle … the worshippers went first. Here at MBC we have a fabulous worship team led by John Bonaventura. They are going to come back up in just a few minutes. Whenever John and the team get up here … they are leading you into battle. Have you ever thought about that before? John’s the guy on the front lines.
Church … worship is warfare. Worship is insheathing the sword of the Spirit and proclaiming the glory and greatness of our God … and the snake flees! If there is one thing we must fight for in our lives, and in the church, it is a passionate praise of the only one who is worthy of worship. The world teaches us that we should be at the center. “It’s all about you. Follow your heart! Do whatever makes you happy.” But the Gospel tells that Jesus … Jesus is King and worthy of our worship. He is worthy of all praise. That is where Paul finishes his letter—with a final hymn of praise:
[…] he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16, ESV)
After all his instructions on the structure and foundation of the church—Paul keeps the main thing the main thing. Church, you can have all the best programs in the world. You can have the most updated production equipment. You can even have all the Bible knowledge in the world … but if it doesn’t light your heart on fire to praise the God of the Bible … what good is it? What good is it!
Church … our doctrine must lead to DOXOLOGY! That’s why Paul ends like this! Praise and worship of God and God alone! And you know what … the best songs, the best hymns, the best worship music also teaches us about who God is and what he has done.
Church … how are you fighting? As we come to the end of series, I would exhort you that the journey towards a healthy church is just beginning. We must prepare for battle because the challenges will come. And yet, 1 Timothy 6:11-16 offer solutions to the challenges we will face. Let me leave you with those three categories of challenges and show you how 1 Timothy shows us how to fight against them.
If you are here today and you are struggling with TEMPTATION—you are not alone. There may be battles which are lifelong or you haven’t faced yet. For you, the fight must focus on Public VIRTUE. You need to focus on the these and FLEE … pursue the six virtues of v. 11. If this is you, this week, I want to challenge you to meditate on those six virtues every day. Memorize them. Ask God to help you live them out. Memorize 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
If you are here today and you are encountering many TRIALS, know that you are not alone. The cares of this life can be overwhelming. Maybe it revolves around taking care of your kids or what college you will go to. For you, PURE OBEDIENCE will be key. The cares of this life and the trials they bring may cause us to give up on faith because something is not working. This week, I challenge you to go home and journal about those trials. Bring them to the Lord. But when you are done, always remind yourself that God is greater!
Finally, if you are here today and you are grieving or facing a TRAGEDY, know that you are not alone. As a church, we want to come alongside you and help you. We want to help you grieve … we want to be there for you. For you, in this moment, the most helpful, yet counterintuitive, thing you can do is engage in PASSIONATE PRAISE. What did Job say when tragedy struck his life? “The Lord gives … and the Lord takes away … blessed be the name of the Lord.” I encourage you to praise him this week and ask Him to come close. As you praise him, ask the Spirit to bring comfort beyond what you can imagine.
Guard The Deposit
Like the worshippers of Israel … they are coming to lead us to battle. As they come, I want you to think about the battles that are raging in your life right now. Think about the snake. How is he trying to deceive and consume you? Remember the charge that Paul gives to Timothy: Fight the good fight of the faith Christian! Don’t swerve from the faith. Instead, cling to the final words of Paul’s letter to Timothy:
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, ESV)
Church, guard the deposit that has been entrusted to you.
Don’t get swept away by the false knowledge of the world.
Hold on. Fight the Good Fight.
Grace be with you. Amen.
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[1] Robert Yarborough, 1 Timothy (PNTC), 6:12.
