Christianity Is a Battle, Not a Hobby

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus… to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach.

1 Timothy 6:13-14

The command mentioned here seems to be what Paul says in the preceding verses. There is a character to pursue, a battle to fight, and a life to gain.

A character to pursue
“As for you, O man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (6:11). John Stott says that steadfastness, or endurance, is patience in difficult circumstances. Gentleness is patience with difficult people.

A battle to fight
“Fight the good fight of the faith” (6:12). The world will always reject Christ, and those who proclaim that Jesus is Lord will always be in conflict with the unbelieving world.

A life to gain
“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” (6:12). Notice the language: “Pursue… Fight… Take hold of…” The Christian life will be a struggle. Calvin says that self-indulgence springs from the Christian’s desire to serve Christ as if it were a leisure activity, but Jesus calls His servants to warfare.

Where do you find the energy for this struggle? Sometimes it is hard to keep going. Too many disappointments, too many unanswered prayers, too many failures. You feel run down and you get weary. How do you find the strength to endure the demands of this Christian life?

When Paul gives Timothy this charge, he says, “In the presence of God, who gives life to all things…” (6:13). He is saying, God will give you the energy you need for this. He sustains your life. He will give you strength for each day.

In what battle do you most need God’s strength today?