“I have 1fought THE GOOD FIGHT, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7)
This is significant for believers today because it serves as a stark reminder that our Christian life is a struggle against evil. Paul reminded Timothy to:
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 2:3)
The Greek word 1agonizomai, means literally “to engage in conflict.” The word was used in the setting of competing in athletic games or engaging in military conflict. Considering that Paul was chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote this epistle, it would have been easy for him to make such an analogy. In fact, he had known many Roman soldiers and during his imprisonment had won a number of them to Christ:
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest THAT MY IMPRISONMENT IS FOR CHRIST.” (Phil. 1:12-13)
So, my dear brothers and sisters, whatever we may be facing or going through remember, as a good soldier we must:
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able TO STAND YOUR GROUND, and after you have done everything, to stand. STAND FIRM then, with the belt of truth buckled…the breastplate of righteousness in place…take up the SHIELD OF FAITH…Take the helmet of salvation and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:13-17)
The Lord inspired me to pray this scripture every day! When I pray this, I hold up my shield of faith and my sword of the spirit knowing that the word of God is:
”…living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Heb. 4:12)
Join with me in being a good soldier for Jesus…Bill Stockham