1 Timothy 1:3, 18-20

Fight: 1. a) attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons, b) contend with or oppose with violence or in battle

Fight: 2. a) strive vigorously and resolutely, as in trying to overcome something, b) contend with or struggle against to achieve an objective

Words are not always precise and confusion happens. Christians will fight over the proper definitions of the words and sound doctrine. That statement is only true if we first agree that Christians can and do fight. Using the first definition, many would not agree that Christians fight. However using the second definition, most people recognize that Christians are in an ongoing fight against temptation, evil, hypocrisy and many other opponents.

Paul had given Timothy the task to lead the battle against false teachers in Ephesus. Paul recognized that conflicts are always difficult; it is especially difficult for a Christian who is trying to be right in his relationship with the one he is in dispute with. Paul reminded Timothy that God had called him to the ministry, and his fellow preachers had borne witness to that call. He wanted Timothy to know that in the battle ahead he was not alone. Fellow ministers, Christians in the congregation and Paul were all supporting him emotionally and with prayer. The battle that Timothy fought was not his along; he had the support of others. However, Paul wanted him to know that he could not win a spiritual battle if he was not fighting with a good conscience while remaining true to his faith. In the heat of battle, Timothy had to remain righteous while fighting for what was right.

We live in a culture that loves peace, but peace never comes from surrendering to unrighteousness. Christians do not seek conflict, but in an unrighteous world, we are sometimes required to fight for what is right. Fighting a good fight requires us to remain grounded in faith. Remaining faithful in the midst of battle is itself a victory.