The Tribune

By MATTHEW ALLEN "FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1Tim. 6:12). This word fight in Greek "Agonizomai" (ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee). It has several meanings such as: to struggle; to compete for a prize; to contend with an adversary; to endeavor to accomplish something; to labor; and to fervently strive. We are living in a day and time where many Christians within the church, based upon their actions when pressed by some of life's challenges and their spoken words, are living and walking by sight, not faith. This is contrary to the scripture (2 Corinthians 5: 7). Unlike many of today's wavering Christians, true disciples of Yahshua Messiah are people of faith that have an understanding, a genuine working knowledge of the word and concept of faith. Therefore when the Apostle Paul said to Timothy (1Tim.6: 12): "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses", Timothy readily embraced Paul's charge. In Greek, the word faith is "Pistis" (Pis'-tis), which has several meanings, including: Persuasion, credence, conviction, a system of belief, or an assurance. In this day and time it is of the utmost importance that the saints also have an understanding, a genuine working knowledge of word and concept faith. Erroneous religious teachings and beliefs have many well meaning saints living in ignorance of the fact that as a soldier in God's army we are engaged in a constant spiritual battle, whether we want to participate or not. Here is the Apostle Paul's instructions and words of wisdom to the saints that are at Ephesus in Ephesians 6: 11. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. :12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. :13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. :14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; :15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; :16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. :17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: :18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Do not allow yourself to be taken by religious hype and rhetoric; do not settle for being a wavering Christian, for in so doing you will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and fight the good fight of faith. * For questions and comments email pastormallen@yahoo.com.