It’s Okay to Fight – June 28, 2023

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

I have fought the good fight, … I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

It’s Okay to Fight

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When was the last time you got in a fight? Was it a physical fight—one that involved hitting or kicking? Was it a fight that used words as weapons, unkind or mean things that were spoken to hurt the other person?

Whatever kind of fight it was, how did Dad or Mom respond when they found out about it? Did they smile with delight? Did they express how proud they were of you for fighting? Did they shrug it off as no big deal?

Of course they didn’t! We know we’re not supposed to fight—whether it’s a fight with fists or a war of words. We know better than to start fights or to be involved in them, whether it’s a sibling or a sworn enemy.

For that reason, we might find it surprising to hear a fight being described as “good” in our devotion today. But the writer was speaking about a different kind of fight—the fight for our faith.

We might think of three enemies that are always at work fighting against our faith: the sinful world, Satan, and ourselves. The sinful world fights us by offering choices and options in life that go against what God wants for us. Satan uses lies and deception to turn us against God. Inside each of us, there is still a part of us that wants to give in to sinful temptations. These are all fighting against our faith!

Since we don’t ever want to lose our faith, this is one time when it’s okay to fight. In fact, it’s absolutely essential that we do! We don’t ever want to give up this good fight because we don’t ever want to miss out on the joy of heaven that Jesus won for us.

So how do we fight? We look to the One who already fought for us—and won! Jesus already defeated Satan. He already gave us his victory. When we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus, who fought the good fight perfectly for us, we can never lose!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you fought Satan to give us the gift of salvation. Help us fight so that we keep the faith and don’t lose it! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who is always fighting against us, trying to get us to lose our faith in Jesus?
• What has God given us to keep us strong in our faith?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some ways Satan fights against us?
• Explain why going to church regularly is important for keeping our faith.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How would you respond to a friend who shares with you that they are afraid they are losing their faith in Jesus?
• Discuss how you personally can become better prepared for the good fight of keeping the faith.