Young People's Group

Waging a Good Warfare

by Mitchell Tan
July 22, 2016

WE ARE AT WAR

Young people, we are at war whether we like it or not. While the world may be on alert against the attacks of ISIS, there is a greater war that is being fought. It is a spiritual war between the forces of darkness and light. This was something that Paul wanted Timothy, his spiritual son, to engage in.

“You may wage the good warfare”
1 Timothy 1:18

This is not a short war. It is a long term war campaign against the forces of evil and their exploits. It is standing up against sin, false teachings and apostasy. Satan and his army will stop at nothing to deceive and cause even believers to stray from the truth. Timothy was meant to rise up to be a soldier of Christ and wage a good warfare against all that is not His. Young people, we too have been enlisted into this campaign to fight for truth and righteousness. Are you ready to rise up too?

THE MOTIVATION TO WAGE A GOOD WARFARE

1. HAVING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO FIGHT

Understanding what this spiritual war is should lead to a sense of personal responsibility.

“This charge I commit to you”
1 Timothy 1:18

If we do not fight as Christians, who will? Paul, the seasoned apostle and veteran of spiritual warfare, gave a strong command (charge) to Timothy that he had been entrusted with this endeavour. He must fight a good fight for the Lord. It would take personal responsibility and accountability on Timothy’s side to succeed. Let’s also take up this responsibility to fight.

2. ENDURING HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:3

A soldier who fights in this spiritual warfare must remember that he has been enlisted by the Lord Jesus. He is our Commander -in-chief and our part is to please Him as a good soldier (2 Timothy 2:4). When we stand for what is truth, there will be opposition. Our challenge is not to be entangled with the affairs of this life but stand against whatever is falsehood. We are to focus on the Lord and to endure whatever challenges that may come our way that we may honour Him.

THE MEANS TO WAGE A GOOD WARFARE

1. HAVING FAITH

“Having faith …”
1 Timothy 1:19

This spiritual war can only be fought by means of faith. People were straying from the faith (1 Timothy 1:6). The challenge was for Timothy to hold fast to his faith in the Lord Jesus. We are meant to have the shield of faith as we go into warfare (Ephesians 6:16). Young people, let’s know this precious faith in Christ well. Let’s learn to have a sincere faith in Him, treasure it and never let it go.

2. HAVING A GOOD CONSCIENCE

“… And a good conscience”
1 Timothy 1:19

Another thing that is needed is to have a good conscience. It is through having a good conscience that we can be guided well in warfare. It is our moral compass as we go to war. If our conscience is dead, we can resort to lying and fabrication as we stand against others. This must not be the way. Our commitment is to be true to the Lord, our faith, the word of truth and not compromise on them. Let’s ensure that we fight this good warfare with a good conscience always.

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