"I have fought the good fight."

2 Timothy 4:7

An excerpt from The Coming Glory: Hope Now for Life After Death. When Saint Paul says he has "fought the good fight," he draws the image of fighting from his love of sports to make a point. In several other places, he uses metaphors from the Olympic games: fighting, running, training, and winning. Life is a fight, a battleground, a struggle to believe in the One who conquered sin and death.. Paul understands our struggle for faith, especially critical when death looms and when suffering, doubt, or temptation overwhelm. To Timothy and every believer, Paul encourages the fight against unbelief:

"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called...

1 Timothy 6:12

If you have been hurt in this fight, or feel you have already lost the battle for faith, do not despair. Victory is still possible. Even in the midst of doubt, call upon Jesus for help. Remember the father who came to Jesus and said, "I believe. Help my unbelief." Mark 9:24

When you ask Jesus to help you believe him, Jesus will indeed help you. Then the amazing truth of the gospel will apply to you: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:54 Paul is saying that your death is not the end of the story. Christ’s resurrection guarantees your victory. It’s like the D-Day of World War II. Because the decisive battle had been won, victory was assured. Christ’s resurrection is the decisive victory over death and it’s a preview of the coming glory.

"The strife is o’er, the battle done; The victory of life is won; The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!" I would love to hear from you. Write to me at: dr.swets@gmail.com. Paul W. Swets www.TheComingGlory.com