FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

By Jim Carvell, guest writer


Are believers not called to be doing the Lord's work?

I was reading Paul's writings in  (I Cor. 16:10).  Paul said,"Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am."

Just what is the Lord's work?  And are all believers to be doing this as well today?

In verse (13 of I Cor. 16), Paul says, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."  This to me sounds like a serious commitment.  Then in (2 Tim. 2:1) Paul tells Timothy, "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  In verse 3 he says to be a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  Verse 4 says... "no soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

"Be sober in all things ,endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry," says Paul to Timothy in (2 Tim. 4:5).  In all of Apostle Paul's letters, he is writing to either a particular brother or sister in Christ or to a church body of believers.  We,today, who believe in Christ Jesus and his resurrection are that same body of believers.  So that makes us soldiers as well.

What is the fight?  We are to put on the full armor of God so that we will be able to stand firm against the [schemes of the devil] (Eph. 6:11). We are not to participate in unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Eph. 5:11).  I believe this could be false shepherds/pastors and teachers as well as the evil darkness that is taking root in our government, schools, and sometimes our families.

Jesus said to the Jewish believers..."if you continue in my word, you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32).  This battle we're fighting is of the truth between Jesus, our light and savior, and the devil, who is of darkness, despair, confusion and destruction of eternal life.

Paul sums it up in (Eph. 3:9-11) where he states: the mystery of God's manifold wisdom, which was hidden for ages, might be made known "through the church"...made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (Satan's demons).  This was in accordance with the eternal purpose carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This battle is spiritual.  Sometimes it becomes physical, but it's real.  We are told in (Col. 4:2)..."devote yourselves to pray, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving"; and in verse 5..."conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders."

I believe that through intense study of God's word we can see the truth and the evil we live in today.  "A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty."  Prayer is the weapon that binds Satan and his evil.  "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

If we peacefully expose evil men and imposters in our government and schools, which will grow from bad to worse in these last days (2 Tim. 3:13).  And if we warn those who may not know the truth, then we just might be doing the Lord's work.  And as Paul said..."consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim. 2:7).

My goal is to be listed under the church of Philadelphia as in (Rev. 3:7-13) where Jesus states in verse 10..."because you have kept the word of my perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

What's your goal?  Are you doing the Lord's work or are you entangled in the affairs of everyday life?