Dodger: Hi there! I'm glad you made it! I was just reading something interesting in the Bible with Lilly. It's in 1 Timothy 6:12 where a man named Paul is writing a letter to, you may have guessed, a man named Timothy. He says: "Fight
the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were
also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of
many witnesses." (NKJV)
Lilly: Paul says something similar later on in a different book though, in 2 Timothy 4:7, where he says: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." What's interesting is not just that Paul wrote the same thing, but also the times he wrote them. You see, Paul wrote 1 Timothy about two or three years before he wrote 2 Timothy. Paul was an evangelist, meaning he went from place to place preaching the gospel about Jesus, but he wasn't always that way.
Dodger: In fact, Paul used to hate Christians, and he would chase them down trying to put them in prison. And he had two names, Saul and Paul.
It says so in Acts 13:9 "Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him" (NKJV) In case you're wondering who him is, the him is a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus who did bad things. To read about what Paul says to him, you can click here, or look up Acts 13. Listen to what he was like at first according to the Book of Acts. "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison." (Acts 8:3 NKJV) He doesn't sound like a very pleasant guy, does he? But God did something to him which showed him he was wrong and that Jesus really was (and is) the Son of God.
Lilly: It's in Acts 9:1-8. "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus." (NIV 1984)
But when Paul went into Damascus, Jesus didn't just leave him there. Acts 9:10-18 continues: "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized," (NIV 1984)
Dodger: Saul, or Paul, did some amazing things after he became a Christian. Get this: Paul actually wrote 13 books in the New Testament. Do you Remember how God said that Paul must suffer for His sake? That came true. He actually tells us what he went through, though he wasn't complaining. He says: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers." (2 Corinthians 11:24-26 NIV 1984) Anyway, we tell you all this so you know a little bit about Paul. Timothy was someone whom Paul loved as a son. He even called him his son in the faith. But when he wrote 2 Timothy, he did it in prison. And he was expecting to die soon. So when he said, "I have fought the good fight", he meant it.
Lilly: So what is the "good fight"? Aren't fights bad?
Dodger: Yes, but not the fight that Paul was fighting. Paul fought a different kind of fight. Whereas when we fight it's usually with other people, Paul fought against the devil. And what's more, he didn't fight the way we do. We usually fight with our words or fists, but Paul fought with something he called the Armor of God. He tells us all about in in Ephesians 6:11-17. He says:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (NIV 1984)
Lilly: Dodger, what do these pieces of armor mean?
Dodger: Well, the belt of truth is the truth of God's Word, the only truth we can rely on, the truth that God speaks. We need to have it at the ready so we can recognize and not believe the lies the devil tells, but instead proclaim the truth. The breastplate of righteousness is the righteousness God gives us. When we accept Jesus Christ, he becomes our righteousness for us, and that means we are in right standing with God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says: "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (NIV 1984) We need to keep that in mind at all times and remember that God sees us as washed from our sins, as long as we've accepted Jesus Christ. We need to be ready to preach the gospel anywhere, which is what Paul means when he says to have "your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace". The shield of faith is what we use to extinguish the enemy's arrows. Hebrews 11:1 explains faith well. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." We need faith in God, that He will do what He says He will do. (NIV 1984) The helmet of salvation is simply what we get when we becomes Christians, salvation from our sins. And the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, meaning the Bible. The Bible is what we use to cut through the lies the enemy tells, and proclaim the truth of the gospel. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NKJV) The Bible actually helps strengthen our faith and know the truth better. It assures us of our salvation and righteousness. It tells the gospel plainly so we can tell it to others. The Sword of the Spirit makes it easier to put on the whole armor of God. And the good fight is simply the fight we wage against the devil, fighting his lies and evil with the goodness of the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power the Holy Spirit gives each Christian. Paul was a warrior, but he was one of God's warriors. So when his career on earth was almost over, he wasn't discouraged. Look at 2 Timothy 4:17-18.
Lilly: It says: "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
Dodger: Pretty amazing huh?
Lilly: Yeah, that's really amazing!
Dodger: So how about you? Are you willing to fight the good fight as Paul did, and as so many else have had to? If you want to, don't worry, you won't be alone. God promises multiple times that he will not leave us. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Lilly: That's comforting.
Dodger: Yeah it is.
Lilly: So what do I do to fight the good fight?
Dodger: Simple. Pray, and ask God to give you the strength to fight His fight, even when it's hard. Trust that He'll be with you. Read the Bible. Put on His armor. Defend the Bible when you hear people say things that aren't true about it. Don't give in to what you know is wrong. Preach Jesus to those who don't know Him. Don't give up. Pray for your parents, friends, and leaders. Pray against the plans of the devil, which are to steal kill and destroy. Pray all the time. Let me warn you: this won't always be easy, but I promise it's worth it. Listen to what Jesus Himself says in Matthew 16:27: "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." (NKJV)
Lilly: What a neat promise!
Dodger: Indeed it is. Well, it looks like we're out of time. Thanks for coming today! Remember, Jesus loves you, and that's not about to change!
Lilly: Lebewohl!
NIV 1984 Means New International Version 1984
NKJV Means New King James Version
"Lebewohl" is German for goodbye!
Lilly: Paul says something similar later on in a different book though, in 2 Timothy 4:7, where he says: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." What's interesting is not just that Paul wrote the same thing, but also the times he wrote them. You see, Paul wrote 1 Timothy about two or three years before he wrote 2 Timothy. Paul was an evangelist, meaning he went from place to place preaching the gospel about Jesus, but he wasn't always that way.
Dodger: In fact, Paul used to hate Christians, and he would chase them down trying to put them in prison. And he had two names, Saul and Paul.
It says so in Acts 13:9 "Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him" (NKJV) In case you're wondering who him is, the him is a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus who did bad things. To read about what Paul says to him, you can click here, or look up Acts 13. Listen to what he was like at first according to the Book of Acts. "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison." (Acts 8:3 NKJV) He doesn't sound like a very pleasant guy, does he? But God did something to him which showed him he was wrong and that Jesus really was (and is) the Son of God.
Lilly: It's in Acts 9:1-8. "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus." (NIV 1984)
But when Paul went into Damascus, Jesus didn't just leave him there. Acts 9:10-18 continues: "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized," (NIV 1984)
Dodger: Saul, or Paul, did some amazing things after he became a Christian. Get this: Paul actually wrote 13 books in the New Testament. Do you Remember how God said that Paul must suffer for His sake? That came true. He actually tells us what he went through, though he wasn't complaining. He says: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers." (2 Corinthians 11:24-26 NIV 1984) Anyway, we tell you all this so you know a little bit about Paul. Timothy was someone whom Paul loved as a son. He even called him his son in the faith. But when he wrote 2 Timothy, he did it in prison. And he was expecting to die soon. So when he said, "I have fought the good fight", he meant it.
Lilly: So what is the "good fight"? Aren't fights bad?
Dodger: Yes, but not the fight that Paul was fighting. Paul fought a different kind of fight. Whereas when we fight it's usually with other people, Paul fought against the devil. And what's more, he didn't fight the way we do. We usually fight with our words or fists, but Paul fought with something he called the Armor of God. He tells us all about in in Ephesians 6:11-17. He says:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (NIV 1984)
Lilly: Dodger, what do these pieces of armor mean?
Dodger: Well, the belt of truth is the truth of God's Word, the only truth we can rely on, the truth that God speaks. We need to have it at the ready so we can recognize and not believe the lies the devil tells, but instead proclaim the truth. The breastplate of righteousness is the righteousness God gives us. When we accept Jesus Christ, he becomes our righteousness for us, and that means we are in right standing with God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says: "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (NIV 1984) We need to keep that in mind at all times and remember that God sees us as washed from our sins, as long as we've accepted Jesus Christ. We need to be ready to preach the gospel anywhere, which is what Paul means when he says to have "your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace". The shield of faith is what we use to extinguish the enemy's arrows. Hebrews 11:1 explains faith well. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." We need faith in God, that He will do what He says He will do. (NIV 1984) The helmet of salvation is simply what we get when we becomes Christians, salvation from our sins. And the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, meaning the Bible. The Bible is what we use to cut through the lies the enemy tells, and proclaim the truth of the gospel. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NKJV) The Bible actually helps strengthen our faith and know the truth better. It assures us of our salvation and righteousness. It tells the gospel plainly so we can tell it to others. The Sword of the Spirit makes it easier to put on the whole armor of God. And the good fight is simply the fight we wage against the devil, fighting his lies and evil with the goodness of the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power the Holy Spirit gives each Christian. Paul was a warrior, but he was one of God's warriors. So when his career on earth was almost over, he wasn't discouraged. Look at 2 Timothy 4:17-18.
Lilly: It says: "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
Dodger: Pretty amazing huh?
Lilly: Yeah, that's really amazing!
Dodger: So how about you? Are you willing to fight the good fight as Paul did, and as so many else have had to? If you want to, don't worry, you won't be alone. God promises multiple times that he will not leave us. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Lilly: That's comforting.
Dodger: Yeah it is.
Lilly: So what do I do to fight the good fight?
Dodger: Simple. Pray, and ask God to give you the strength to fight His fight, even when it's hard. Trust that He'll be with you. Read the Bible. Put on His armor. Defend the Bible when you hear people say things that aren't true about it. Don't give in to what you know is wrong. Preach Jesus to those who don't know Him. Don't give up. Pray for your parents, friends, and leaders. Pray against the plans of the devil, which are to steal kill and destroy. Pray all the time. Let me warn you: this won't always be easy, but I promise it's worth it. Listen to what Jesus Himself says in Matthew 16:27: "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." (NKJV)
Lilly: What a neat promise!
Dodger: Indeed it is. Well, it looks like we're out of time. Thanks for coming today! Remember, Jesus loves you, and that's not about to change!
Lilly: Lebewohl!
NIV 1984 Means New International Version 1984
NKJV Means New King James Version
"Lebewohl" is German for goodbye!
