Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day seven)
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son. . .that. . .you fight the good fight.”–v 18.
No one knew better than Paul the cost of ministry to the God-called man. Both command to be obeyed and treasure to be guarded, ministry is always a privilege, and always a fight. “Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for” says John Piper. (Thanks, Doug Sewell.) And lay servants of Christ are not exempted from the battle stress. Earlier in his life, and to the residents of this same city, Paul wrote these words, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”—Ephesians 6:10-11. None of us should be surprised when life is difficult, disappointing and draining. We knew all along. It’s gonna be a fight!