AT THE END OF THE APOSTLE PAULS’ LIFE, HE SAID, “I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT…” (2 TIMOTHY 4:7-8) 

• There is a fight to fight.
• There is a good fight.
• There is a bad fight.
• And we’ll go so far as to say there is a right and wrong way to fight.

WE’RE LOOKING AT FIGHTING THE RIGHT FIGHT IN THE CULTURE WE LIVE IN.

•  There are a lot of secondary things that you and I can get hung up in, and then we get taken off course from the main thing. Take the news for example…

What do you to think about…

• Is the earth round or flat?
• Is water wet?
• Did we really walk on the moon in ‘69?
• Is there a gay-gene?
• What determines one’s gender?
• Is coffee, wine, sugars, diary, grain, fats, meat, or gluten good or bad for you?
• What diet is the right diet?
• Does homeschooling ruin kids socially?
• How well is President Trump doing in office?
• Should we do the US/Mex boarder wall or not?
•  Did we evolve from animals over a long period of time or is there an Intelligent Designer?
•  Who was/is Jesus?
• Can you trust the Bible? If so, how much or in what way?

MAYBE THE QUESTION ISN’T “WHAT ARE WE TO THINK?” BUT RATHER “HOW ARE WE TO THINK?”

Truth has evolved even in my own lifetime.

• • Authoritative: “Because I said so.”
  • Relative: “You can’t really know what’s true.”
  • Subjective: “I think/feel, therefor I am right.”

sub·jec·tive (səbˈjektiv): based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions (“I think, therefor I am right”)1

ob·jec·tive (əbˈjektiv): not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts

• As Christians, if we are anchored in the objective Truth of Christ, then we won’t be tossed around in the cultural storms of mere human thinking.

“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, AND I HAVE REMAINED FAITHFUL.”

                                                                                                                         – 2 Timothy 4:7

FIGHTING THE RIGHT FIGHT

Ephesians 6:10-18 10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

NOTICE 

•  “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
• “…stand firm against the strategies of the devil.”
•  Our enemy we’re fighting really isn’t other humans, but the spiritual realm.
• Belt of Truth
• Body armor (breastplate) of God’s Righteousness
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
• Shield of Faith
• Helmet of Salvation
• Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
• Prayer

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Life Group Ice Breaker: Play “Two Truths & A Lie” together. How do you know what to believe about each other?

• What in our culture tends to rock you in your faith and security the most? What do you believe God is wanting you to do with that?
• What part of the Armor of God has God made you strong in?
• What part of the Armor of God are you needing to grow in? How can you?

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUPS AND WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:12-16; Proverbs 18:17; Psalm 1; Psalm 119:105

1. Share what challenged or inspired you from the sermon.

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:12-17 and Proverbs 18:17. What is important to know and practice from these passages?

3. What sources of information play a consistent part in shaping how you view people, situations, and events around you? A) How do you measure what you hear and believe with what God says is real and true?

4. What helps you be aware of agendas that news and media sources, and information agencies, might have? (This is not a question about what the agendas are but how you discern them.)

5. How do you seek out God’s perspective and truth? You might share with each other habits and resources.

6. If you have kids, how are you helping them be shaped by God’s perspective of truth and reality? A) What help and resources do you need? (Those without kids in the home, consider your role with grandkids, nieces/nephews, friends with kids.)