You Gotta Fight for It
Gregg Brenes
Part of The Good Fight
March 27, 2023

Following Christ takes a fight.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. —2 Timothy 4:6-8

  • You have a race to run.
  • You have a faith to keep.
  • You have an eternal reward to take hold of.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:10-17 NASB

Three things you really need to know to be effective in fighting the good fight…

  • Know your enemy.
  • Know your authority.
  • Know how to fight.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints… —Ephesians 6:18

  • Be on the alert.
  • Pray at all times.
  • Fight with the Word.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

What’s your favorite comeback story?

Let’s Talk About It

Everyone loves a good comeback story. But without a setback, those comebacks wouldn’t be possible. Following Christ takes a fight. But it’s a good fight because of what we’re fighting for. You have a race to run, you have a faith to keep, you have an eternal reward to take hold of! To be effective in fighting the good fight, know your enemy, know your authority, and know how to fight. Resist doubt, exercise your faith, and confess the Word. Know that the Lord is standing with you when you’re standing with Him.

2 Timothy 4:1-8; Ephesians 6:10-18

  • Take a next step in your relationship with God and attend Freedom Weekend on Saturday, April 29. Talk to your Grace Group leader for more information.

  • Which part of the message impacted and challenged you?

  • Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8. When do you feel most like dropping out of your race? In those seasons, what encourages you to keep going?

  • Do you ever think about the eternal rewards God has for His followers? What do you think that will be like? How does knowing that Christ has a crown of righteousness for you motivate you to live for God?

  • Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Paul encourages the believers to find their strength in God. How do you do that? Do you believe that God has given you authority over the powers of darkness? How does that change the way you live?

  • How can you use the Word of God and the spiritual weapons God has given you to fight against doubt, fear and darkness? What does it look like for you to be on the alert, pray at all times and fight with the Word.

Take a Step

Take some time this week to use the Word of God to fight your spiritual battles. Be on the alert, pray at all times and fight with the Word.

Here’s My Prayer

Thank You, God, that You did not leave me alone to fight my battles. You are with me and You are fighting for me. You have given me authority to fight, and You have given me weapons that are mighty to defeat all the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen me where I’m weary and remind me of what I’m fighting for. In Jesus’ name, amen.