I recently watched Bishop T. D. Jakes preach a sermon entitled “Fit For the Fight”. What a powerful message! We all go through fights in life. Whether those fights involve finances, family, marriage, children, addictions, business, relationships, or whatever, life can beat you up. Even a mature Christian can become weary in well-doing if they are not determined, consistent, and equipped with the whole armor of God.  The following points stood out to me.

 

TRAIN HARD and RUN TO WIN

You’ve all been to the stadium and watched the athlete's race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. (1 Corinthians 9:24, The Message Bible)

GET ON WITH IT and CONSIDER HIM

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (Hebrews 12:1, The Message Bible)

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:3-4)

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT and FINISH THE COURSE

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to
me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7) ****************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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