Saturday, 11^th March 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: WAGING THE GOOD WARFARE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.” -  1 Timothy 1:18

 

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. In what practical ways can we contend for the truth of the Gospel?

 

Warfare or fighting is mentioned in the scriptures several times. Apostle Paul uses that term quite frequently in his epistles. Often, in our days, spiritual warfare has been viewed mainly as a prayer against the devil. However, a critical look at the use of these military terms in their context shows more of withstanding against and contending to preserve the truth of the faith we have received.

In our focus scripture, Apostle Paul reverts to his initial charge to Timothy to defend sound doctrine. Signifying that there will be distortions of the faith that will emerge. The focus of Paul on distortions to the Gospel is as much relevant today as it was then. He writes “this charge I entrust to you…” By this Paul assigns the responsibility of ensuring that sound doctrine is upheld among the believers at Ephesus to Timothy.

Practically, how can we participate in contending for the truth of the Gospel?

First, exemplary living is key to contending for the truth. This is because we cannot defend that which we do not live by. Our lives must become the Gospel. We must be a living epistle such that our lives testify of the truth.

In addition, we must be apt to teach. We must be apt to teach our children the unadulterated truth. We must be apt to teach our colleagues and friends the truth we hold. Until we pass on the truth to others, the falsehood will pass from others to us. This is why continuously building yourself in the knowledge of God is important. You will gain the capacity and also confidence to stand and teach or defend the truth in love. However, it must be noted that in our quest to defend the truth do all you can to avoid old wives’ fables which are foolish and impertinent.

 “It is necessary for every generation of the church (or body of believers) to clarify its beliefs against constant attacks and distortions of her body of truth” ~ Dr. Sproul (in his book 'Truths We Confess').

The body of truth that the church affirms and puts her trust in and by which the content of Christianity is defined has been under consistent and very ill-intended attacks. These attacks have emanated from both within and without.

Beloved in Christ, we have the advantage of the Canon of Scriptures in our days. I am sure Paul will be saying to us today, to wage a good warfare by them (the scriptures), in ensuring that the body of truths preserved in them are not distorted. This is God’s call to you, to rise up and contend for the truth you have received, against all falsehood, through exemplary living and consistent sharing of the truth with others.

FURTHER READING – Jude 1:3-4

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. What are you doing to avoid being influenced by falsehood?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, I commit today to the intense study of your word, and to teach it accurately as the Holy Spirit enables me so to do in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I  declare that the hands and devices of false teachers will continue to be weak and that they will be exposed by the light of your truth. Amen

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Leviticus 19; Psalm 119:81-138; Luke 2