Wrestling is one of the most difficult and exhausting sports. There’s nothing I have done competitively that compares to what we were put through in wrestling; physically or mentally. I can remember feeling like practice was really just a test of sanity and whether or not we would cross an imaginary line to finally quit. One of the very first drills we were taught was called “bull in the ring.” We were placed in small groups of three and given a number between 1 and 3. Our coach would then yell “1 and 2, go!" “2 and 3, go!” and “3 and 1, go!" The drill was three one minute rounds of grappling with ten seconds of rest in between. Those were the longest “one minutes” of my life.

Then came match day. Wrestling matches consist of three 2-minute rounds. Those two minutes rounds last four times as long as the one minute practice rounds. In all of that, here’s my point: we never stopped wrestling. Our identity as wrestlers drove everything from the quality of sleep we needed, the food we ate, and the decisions we made; even when we weren’t wrestling we were still wrestling.

In the same way, the Christian life works the same. Our identity drives everything, not just the time we spend reading our bible or prayer, but literally everything. The Apostle Paul writes to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). In this, Paul is speaking metaphorically, but is being literal. There’s a fight that we are involved in. Both the Apostle Peter and James say similar things; that a war is being waged for our souls (1 Peter 2:11, James 4:1-5). So, we fight; even when we’re not fighting, we fight. But what do we fight for? What does “fight the good fight of faith” mean?

FOLLOW JESUS

Before anything, if we’re going to “fight the good fight,” then our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus. This is essential because upon fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the gospel is at the center of everything. The Apostle Paul wrote that the gospel is “of first importance” yet it’s sometimes the first thing that we forget about.

By fixing our eyes and following Jesus, we have a clear understanding of who we are and what He has done for us. You could call this preaching the gospel to yourself; you’re in a position where you have to slow things down and think through the work of God in Christ for you: you have been rescued by the wrath of God with the mercy of God in Christ, Christ has redeemed you from the bondage of sin by His blood, through Christ you have been reconciled to the Father, and not only have we been reconciled to God, we have been adopted into the family of God.

Our eyes fixed on Jesus changes everything because the gospel effect change in every area of your life; physically, mentally, and spiritually. You cannot have Jesus as your foundation and then build your identity off of something else, that’s inconsistent and idolatrous. If that is our methodology, then we’re preaching that Jesus’ work is not enough to make us whole.

Following Jesus means fighting to follow Him. We’re going to be tempted by all of the things that say will satisfy us, but in reality will remove us far from Him.

FIGHT FOR IDENTITY AND FIGHT SIN

Through the work of Christ, we have access and a relationship with the Father (Hebrews 4:16) and as a result, we can approach Him as sons and daughters; image bearers. When we fight for image, we’re fighting for who God says we are not who we used to be. In the New Testament, we read numerous verses to “put off” or “put away” the old self (Ephesians 4:24-25, Colossians 3:9-12, 1 Peter 2:1-3) and to walk as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We are incredibly forgetful to remember our identity and easily default to who we used to be. Our identity in Christ comes from who God says we are as He has revealed through scripture and not a “10 steps to a better you” book. Books are awesome and can be helpful, but they’re not the Word of God. Stop treating them like they are and immerse yourself in His word (1 Peter 2:2).

When we fight for our identity, we are battle ready (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is a spiritual war going on for your heart every single day and you’re going to be fighting sin every single day. Our weapons? The Word of God and prayer. That’s it and that’s all we need.

It is here that you need people around you. You need others around you to help you fight sin. And just like a real battle, there will be some moments of peace and then moments of brutality; don’t waste either one.

FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION

When it comes to fighting to follow Jesus, our identity, and sin you can be reassured that it’s not always going to have in the privacy of your home or car, but in the ordinary means of life when you’re around others (friends, co-workers, gym buddies, etc.). And whether you’re around other Christians or not, your convictions will make or mature disciples, reflecting the character of God.

For the Christian, they may be encouraged by you, learn from something you, or come alongside of you in those moments where you’re in spiritual warfare. And for the non-Christian, they may be attracted to your convictions because convictions motivated by holiness are appealing, not legalistic (1 Peter 2:12).

The Christian life is centered around the truth and beauty of Jesus and we must fight to protect that and fight to display it. While every day is certainly a gift from God, it’s not only a gift to do things better or differently, but to grow closer to Him in Christ through His word. In the next post, I’ll outline what it means to apply the gospel in these areas with a little more details. Now that we have a better understanding of what it means to “fight the good fight” and how it applies to all Christians.

Are you ready?

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