I Hope You Fight

Follow Along with the Message

"I have decided to follow Jesus."--Assam, India.  Mid 19th century.   "Unless a seed falls into the ground and dies it remains alone.  If it dies, it bears much fruit."--John 12:29

God chooses us AND we choose Him.

Decision even more necessary because the way is HARD.  To serve Christ is a FIGHT.

60 A.D.  Paul leaves Ephesus.  Asks young Timothy to stay behind as "Senior Pastor".  Tough place to pastor.  They all are.

2000--Lee Ann Womack song, "I Hope You Dance."

--I Hope You Fight for TRUTH 

     "Sound Teaching"--v. 10

     "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."--John 8:31-32

     "Strange doctrines"--v. 3

     "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."--Matthew 24:35

--I Hope You Fight against DISCOURAGEMENT

     "Let no one look down on your youthfulness. . ." --1 Timothy 3:12

     "In accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you."--v. 18

     I will see myself and my potential with His eyes

     Conscience as God-given resource--v. 19.  Suneidesis--what I know within myself

--I Hope You Fight with JOY

     "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who strengthened me and put me into service."--v. 12

     "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. . .in the future there is laid up for me a crown."--2 Timothy 4:7-8

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     "That the leaders led in Israel, that the people volunteered, Bless the Lord!"--Judges 5:2