Introduction:
A Balanced View
Every believer knows what it means to struggle with faith. Am I trusting God enough? Would she have been healed
if only I had trusted God more? Did I fail to get that promotion because I lacked faith? If I am really trusting
God, why am I still having these unforgiving thoughts? If my faith is strong, why are my children having so many
problems? If I moved with faith, wouldn't the people to whom I witness always accept Christ as their Savior?
Perhaps the Apostle Paul was referring to this conflict when he used the phrase, “the good fight of faith” (1
Tim 6:12). For him, faith's struggle was not merely in matters of ministry. Though the pioneering of churches throughout
Asia must have involved many conflicts in faith, Paul's “good fight” was referring more to the whole of his relationship
with the Lord Jesus. Writing at the end of his life, and from a jail cell, aware that he could be summoned at any
moment to his execution, Paul admits that faith has been a fight, albeit a good one.
It may be a gigantic step for you even to come to the place of accepting that there is such a thing as a “good
fight.” This present culture doesn't believe in fighting for too many things. But if there ever was something worth
fighting for, faith is it.
Why is faith worth fighting for? Why is the fight for faith a good fight?
Because:
• Anything done without faith cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).
• Grace can be accessed only by faith (Eph. 2:8).
• Every person has the capacity for faith (Rom. 12:3).
• Faith is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7–11).
• Nothing is impossible when you have faith, even though it may be as small as a mustard seed (Matt. 17:14–21).
The fight of faith is a good fight.
The Bible is clear in its teaching concerning the power of faith. However, many believers are confused concerning
matters of faith. This confusion exists in part because of the variety of high-profile “faith” ministries. Some
minister effectively, while others appear to use faith in such a way that makes man the master of his own destiny,
rather than God the Sovereign Lord.
But even if there were no provocative teachers and teachings, there would still be a struggle in the arena of
faith. Why? Because, at the risk of oversimplification, faith has an enemy. Actually, your faith has two
enemies. one of them is you. The other is Satan.
Satan has many devices he employs in his attack on your life. But it may surprise you to discover that the focus
of his attack is directed almost exclusively towards your faith. He well knows if he can make your faith ineffective,
you will be ineffective. He wants to overthrow your faith (read 2 Tim. 2:18).
Not all of your struggle with faith will be caused by Satan. Some of it will be caused by your own “natural
man” (see 1 Cor. 2:14). Faith involves hearing, making choices, repenting, and learning. All of these are challenging
without the devil's interference. Since the devil knows just how difficult this “good fight of faith” can be, he
seeks to influence you by his lies.
We can be deceived, and because Satan is cunning, our intake of God's Word becomes crucial in cultivating, growing,
and evaluating our faith. It is through His Word that faith is made alive (Rom. 10:17). And it is with His Word
that we fight against the enemy (Eph. 6:17).
During this study in God's Word, you will consider many important faith questions.
• Can I ask God for anything, and as long as I have the right faith, get what I ask for?
• If I believe, can I have assurance that my children will be saved?
• Does faith guarantee that I will never have to deal with sickness or pain?
• Is there ever a time when my lack of faith might make God angry? If I make Him mad, am I still saved?
Coming to the “full assurance of faith” is worth fighting the good fight of faith. Let's find faith's way
according to God's Word!
From Power Faith: Balancing Faith in Words and Works by Roy Hicks, JR. with Jack W. Hayford. Copyright 1994 by Jack W. Hayford.
