Faith, Fight, Finish — Part 2: Fight

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

July 21, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

Faith, Fight, Finish — Part 2: Fight

If you are going to succeed in life, you have to fight.

Of course, not in the negative or violent sense.

Our quest to please God and live a life of obedience requires a posture of contending, fighting, and enduring in our pursuit of holy living.

Our fallen nature contradicts what we are trying to achieve.

You have to fight against sinful impulses.

You have to do battle against the temptations that come.

If you are going to succeed, it will be an uphill climb that is often very difficult.

This is why the Bible characterizes our pursuit of Christlikeness as spiritual warfare.

Scripture Focus

1 Timothy 1:18

"This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare..."

It is exactly that—a good warfare.

It is just and righteous because we have an adversary who must be overcome and defeated.

Don't ever forget what Jesus said.

Scripture Focus

John 10:10

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..."

The devil is that thief who wants to do us harm.

That is what we are up against.

God has given us the tools and weapons necessary to be victorious—but they must be used.

Scripture Focus

Ephesians 6:10-11

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

These verses encourage us to make the necessary effort to fight and to win the battle for our souls.

The Apostle Paul also encouraged his son in the faith, Timothy:

Scripture Focus

1 Timothy 6:11-12

"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

There are struggles in this life of faith that require our willingness to fight—and to fight diligently—in order to maintain our upward and onward trajectory.

Today's Challenge

Determine today that you will not retreat from the spiritual battles that come your way.

Put on the whole armor of God.

Pursue righteousness.

Stand firm in faith.

Remember that God has already provided everything you need to be victorious.

Don't ever quit.

Never surrender.

Always be prepared to fight—and by God's grace, to win.d.