Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

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(Typically available by Monday by 5pm)

Paul uses active and forceful verbs to describe the Christian life: run, pursue, fight, hold tightly. Some think that Christianity is a passive religion that advocates waiting for God to act. On the contrary, we must have an active faith, training and working hard, sacrificing and doing what we know is right. Is it time for action on your part? Christian service, like athletics, requires training and sacrifice. Our discipline and obedience largely define whether or not we will be contributors or merely spectators. How would other believers rank your contributing role on Christ’s team?- The Life Application Study Bible

•RUN FROM the consuming desire for praise, things and security...

•We desire praise: Live with your focus on the gospel and not your accomplishments (6:3, 6, 7).
•We desire things: Learn to tell the difference between a need and a want (6:8).
•We desire security: Long for eternal security in Christ, not temporary security in wealth (6:9).

•RUN TOWARDS the relational building blocks with God and others...

•Righteousness—a Christlike reputation with others
•Godliness—an obedient relationship with God

•Faith—a trust in God’s purposes
•Love—a sacrificial commitment to others

•Steadfastness—a firmness under pressure
•Gentleness—a kindness with those who differ

•FIGHT THROUGH the struggles you face with your faith...

Agony: pain, hurt, suffering, torture, torment, anguish, affliction, trauma; misery, distress, grief, woe, wretchedness, heartbreak, heartache; pangs, throes;

Knowing that such a confession would cost Him His life, Jesus nevertheless confessed that He was truly the King and Messiah (John 18:33–37). He never evaded danger; He boldly and trustfully committed Himself to God who raises the dead. - The MacArthur Study Bible

•FIGHT WITH the glory of God in view...

"While there are some who currently oppose his work in Ephesus, Timothy is to labor on in view of one day standing before God, who dwells in unapproachable light. Paul focuses on the glory of God in order that the corresponding smallness of Timothy’s opponents might be seen. - The ESV Study Bible

In summary....

•RUN FROM the consuming desire for praise, things and security.
•RUN TOWARDS the relational building blocks with God and others.
•FIGHT THROUGH the struggles you face with your faith.
•FIGHT WITH the glory of God in view.