Waging Spiritual War

In football a “huddle” is used to tell players what the next play will be. Imagine such a huddle of two—a seasoned coach, the apostle Paul, and a young player, timid Timothy. Perhaps with his arm affectionately around young Timothy’s shoulders, the aged Paul tells his protégé exactly how to handle the battles he’s encountering in ministry (1 Timothy 1:18-19):

1. Be a good soldier. Paul encouraged Timothy—and you—to “wage the good warfare” by…

   maintaining a hold on “faith”
   clinging tightly to your faith
   refusing to give in to temptation
   living out your faith with a clear conscience

2. Be a good sailor. Paul used the picture of a shipwreck to illustrate that you and all believers are to navigate through sin and error by having “a good conscience”- one that is guided by these forces: God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship.

Huddle with God and find out the game plan. Heed His wisdom and instruction. And when you fumble or drop the ball (and you will!), God has given you the way back to His plan: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). Accept God’s forgiveness and grace—and get back into the game!

Read Waging Spiritual War on Elizabeth & Jim George.