1. DEAR TIM: FIGHT, SON, FIGHT…AND DON’T LOSE YOUR GRIP! --I Timothy 1:18,19

2. 1 Tim. 1:18-19 –The Message Bible I'm passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, [19] keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we're in. There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith.

3. 1 Tim. 1:18-19 –The New Living Translation Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they give you the confidence to fight well in the Lord's battles. [19] Cling tightly to your faith in Christ, and always keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

4. TAKE HOME I may as well get used to it…Fighting the Good Fight…even if I’m a pacifist at heart. There is no coasting on the Jesus Trail …every step is contested and every decision challenged. Accepting Jesus as my Savior means peace with God …but the race has just begun and the bell for Round One has sounded. I may feel from time as if the struggle is just too much. That’s exactly the time when I need some precious fellowship and a friend to walk the uphill grade with me.

5. Lord, I confess that sometimes I give in and lose ground. But I really want to stand in there and give you my best. I’ll need our presence and your power all of the way. Commitment:

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS

7. Worship in Song

8. THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A BATTLE…SO BE READY TO FIGHT! The Bible is replete with athletic, military and contest metaphors and models. • Israel must purge the Land of Canaan of pagans. • David takes on Goliath. • Paul speaks of wrestling against powers and principalities. • Now he urges young Timothy to ‘Fight the Good Fight.’

10. IT IS A BATTLE TO STAND UP TO CRITICS It is said of preachers and churches… • The First year they idolize you. • The Second year they analyze you. • The Third year they criticize you. Jesus knew all about critics, detractors and slanders. So did Paul. And all leaders! Stand in there and fight, son!

12. IT IS A BATTLE FACING OUR DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS • Job asked Why Me, God? --Job 3:11, 12 • David asked Where are you, God? --Psalm 10 • The martyrs of Revelation asked, How Long, God? How long? --Revelation 6:9,10 Stand in there and fight, son!

14. IT IS A BATTLE LOVING THE UNLOVELY, ENDURING THE DRAINING AND TAKING THE BLOWS OF THE ABUSIVE • Jesus knew the weariness that comes from a Judas who loses sight of your vision…a Simon Peter who denies you when the heat is turned up…a Thomas who has to see to believe. • The Pharisees dogged him. The Sadducees mocked him. The common folk turned fickle.

15. IT IS A BATTLE LOVING THE UNLOVELY, ENDURING THE DRAINING AND TAKING THE BLOWS OF THE ABUSIVE • Timothy, my son… you can expect the same kind of meat-grinder and pressure-cooker treatment from those you are called to serve. Stand in there and fight, Son!

17. THE MOST AMAZING BATTLE WAS FOUGHT …NOT WITH HANDS TIED BEHIND ONE’S BACK …BUT NAILED TO A CROSS.

18. COMM UNION = Keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself.

19. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.

20. Worship in Song

21. Your Offering: “ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” --Jesus

22. Worship in Song

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27. PRAYER & PRAISE

28. Worship in Song

29. TAKE HOME I may as well get used to it…Fighting the Good Fight…even if I’m a pacifist at heart. There is no coasting on the Jesus Trail …every step is contested and every decision challenged. Accepting Jesus as my Savior means peace with God …but the race has just begun and the bell for Round One has sounded. I may feel from time as if the struggle is just too much. That’s exactly the time when I need some precious fellowship and a friend to walk the uphill grade with me.

30. Lord, I confess that sometimes I give in and lose ground. But I really want to stand in there and give you my best. I’ll need our presence and your power all of the way. Commitment:

31. FAITH ISN’T EASY TO HOLD ON TO …STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP! Go and help others know Jesus.