Key Battles Worth Fighting

There are too many battles in life to count—so which ones does God want us to fight? See how Paul advises Timothy about this!

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
(2 Timothy 2:22).

In my premarital counseling sessions with couples, I often spend time talking about the everyday squabbles in marriage—like how to load the dishwasher or organize the pantry—that can feel significant in the moment but often aren’t worth the energy. Sadly, for many couples, these trivial things can escalate into unnecessary battles over who’s right and who’s wrong. Exercising discernment is key in knowing which issues are significant and which can be set aside.

The same discernment is needed in the spiritual realm. Although some battles are trivial, some battles hold profound importance for the believer. Fortunately, the Bible provides a clear “battle plan” in 2 Timothy 2 for this challenging and often hostile environment we live in today. Paul’s guidance to young Timothy in these verses offers essential guidance for standing firm in one’s faith and exercising discernment in choosing one’s battles. Timothy had to learn which situations were worth fighting and which were not, and Paul knew from his own experience that knowing when to walk away was just as critical as knowing when to stand firm.

Paul’s letter highlights three spiritual “battlefields” that are worth fighting:

1. Purity: This is a critical battle, especially for young men facing temptations related to sexuality, indulgence, and the pursuit of fame. Paul specifically emphasizes the need to be intentional about maintaining sexual purity. It requires proactive engagement rather than passive avoidance.
2. Peace: In a world rife with conflict, Paul advises Timothy against getting involved in foolish arguments. Instead, he encourages pursuing peace through love and kindness. Engaging with others should come from a place of understanding, rather than anger.
3. People: The way we interact with others, especially those who oppose us, matters deeply. Gently confronting and instructing opponents demonstrates strength under control. It’s about embodying the love of God and being a vessel of hope, rather than reacting with panic or defensiveness.

In a world full of trivial disputes, focusing on these spiritual battles helps us prioritize what truly matters. It encourages us to engage with purpose and integrity, embodying the love and strength of our faith. By choosing to fight for these things, we can create a positive impact in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Listen to the sermon: Choose Your Fight

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Ministry Update from Mark

This Thanksgiving week, I want to take a moment to remember and thank God for Dr. George Sweeting who went to be with the Lord this past September 10, just a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday. Dr. Sweeting was the president of Moody Bible Institute when I was a student. As an 18-year-old who was overwhelmed with my studies, I asked him one day, “How do you get so much done with your busy schedule?” He looked at me and said, “Young man . . . discipline plus determination, not just desire, determines your destiny.” I’ve never forgotten his words of seasoned practical wisdom.

On January 2, 2019, my first official day as president of Moody, I asked that Dr. Sweeting would be the one to pray over me. It felt like a sacred moment as I knelt and heard his familiar voice calling out to God over me.

Over the years, I would occasionally call him to see how he was doing. He was always affirming, always encouraging. He let me know that he prayed for me and my family every day. He will truly be missed. I thank God for his remarkable legacy here at Moody and beyond and look forward to reuniting with Dr. Sweeting in heaven one day soon.

Listen to Dr. Sweeting: A Tribute from Moody Radio