Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)

It doesn’t take long in our walks as believers before we feel the tension of the fight for our soul. Every day, in almost every decision we make, we are battling the urge to gratify our flesh or walk in step with the Spirit. Our flesh isn’t the only enemy in the ring, either. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “...we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In the cosmic battle against sin and darkness, we know the victor of the fight. And this brings us hope. But we aren’t called to stand on the sidelines even though the bell has been rung and the winner has been decided. 

Instead, we are called to “take hold of the eternal life” to which we were called. This is where the turning point takes place in the battle. The first few rounds may have gone to the enemy when death had a hold on our lives, but now, taking hold of the eternal life bought for us by the blood of Jesus, we have the upper hand! We are given tremendous power over the darkness in the world and in our flesh since the fight has already been won. You have access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, surely He will be effective in your fight against temptation. Surely He has power over your every circumstance. So fight as though you have already won, because you have! The battle of the greatest significance has been decided.

In the metaphor Paul illustrates, he compares our walks to a boxing match. This implies that there is a prize that we are fighting for just like there is a prize for the winner of a boxing competition. Looking to 1 Corinthians 9, we read about the reward where Paul also uses the battle metaphor. We aren’t just fighting to put to death sin in our own lives, but we fight to win the reward of the souls of whom we proclaim the Gospel. We become all things to all people to share in the blessing of eternal life with them, the grand prize. 

Now, in this fight over darkness, it is easy to be discouraged at times. But, how amazing is it that we have a Savior who can sympathize with our weaknesses? In Hebrews 4:15, we are told that the victor over every battle, Jesus, was tempted in every way as we are, but without sin. He knows our struggle and gets it when we feel burnt out. But don’t just stay there in defeat; call upon Him, and He will refresh your Spirit! When you are tired, lean on Him and lean on those in your corner. The battle we find ourselves in the midst of isn’t one to be fought alone. 

We have already entered into eternal life—the battles of today aren’t worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). So, be encouraged, believer. The fight has been won, our freedom has been bought, and the heavy lifting has been taken care of. All He asks of us is our faithfulness. He’s got the rest and He’s given us all we could ever need.