A True Disciple

Taking Hold Of Eternal Life

As Christ ’ s disciples, we are continually fighting the good fight of faith. We are fighting against those things standing in the way of faith and holiness—those things that prevent us from being conformed to the image of Christ. We are fighting to “ take hold of the eternal life to which we were called ” (1 Tim 612). We do it by filling our minds with the Word of God and by pursuing “ righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness ” (1 Tim 6:11). We overcome the enemy by being both nourished and trained on “ the words of the faith and of the good doctrine ” (1 Tim 4:6), by practicing what we have learned and received (Phil 4:9), by following “ the pattern of the sound words that [we] have heard ” (2 Tim 1:13), and by continuing in what we have learned and firmly believed (2 Tim 3:14). We resist the devil by being sober and alert, knowing that he is as “ a roaring lion seeking someone to devour ” (1 Pet 5:8). Therefore, “ be watchful and stand firm in the faith ” (1 Cor 16:13). Remember, you have been blessed “ with every spiritual blessing ” in Christ (Eph 1:3), you have been raised to walk in a new way (quality) of life (Rom 6:4), you have been freed from the power of sin (Rom 6:7), and you

31