Fight the Good Fight
In 'Fight the Good Fight', Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith and the honor found in spiritual scars from our battles for Christ.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of enduring trials and battles in the Christian faith, likening believers to soldiers who proudly bear scars from their fights. He emphasizes the value of perseverance and faithfulness in the midst of tribulations, highlighting the ultimate reward of wearing the crown and waving the palm in the presence of God. Cowman encourages believers to strive for higher endeavors for Christ, focusing on finishing the race well and keeping the faith until the end.
Text
"The last drops of my sacrifice are falling; my time to go has come. I have fought in the good fight; I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:6, 7).
As soldiers show their scars and talk of battles when they come at last to spend their old age in the country at home, so shall we in the dear land to which we are hastening, speak of the goodness and faithfulness of God who brought us through all the trials of the way. I would not like to stand in the white-robed host and hear it said, "These are they that came out of great tribulation, all except one."
Would you like to be there and see yourself pointed at as the one saint who never knew a sorrow? Oh, no! for you would be an alien in the midst of the sacred brotherhood. We will be content to share the battle, for we shall soon wear the crown and wave the palm. --C. H. Spurgeon
"Where were you wounded?" asked the surgeon of a soldier at Lookout Mountain. "Almost at the top," he answered. He forgot even his gaping wound--he only remembered that he had won the heights. So let us go forth to higher endeavors for Christ and never rest till we can shout from the very top, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
"Finish thy work, then rest,
Till then rest never;
The rest for thee by God
Is rest forever."
"God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars."
Of an old hero the minstrel sang--
"With his Yemen sword for aid;
Ornament it carried none,
But the notches on the blade."
What nobler decoration of honor can any godly man seek after than his scars of service, his losses for the crown, his reproaches for Christ's sake, his being worn out in his Master's service!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The significance of fighting the good fight - Understanding the trials and tribulations - The importance of keeping the faith
- II points: - The role of scars in a Christian's journey - Sharing in the battles of faith - The promise of eternal rest
- III points: - The call to higher endeavors for Christ - Celebrating victories in faith - The legacy of service and sacrifice
- IV points: - The value of spiritual scars - The meaning of true honor in God's eyes - The ultimate reward for faithful service
Key Quotes
“I have fought in the good fight; I have kept the faith.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.” — Charles E. Cowman
“What nobler decoration of honor can any godly man seek after than his scars of service?” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Embrace the challenges of faith as opportunities for growth and deeper connection with God.
- Recognize and celebrate the scars of service as badges of honor in your spiritual journey.
- Encourage others in their battles, reminding them that their struggles are part of a greater purpose.