Christianity Is a Battle, Not a Hobby

Christianity Is a Battle, Not a Hobby

From Open the Bible UK Daily by Colin Smith

April 29, 2026 · 3 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the Christian life as a battle requiring endurance and righteousness.

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus… to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach. 1 Timothy 6:13-14 The command mentioned here seems to be what Paul says in the preceding verses. There is a character to pursue, a battle to fight, and a life to gain. A character to pursue “As for you, O man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (6:11). John Stott says that steadfastness, or endurance, is patience in difficult circumstances. Gentleness is patience with difficult people. A battle to fight “Fight the good fight of the faith” (6:12). The world will always reject Christ, and those who proclaim that Jesus is Lord will always be in conflict with the unbelieving world. A life to gain “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” (6:12). Notice the language: “Pursue… Fight… Take hold of…” The Christian life will be a struggle. Calvin says that self-indulgence springs from the Christian’s desire to serve Christ as if it were a leisure activity, but Jesus calls His servants to warfare. Where do…

People in this episode

Host: Colin Smith

Topics covered

  • Christian life
  • spiritual struggle
  • faith
  • endurance
  • righteousness
  • conflict

Keywords

  • Christianity
  • battle
  • faith
  • endurance
  • righteousness
  • gentleness
  • struggle

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: 1 Timothy 6:13-14, 1 Timothy 6:11, 1 Timothy 6:12

More episodes of Open the Bible UK Daily

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Open the Bible UK Daily podcast page.