Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson:

1. List some of the conflicts in which the U.S. has been involved over the years. For each situation you listed, try to name a reason for entering a war or other action. Why do you think people in those times thought those causes were worth fighting for?

2. Name some of the big issues facing our culture. Which of these do you consider to be important enough for believers to take a stand? How do we fight the good fight of faith today?

Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16.

1. Look back to verse 10 to identify exactly what Timothy was told to flee. Consider the six qualities Timothy was called to pursue. Pick one of these and tell how materialism would derail a pursuit of that quality.

2. Even “good fights” can become discouraging when they drag on and on. How was Timothy to keep his morale from waning while contending for the faith? Compare verses 12-16 to Hebrews 10:23-25.

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

3. How can you tell when having money leads to loving money? Contrast making wealth a security blanket with enjoying wealth as a blessing. Contrast amassing material wealth with investing in eternity.

4. Examine these examples of how people of means can be helpful allies in spreading the gospel: Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 8:1-3; 16:9; 19:8.

Read 1 Timothy 6:20, 21.

5. Timothy was called to guard those things with which he was entrusted. Where do we expect to find sentries, security guards, and alarm systems? Where would Timothy have posted his spiritual alarm systems?

6. What part does propaganda play during a war? Identify the nature of the propaganda that could distract both Timothy and us as we fight the good fight of faith. See also 1 Timothy 1:3, 4; 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 2:14-18, 23; 4:3, 4.

7. Sound the battle cry! Create a spiritual warfare motto for the church of today to convince others that it is more important to be faithful than it is to be comfortable.