WE TRAIN COACHES AND ATHLETES TO COMPETE BIBLICALLY

The Good Fight

by Gordon Thiessen
April 27, 2026
Back to The Good Fight

The “Thrilla in Manila” is considered one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s rubber match was the perfect end to their rivalry. The two Titans showed tremendous heart as they fought at 125 degrees, with Frazier’s right eye nearly shut and Ali himself wanting to quit after Frazier’s punishing blows. No matter what Ali threw at him, Frazier just kept attacking. Finally, after 14 brutal rounds, Ali buried Frazier with punches even the bullish Frazier couldn’t withstand. After winning, Ali said, “The bout was like death. Closest thing to dyin’ that I know of.”

1 Timothy 1 – Bold Endurance

While boxing history is filled with great fights like the “Thrilla in Manila,” Paul also encourages Timothy to fight the good fight (1 Tim. 18, 19a). However, this is a different kind of fight that requires steadfastness, straightforwardness, and courage. “This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child in accordance with prophecies previously made about you, that by you may wage the good warfare” (1:18).

Paul likely wanted to embolden Timothy so he would not fear preaching God’s Word. Later in 1 Timothy, Paul urges him: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete wage the good warfare by remaining steadfast in their convictions and by carrying out their leader’s commands. They do so by “holding faith and a good conscience” (1 Tim. 19a). 

Bible Memory Verse – “[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:4  2 Timothy 2:4 (LSB)

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Our featured book this week is Spiritual Runner (A Runner After God’s Own Heart) by Jolee Paden.                                                                                                                              

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