To Strive / Struggle / Fight for Something
[This study is based on a group of Greek words, all having the same root
("agon-" - from which we get the English word "agony"). In this outline,
the verses are paraphrased or summarized, and the specific words we are examining
are underlined. For those who are interested, a list of the Greek words,
their definitions, and the verses in which they are found, are given at the
end of the outline.]
SOME OF THE TYPES OF STRUGGLES / STRIVING
WE WILL HAVE AS CHRISTIANS
A.
Pertaining to the "good news" of the faith...
- Struggling (against false teachers) to maintain the purity of the faith.
- Jude 1:3 - contending, fighting for the faith.
- The opposition/strife caused by those who do not want the gospel proclaimed.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2 - much opposition/struggle/conflict caused (by opponents),
when we proclaimed the gospel to you.
B.
Pertaining to our own salvation.
- Struggling to make sure we are among the saved.
- Luke 13:24 - Strive (try with much effort) to enter the "narrow door"
(of salvation)... not many will succeed.
C.
Pertaining to our own spiritual growth, godliness, etc.
- The need to persevere in our struggle for sanctification/holiness [a teaching
illustration].
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Illustration: competing ("struggling") in an Olympic
(sports) contest. We must continue to train ourselves (purposefully and constantly),
so that we will win the prize, rather than being disqualified for the prize.
- Struggling against sin.
- Hebrews 12:1-7 - [Chapter 11 describes a "cloud of witnesses," who fought the fight and
won... their victory should be an encouragement to us.] We must get rid of
whatever slows us down, and must persevere in the race /
"struggle" (v. 1) that is before us. We must focus our eyes on Jesus
(for encouragement), and remember what he did for us. Our struggle against
sin (v. 4) hasn't killed us, as his struggle did! We must interpret the hardships
we endure as being used by God - like discipline - to accomplish good in
us. And if God is doing this in us, it means that he considers us to be his children!
- Striving for godliness [with a focus on God, not on the body].
- 1 Timothy 4:7-10 - (Context: Train yourself to be godly...) This is why we work
hard and strive/struggle [KJV: "suffer reproach"]: We have placed
our confident hope in the living God.
- "Fighting the good fight."
- 1 Timothy 6:11-12 - [Flee from (list of various sins) and, and pursue (list
of godly character traits).] Fight the good fight of the faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life God called you to...
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - [It's time for me to die like a sacrifice.] I have
fought
the good fight; I have finished the race. (I have kept - remained faithful
to - the faith.) Soon I will be receiving my reward from the righteous
Judge - just like all will, who look forward to his appearing.
E.
Pertaining to the spiritual growth of others. [The focus is on OUR struggles for them, resulting
in their growth.]
- By means of proclaiming, admonishing, teaching.
- Colossians 1:28-2:3 - We preach Christ (with both admonishing and teaching) with
the goal of presenting everyone [to God] as mature in Christ. This is why
we work and struggle so hard, energized by his power. ... I am
struggling both for you and (others) - even for those who do not know
me personally, so that they may be encouraged ... and united ...
- By means of prayer (an example).
- Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, ... is always wrestling/struggling in prayer
for you, that you may rest assured in what God's will is, and may be spiritually
mature.
F.
Pertaining to other people's struggles (sharing or similarity with them). [The
focus is on THEIR struggles,
which we share, or the similarity of our/their struggles.]
- Willing to share (by praying for them).
- Romans 15:30 - I urge you ... to join me in my struggle by praying
to God for me. [A specific request is in v. 31-32.]
- Experiencing the same types of struggles that others do... for Christ's sake.
- Philippians 1:29-30 - God has granted to you the privilege/honor of not only
believing/trusting in Christ, but also suffering for him. You are experiencing
the same types of struggles as I have been experiencing.
MISC. USES OF THE WORD...
A.
"Struggle" at Gethsemane.
- Jesus' "emotional struggle" (anguish/agony).
- Luke 22:44 Being filled with anguish / agony, he prayed more fervently...
- Near absence of "physical struggle" by the disciples (who ran off, rather
than defending and protecting Jesus).
- John 18:36 Jesus said, "If my kingdom were of this world [implication: it
isn't], my servants would fight to prevent the Jews from arresting
me."
B.
Victory over opposition (and over those who "struggle" against you).
- The "opposition" to the proclamation of the gospel... overcome.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - We told you the good news, in spite of strong
opposition (v. 2). Our visit to you was not a failure (v. 1).
- A "winning struggle" - conquering of kingdoms by some of the "men of faith."
- Hebrews 11:33 [Examples of people who had faith]... who through faith
conquered kingdoms, [etc.].
[This is OPTIONAL - only for those who are interested.]
Verse List and New Testament Greek Definitions
(based on Thayer's Greek-English
Lexicon of the New Testament)
agonia
-
Used to denote severe mental struggles and emotions - agony, anguish - Luke
22:44.
agon
-
A contest (of athletes, runners, charioteers) - used figuratively for: a)
any struggles with dangers, annoyances, obstacles, standing in the way of
the faith, holiness, and a desire to spread the gospel - Philippians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:12 [2nd occurrence]; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1; and b)
intense solicitude, anxiety. - Colossians 2:1.
agonizomai
-
To enter a contest; contend in the gymnastic games - 1 Corinthians 9:25.
-
To contend with adversaries; fight - John 18:36.
-
To contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers (such as those antagonistic
to the gospel) - Colossians 1:29; 1 Timothy 4:10 (not KJV, which says: "we suffer
reproach"); 1 Timothy 6:12 [1st occurrence]; 2 Timothy 4:7.
-
To endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive (to obtain something) - Luke 13:24;
Colossians 4:12.
sunagonizomai
-
To strive together with one, to help one in striving - Romans 15:30.
antagonizomai
-
To struggle, fight (against something) - Hebrews 12:4.
katagonizomai
-
(To struggle against) - by implication: to overcome - Hebrews 11:33.
epagonizomai
-
To contend (for something) - Jude 1:3.
Dennis Hinks © 1995
[Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament - public domain]
["KJV" refers to the King James Version]
041230