The Good Fight for People

Bridgepoint Church
Oct 13
3 min read

Pastor: Adam Sharkey

Introduction: When the World Roots Against You

Chances are, there are people in the world who are rooting against you—and when that happens, it’s easy to justify rooting against them. That’s the ebb and flow of human relationships in a fallen world.

But Jesus calls His followers to something higher. In His Sermon on the Mount, He reminds us that while we are in the world, we are not to be of it. The good fight of faith is not about destroying our enemies—it’s about loving people who oppose us and standing for truth without losing compassion.

Paul in Ephesus: A Story of Conflict and Courage

When Paul arrived in Ephesus in 53 A.D. (Acts 19:1), he stepped into one of the most influential and spiritually dark cities in the Roman Empire. The city was known for the Temple of Artemis, immense wealth, and powerful spiritual opposition.

Teaching and Turmoil

Paul began teaching boldly about Jesus for two years (Acts 19:8–10), and his message disrupted both idol-making industries and the local economy. Conflict followed quickly.

“If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me?”— 1 Corinthians 15:32

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was dangerous. He faced riots, rejection, and near-death experiences (2 Corinthians 1:8). Yet he saw it as an open door from God.

“A great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”— 1 Corinthians 16:8–9

The Danger Within: False Teachers and Division

Before leaving Ephesus, Paul gave one final warning to the elders:

“Savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”— Acts 20:29–31

Sadly, Paul’s fears became reality. Years later, when writing to Timothy, Paul had to address the very problem he warned about:

“Stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.”— 1 Timothy 1:3–5

False teachers had infiltrated the church, twisting truth for power and personal gain. They turned ministry into manipulation, godliness into a platform, and truth into a tool for self-promotion.

How to Spot a False Teacher

Paul gives Timothy—and us—a way to recognize when someone’s motives are off:

They seek a platform. Their goal is attention, not transformation.
They amplify themselves. Their message points to them, not to Jesus.
They are monomaniacal and divisive. They can’t stop arguing, criticizing, and stirring up controversy.

The results?

Division replaces unity.
Suspicion replaces trust.
Ambition replaces humility.

When we fight with people instead of for people, everyone loses.

The Good Fight: For People, Not Against Them

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ…he is proud, knowing nothing.”— 1 Timothy 6:3

Paul’s reminder is simple but powerful: The good fight is for people, not with people.Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how well we win arguments—it’s measured by how well we love truth and people at the same time.

When we lose sight of that balance, we risk fighting the wrong battles and losing the right people.

Takeaway: Choose Your Battles Wisely

In a culture filled with division and outrage, the Church must model something different. Like Paul, we’re called to stand firm in truth—but with humility, grace, and love.

Before you engage in your next argument—online or in person—ask: