The Fight of Discipleship

It was supposed to be a warmup fight for Mike Tyson as he prepared to defend his title against Evander Holyfield later that year. However, no one saw what was coming the evening of February 11, 1990, when Mike Tyson stepped into the ring with James “Buster” Douglas. Prior to this fight, Tyson was the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion. Douglas on the other hand had many hardships leading up to the fight. He had lost his last title fight, his mother died a few weeks prior, his wife became deathly ill from a kidney ailment, and he contracted the flu the day before the fight. It is no wonder that “Iron” Mike was a 42:1 favorite over Douglas. 

Before the fight began the boxing analysts did not spend time talking about the technical aspects of the fight, but rather boldly claimed that they would only be working for 90 seconds that evening. They spent more time talking about Tyson and Douglas’ pet dog’s names, Duran and Shakespeare, than the fight. For Tyson’s part, he went out partying the night before the fight. When he was encouraged to get some rest, he said that Douglas was “an amateur," and I could beat him "if I didn't sleep for five weeks.” 

Everyone and everything was telling Tyson that he could not lose. But the fight did not end in 90 seconds. It did not end in round one, or two, or three. Douglas stood toe to toe with Tyson for ten rounds. Then the unexpected happened. Douglas caught Tyson off guard with an uppercut to the jaw. As Tyson reeled from the blow Douglas hit him in the head four more times and Tyson went down. It was the first time in his career that Tyson was knocked down. He struggled to get up but could not beat the count. The fight was over, and Douglas was the victor.

It is a classic example of underestimating your opponent. Tyson could and should have beaten Douglas but he did not take his opponent seriously. As we continue our study of discipleship, we come this Sunday to discuss the fight of discipleship. Many Christians do not realize that every true disciple of Jesus is called to fight (1 Tim 1:18). This is not a fight against flesh and blood, but rather a spiritual fight against, Satan, the flesh, and the world. And what we will see in our text for this week is that we must not underestimate our opponent. Through Christ, we have been given the power to stand and overcome, but only if we are willing to fight. 

To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Luke 22:31-38, Mark 14:38, John 8:44, Colossians 3:5, 2 Timothy 4:7, James 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8, and this article on Spiritual Warfare 

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above.” the Acclamation of Praise “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and the Hymn of Response “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon Information

Text: Luke 22: 31-38

Title: The Fight of Discipleship 

1. Every True Disciple Must Fight Satan (vv. 31-32)
2. Every True Disciple Must Fight the Flesh (vv. 33-34)
3. Every True Disciple Must Fight the World (vv. 35-38)

 Sunday's bulletin