The Big Fight: Christian Men vs the World, the Flesh and the Devil

by Tim Thornborough (Editor), Richard Coekin

Christian men are in a battle where the stakes are high and the enemy is strong. There is a trinity of evil at work in the world that will knock us out of the fight if it can.

This short, punchy and practical book will help believing blokes of all ages and from all walks of life to contend for the faith against these aggressive opponents.

Each short chapter includes people stories, discussion questions, a Bible study and some suggestions of where to go for further help.

Read. Digest. Pray. And come out of your corner with renewed strength and determination when the bell goes.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Theology

92 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2012

Reviews

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks at areas of life that most (If not all) men struggle with. There are some helpful insights, although they all end up being a bit repetitive.
The honestly of the writers is refreshing and helpful.
I think the book reflects a church culture that has now been shown to (unintentionally) foster some abuses. I am in no way saying any of the authors were involved, but the culture was one of the need for ‘accountability’. I wonder if these chapters would have a change in emphasis today?
Often the hero of the story was another man who was discipline them, not Christ.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 10 short chapters addressing 10 issues that men struggle with in their pursuit of becoming more like Christ, covering topics such as "Girls," "Gospelling" and "Grog" (presumably Tim Thornborough is a fan of alliteration). Each chapter is written by someone different, but follows a similar format, with biblical teaching, personal stories, a short bible study, questions for reflection or discussion, additional reading, and sometimes a written prayer. Every chapter also clearly points readers to Jesus and the riches we have in him as we engage in "the big fight." The overall tone is of encouragement rather than rebuke, although there are some strong exhortations in here! This would be a brilliant book to work through in a men's group, and both younger and more mature Christians would profit from working through it together. Or you could read it by yourself too!

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this. The earlier chapters were really interesting and encouraging BUT the chapter on being ‘grumpy’ (by Trevor Archer) was where it started to lose me:

Speaking about the poet ‘William Cowper’ who suffered severe depression, ending his own life eventually (a point not mentioned) Trevor states ‘boy could he do grumpy!’

I can’t work out if he’s being insensitive; is seriously misinformed or thinks it’s ok to say that; or all three!!! Depression and battling thoughts to end your life isn’t merely ‘grumpy’ and since this man’s a church leader, it left me feeling concerned about his understanding of mental health.

Later chapters on drink and sport I felt were a bit ‘meh’ and a bit shallow.

Maybe this book suffers from multiple authors contributing but that’s surely what editors are for?!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this for myself but could certainly see myself planning to read it again with a group of guys in the future.

Helpful content and themes to each chapter. They’re also (deliberately) not too long, making it an ideal book to read with those who aren’t great at reading themselves.

[Robbie Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very average. Not sure about the boxing thing. Didn’t add much.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using the analogy of a boxing fight this small book covers 10 issues that our three enemies: the flesh, the world and Satan throw at men every day.

The ten are: Guilt, Gold, Gossip, Glare, Grumbling, Gospelling, Girls, Gifts, Grog and Games.

Written by different men each chapter is structured the same way:

- some teaching on the issue including establishing awareness,
- testimonial(s) from other men
- a Bible passage to work through
- tips on additional helpful readings if a reader wishes to go deeper.

I found the two chapters on Gifts (and Ordinariness) and Games (creating idols out of sports) the ones that touched me the most and appreciated the authors sensitivity and teaching.

It would be a good resource for a group of men to work through together.