Note 10 at 1 Tim. 6:12: The Greek word which was translated "fight" here is "AGONIZOMAI" which means "to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something)" (Strong). It's the same word that we get the words "agony" and "agonize" from. This Greek word was translated "strive" in Luke 13:24 and "striveth" in 1 Corinthians 9:25.

There is a struggle in the Christian life. The struggle isn't with God, but with ourselves and the devil's lies. There is no exemption from this fight. Those who refuse to fight, lose.

Note 11 at 1 Tim. 6:12: Some people think there is no such thing as a good fight. They are only interested in the things that come effortlessly. Our Christian fight is good because it has already been won by Jesus. All we are doing is enforcing His victory. That makes for a good fight.

Note 12 at 1 Tim. 6:12: This phrase, "lay hold on" is speaking of seizing the opportunity. Just as a person who has been thrown a rope for his rescue has to "lay hold" of that rope to be pulled to safety, so we have to "lay hold on eternal life," to reap its benefits. God gives us eternal life by His grace, but we have to put forth some effort to "lay hold" of it (see note 7 at Gal. 1:15, p. 1057 and note 19 at 1 Cor. 15:10, p. 956).

Note 13 at 1 Tim. 6:12: As described in note 94 at John 17:3, p. 503, eternal life is more than living forever. It is intimacy with God the Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. A parallel statement by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:9 further establishes that eternal life is intimate fellowship with the Father (see Parallel Scripture for this v.).

Note 14 at 1 Tim. 6:12: Paul must be referring to some public profession that Timothy made, possibly at his salvation experience, baptism, or ordination.