“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.6.11-12.NLT
Paul is nearing the end of his first letter to Timothy with a message of continuing endurance and focus.
Reflection
Paul declares Timothy’s true identity: Timothy, you are a man of God. With this identity clearly in focus Paul gives Timothy some things to be tenacious about:
- Don’t take part in evil: Run from all these evil things.
- Continue your effort in following Christ: Pursue righteousness and a godly life.
- Focus on a life of faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- Stay with it and live strong: Fight the good fight for the true faith.
- Keep a grip on the life God has given you through Christ: Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you.
Paul reminds Timothy of how many people he has already shared this life in Christ with: you have declared so well before many witnesses. Paul wants Timothy to carry on.
Encouragement (a personal invitation)
Take this scripture and personalize it. Replace Timothy’s name with your name.
“But you, _________________________, are a _____________ of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
Reflect on the 5 points above for your life. Take in Paul’s reminder to Timothy as if he were writing to you.
Live for Christ with tenacity.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
What a privilege it is to be with you today. Thank you for the opportunity made possible by your son, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful.
Thank you for Paul’s reminder to Timothy, and all of us, to live for Christ with tenacity.
Holy Spirit, please help us step away from things that are wrong and destructive in our lives.
As we follow Christ, may righteousness and godliness grow in us.
Please help us to live with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
We need your help in keeping a strong grip on the life Christ, at great sacrifice, has freely given to us.
May we never forget those you have given us the opportunity to live and share this life in you with. May it help encourage and keep us accountable to the life you have called us into.
Thank you.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell