In the concluding sentences of his pastoral letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul now focuses on the evangelical responsibility of each church leader, as part of the fulfillment of each one’s mission according to God’s perfect plan.
At the time Paul wrote this letter, the Ephesian church was in need of leadership as believers were continuously under attack by the enemy in the way of Judaizers, Roman Gnostics or Greek philosophers out to preach a gospel that contradicted the Lord’s.
“11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
Paul calls on Timothy to stand fast and hold tight to the faith that saves men from damnation and gives strength to the weak, as each one battles temptation brought on by the enemy.
Believers should dwell in the word of God where they will find refuge from the persecution of this world, and through salvation, those in Christ find courage to fight to good fight against evil.
The character of a believers should be in tune with that of Yeshua, loving, patient and gentle, and serve as a testimony of the truth about the risen Christ.
“12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
The apostle reminds Timothy of the Christian life, to be blessed with opportunities and challenges brought on by Yahweh, as part of His perfect plan for each of us. Paul calls it a fight because the life of a Christian disciple can be compared to that of a soldier, our to both defend and advance the faith.
We are reminded of the covenant we made with God upon confessing His holy name as Lord and savior, in our testimony and baptism, that we should strive to honor the promise made to our divine Father, that all those who believe in His begotten son should be given a seat in heaven for all eternity.
“13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:13-16)
Paul refers to the day when Jesus confessed to Pilate He indeed was the Christ, which led to the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Yeshua.
This day should serve as a beacon by which believers renew our hope daily as each one fulfills his or her role under God’s will in this life, as we anxiously await His return. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
