Untitled Sermon (3)

Flee to Pursue: A Call to Holiness

1 Timothy 6:11–21

Summary: In 1 Timothy 6:11–21, Paul urges Timothy to flee from the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, warning against the dangers of greed and the love of wealth.

Application: This passage challenges Christians to examine their own hearts and priorities, encouraging them to flee from the temptations of this world and instead pursue a life marked by Christ-like virtues. It reminds believers that true contentment and security come from serving God wholeheartedly rather than seeking after material wealth.

Teaching: The passage teaches the importance of cultivating a heart that is focused on spiritual treasures rather than temporary riches. It emphasizes the need for believers to constantly strive for godly character and conduct in all areas of their lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, we see Christ as the ultimate example of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. He lived a life free from the love of money and constantly pursued the will of the Father, even to the point of laying down His life for our salvation.

Big Idea: By fleeing from worldly temptations and pursuing godly virtues, Christians can find true fulfillment and security in Christ, who serves as the perfect example of righteousness and faithfulness. The pursuit of holiness requires a deliberate turning away from the love of money and a wholehearted embrace of the values of the Kingdom of God.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the early church and the temptations they faced regarding wealth and material possessions. Explore how the concept of fleeing and pursuing is echoed in other parts of Scripture, especially in the teachings of Jesus. Use Logos to research commentaries on 1 Timothy 6 to gain insights into the specific challenges Timothy and the early church were addressing.

1. Flee from False Fortunes

1 Timothy 6:11

You could start by emphasizing the need for Christians to actively flee from the temptations that often entangle them, such as the love of money, and how this act of fleeing is not passive but involves a conscious choice to turn away from evil. This mirrors Christ's call to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, showing that our pursuit of holiness starts with renunciation.

2. Pursue Godly Greatness

1 Timothy 6:12-16

Perhaps delve into the aspect of pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, as a reflection of the life Christ lived and called us to emulate. This part can underscore the active engagement in spiritual battles, holding onto eternal life, and the importance of maintaining a good confession of faith in the face of worldliness, just as Christ did before Pontius Pilate.

3. Generosity Gifts Grace

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Maybe highlight how Paul instructs the wealthy not merely to avoid the pitfalls of riches but to actively do good, be rich in good works, and be generous, which aligns with how Jesus used material resources for the Kingdom’s sake. This can illustrate the principle of using earthly treasures for eternal purposes, inviting the congregation to consider how their stewardship of resources reflects their pursuit of holiness.

4. Guard the Gospel

1 Timothy 6:20-21

You could conclude by admonishing believers to guard the deposit of faith against opposing ideas and the lure of wealth, which often leads people astray from the faith. This mirrors Christ's warnings against being deceived by false teachings and the dangers of letting wealth choke our spiritual life, reminding the audience of the vigilance needed to pursue godliness over material gain.