***1 timothy 6

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Understanding 1 Timothy (A Fight for the Faith! (1 Timothy 6:11–12))
A Fight for the Faith!
(1 Timothy 6:11–12)
Throughout the New Testament we are challenged to belief, behave, and battle. When a person is born again they are drafted into the army of the Lord and are engaged in spiritual warfare the rest of their stay on earth. Christianity is warfare! Even the most faithful and most focused of us need to be reminded of that fact.
Paul reminded pastor Timothy that he had a call to flee, a call to fight, and a call to focus. This call to fight for the faith was not just for Timothy, but for every man and women of God that has been called by God as His children. Christians are to have a godly pursuit and wage the good fight for the faith. Timothy had been taught the word of God by his godly mother and grandmother and he was saved at a early age.
God called Timothy to serve Him in preaching the gospel, planting new churches, and pastoring other churches. Timothy was devoted to the Lord Jesus and was seeking to effectively lead the church of God. With that said even Timothy needed to be reminded that Christianity is warfare! That tells me that even godly pastors need to be reminded that we are in a spiritual war and we must stay focused on the Lord Jesus and stay faithful to the Lord Jesus. If pastor’s sometimes need to be reminded and challenged to fight the good fight of faith, how much more should the flock also be challenged to stick with it and not give up? Are you fighting the good fight of faith? Are you daily pursuing godliness? Are you growing in your faith? Have you been distracted by the things of this world? Are you in need of revival? These verses reveal some specifics about the fight for the faith.
I. There’s an exhortation about our character. (11)
A. We are exhorted to run away. (11a)
“But you, O man of God, flee these things”
Paul had just warned Timothy and the church about being corrupted by covetousness. There was a strong warning about those who love gold more than they love God. Paul says these folks fall into foolish and harmful lusts and they drown themselves in destruction and perdition. Paul says these folks fall away from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil and those who are led astray by it is not wise. Contrary to the false teachers whose hearts are captured by and corrupted by the pursuit of riches, true men of God will not pursue riches, but will pursue righteousness.
Paul calls Timothy “man of God” which speaks volumes of Timothy’s standing in Christ Jesus. “Man of God” is used throughout the Old Testament of Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, and other prophets. This is the only place in the New Testament where this phrase is used in reference to someone specific. Timothy would have been encouraged and challenged by this statement. God calls for all of us to be men and women of God who love Him and serve Him with all of our hearts. Someone has well said, “A ‘man of God’ should be living up to his title—as one who believes in Jesus, belongs to Jesus, and behaves like Jesus.”
Paul gives Timothy direction about what to do in light of his instruction. Flee: pheugo, fyoo’-go; to run away (literal or figurative); by implication to shun; by analogy to vanish escape, flee (away). This is a present tense imperative in the Greek language which commands a continuous action. Timothy was to constantly flee from the love of money and the desires to be rich. There are times that “men of God” must flee. We must flee temptation and the corruption of being stained by and caught up in the love of money and the pleasures and possessions of this world. After telling Timothy about the damage and destruction that ungodly pursuits end with Paul now tells Timothy to flee from all these! We are exhorted to run away! Don’t let your hearts be captured by the desire to be rich and the love of money! Don’t be influenced by those who are infected with covetousness! It is alright to flee these things! If we are going to make a difference for the Kingdom of heaven then we must allow the King of heaven to make a difference in us! We are exhorted to run away! We also see in verse 11:
B. We are exhorted to run after. (11b)
Paul lists 6 characteristics that must be sought after by every man and woman of God. This list defines:
1. Our spiritual character.
“and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
Timothy is exhorted to run away from some things and run after other things. Timothy is exhorted to passionately pursue righteousness. Pursue: (KJV: Follow after) dioko, dee-o’-ko; to pursue (literal or figurative); follow (after), given to, press forward; to run swiftly in order to catch some person or thing, to run after. Timothy’s spiritual character would be developed as he pursed after righteousness. Righteousness: dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo’-nay; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:—righteousness. The word means “to do the right thing in relation to both God and man.” This word does not refer to our positional righteousness that we have when we trust the Lord Jesus Christ as salvation. This word refers to our practical righteousness that we display in our daily living as we seek the Lord and obey Him. H.A. Ironside said, “It is a vain thing to profess to be justified before God and made the righteousness of God in Christ while acting unrighteously toward others.” We are to be in hot pursuit of righteousness. We are to be known as men and women who do the right thing according to God’s standards! We learn also that we are to pursue godliness. Righteousness deals with our outward actions and godliness deals with our inward attitudes. I’ve known people who do the right things, but they do them with the wrong attitudes. Their attitude stinks! Godliness: eusebeia, yoo-seb’-i-ah; piety; specially the gospel scheme, godliness, holiness, God-likeness. This word refers to reverence for God which flows out from a worshiping heart. When we are pursuing godliness we will make constant study of His word: an earnest endeavor to do His will: a happy employment in His work: and our daily theme will be His worth! We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith! Faith: This word refers to our conviction, belief, and trust. We are to be pursuing faith and growing in our faith and trust in God. We are to ever trust Him and seek daily new ways we can trust Him more. We can have trust in His power, His purposes, His plans, His provisions, and His promises.
Our spiritual character grows and we are being transformed into the likeness of the Son of God as we daily pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love. This is not from the word (eros) were we get erotic. Many are good at pursuing this type of love. This word is not from the word (phileo) which refers to brotherly love.
Paul uses the word (agape) which is God’s love produced in the heart of the believer who is yielded to the Holy Spirit. It is God’s love in us and through us! This is not a natural love, but a supernatural love. We are to be running after these things. We are to be asking, “Lord, in what ways can I show your love to a lost world, to a hurting family, to a broken heart, or to a helpless victim?” We are to be growing in our love for Him and for one another! Paul uses the first four words which will grow our spiritual character. The last two words define:
2. Our self-control.
“patience, gentleness.”
As our spiritual character develops our self control will develop. We are self-controlled only when we are Spirit-controlled. These two words are listed in Galatians 5 as two of the fruits of the Spirit. Paul tells Timothy that he is to be pursuing (running after) these things. Our flesh has no propensity at all to run after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. As men and women of God we are to pursue these things on a continued basis! That means that we will never be completely mature on this side of heaven; that we will never reach the place where we have “arrived” and no longer need to pursue these things. If you are 98 or 8 we still must be pursing these characteristics. Patience: (NASB: Perseverance) hupomone, hoop-om-on-ay’; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:—enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting), to remain under. This word is a compound word in the Greek language (meno) which means “to remain” and (hupo) which means “to be under.” This word describes a person who remains under trials in a God-honoring and Christ exalting manner. My pastor friend Dr. Ted Traylor told of the time when he got on an airplane and was waiting for take-off. As the passengers were boarding there came a little old lady who wasn’t as big as a bar of soap. She came down the isle with a suitcase that was larger than she was. She drug the suitcase down the isle and stopped at his seat and was about to put the suitcase in the overhead compartment above Dr. Traylor. He said, “Can I help you ma’am?” He got up to help the lady with her suitcase. He grabbed the suitcase and thought, “She’s got her husband in this thing.” It took both of them to get that suitcase up in the compartment. Ted said as he began to put the suitcase in the little old lady didn’t persevere. She didn’t remain under. She got out from under. She thanked him for staying under, but she got out from under.
Too many Christians show no spiritual character or self control because they get out from under. Today men and women will get out from under their covenant marriage; their responsibility to their children, their load on the job! Men and women will get a divorce when the going gets tough; neglect their children because they are selfish; quit their jobs because they don’t want responsibility. We live in an age where people do not remain under. If you are saved by the grace of God, sealed with the Spirit of God, then you need to submit to the word of God and love Him and live for Him. We are to be pursuing patience and perseverance. There is nothing in your life that God has not placed there or allowed to come there for your good or your growth and for His glory! The word to you today is: REMAIN UNDER! Stay with the Stuff! Keep the Faith!
We are to pursue patience and we are to pursue gentleness. Gentleness: (KJV: Meekness) praiotes, prah-of-ace; gentleness; by implication humility, meekness. This is not a quality that is widely sought after, but it should be. The Lord Jesus described Himself in this manner. Matthew 11:28–30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
William Barclay defines this word in the following: “It describes the spirit which never blazes into anger for its own wrongs but can be devastatingly angry about wrongs done to other people. It describes the spirit which knows how to forgive and yet knows how to wage the battle for righteousness. It describes the spirit which walks in humility and yet also in pride of its high calling from God.”
We need more meekness, gentleness, and humility in the church! Men and women of God should be daily pursuing gentleness. In verse 11 we are exhorted to run away from greed, a desire to be rich, and the love of money. We are exhorted to run after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. What are you running after! Are you pursuing godliness? Are you growing in your faith and living by faith? In verse 11 there is an exhortation about our character. In verse 12 we note:
II. There’s an expectation of our confession. (12)
A. We are to war for the faith. (12a)
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called”
As children of God we are expected to confess Jesus as Lord! We are to confess that He has saved us and we must never be ashamed of Him. We are to war for the faith! Paul exhorts Timothy to “Fight the good fight of faith”! John MacArthur wrote, “Being a spokesman for God calls a man into warfare. It is a constant battle against the flesh, the devil, and the resistance of the fallen world that loves sin and error and hates truth and holiness. It is also a struggle against lethargic Christians and apathetic churches.” Timothy was in for the fight of his life! All Christians who love the Lord and will serve the Lord must fight the good fight of faith. Paul earlier told Timothy to flee, but now he tells Timothy to fight! There is a time to flee and a time to fight! Fight: agon, ag-one’; a contest (held there); figurative an effort or anxiety:—conflict, contention, fight, race, to strive for the prize, to contend in the athletic games for the prize, to fight. We get our English word “Agony or agonize” from this word. This verb is a present tense imperative in the Greek language which commands a continuous action.
Paul was telling Timothy to fight, fight, fight, and to continue to fight! He was not to let up, give up, back down, or back away! We are to continuously war for the faith in Jesus name! Timothy’s father was a Greek and he would have been well familiar with the Greek culture and the Greek wrestling matches. The Greek wrestling matches were serious and dangerous. The contestants would wear gloves that were fur lined on the inside, but made of ox-hide and had lead and iron pieces sewed into it. The loser of the match would have his eyes gouged out. Timothy would have gotten the picture and understood the ramifications. We too need to get the picture and understand the significance and importance of us fighting the good fight of faith. Those who tell you that it is wrong for a Christian to fight have never understood this passage. We are not to bring physical harm to men, but we are to war in the Spirit and bring harm to the kingdom of darkness.
Warren Wiersbe gave a good word here. He said, “Not all unity is good, and not all division is bad. There are times when a servant of God should take a stand against false doctrine and godless practices, and separate himself from them.”
God was calling Timothy to do just that! Timothy was to fight the good fight. Good: kalos, kal-os’; valuable or virtuous (honest, meet, well, worthy. This word means that we are in a noble fight! We are not to be passive spectators or helpless victims, but we are to be active soldiers and conquering victors. Note: We are not just to fight the good fight of faith, but we are to fight the good fight of “the” faith. Kenneth Wuest wrote, “The word “faith” is preceded by the definite article in the Greek text, “the faith.” It is not “faith” in general as exercised by the Christian, to which reference is made here, but to the Faith as consisting of a body of doctrine with its corresponding ethical responsibilities, namely, Christianity and the Christian life.” We all have a responsibility to stand up against attacks on Christianity and speak out for Christ. We all must engage the enemy in this spiritual warfare.
Guy H. King wrote, “It is a war for the advancement of the faith; for the extension of the Kingdom; for the planting of the flag of Jesus Christ in lands, and in lives, where Satan’s standard now proudly flies; for the capturing of prisoners for Him whose bondservice is perfect freedom; for the onward march of His glory throughout the world.”
We have a cause worth serving for, striving for, and suffering for! Paul tells Timothy, “lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called” Lay hold: epilambanomai, ep-ee-lam-ban’-om-ahee; to seize, catch, lay hold (up-) on, take (by, hold of, on), to take possession of, to keep your grip on. This word is an aorist tense imperative which refers to a single act rather than a process. We are to war for the faith and lay hold on eternal life.
Paul doesn’t mean that Timothy was not saved! He is saved and Paul exhorts him to live in such a way that there would be no doubt about it. Matthew 11:12 Jesus said, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Paul tells Timothy to get a grip on eternal life and all that it means for us now! Those who trust in Jesus and are born again have eternal life right now! We are living and we will always live! Even in dying we will live! Timothy was not to back into heaven or coast to the finish line. He was to aggressively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Are you laying hold of eternal life! If Jesus has got hold of you then you will have hold of eternal life!
Paul reminds Timothy that he had been called to eternal life! Those who are called to eternal life will confess the Lord Jesus and not be ashamed of Him. We war for the faith by our confession of faith on this earth. Called: kaleo, kal-eh’-o; to “call” bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]). God has called us to Himself; God has called us out of our sins; God has called us to salvation; God has called us to serve His Son. As Christians we have the call of God on our lives! We need to live like we have God’s call on our lives! Are you fleeing from what God tells you to flee from? Are you fighting for what God tells you to fight for? Are you pursuing what God tells you to pursue? Do righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness describe you? What are you doing for God’s kingdom? God is calling for Christians to come clean before Him and live all out for Him. God is calling for men and women to persevere and remain under. God is calling for men and women to fight the good fight of faith! God is calling for us to lay hold on eternal life!
The Fight for the Faith! (pt. 2)
(1 Timothy 6:12–16)
In the last study Paul gave Timothy an exhortation about his character. Paul challenged Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. We learned that we must be in hot pursuit after these things. If we are going to grow in our spiritual character and in the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ then we must have the proper priorities and we must make the passionate pursuit. We cannot and we will not fight the good fight of the faith if we do not live godly and pursue godliness.
Timothy was exhorted about hischaracter and he was expected to maintain his confession. In the good fight of faith we are to make the good confession of our faith and we are to maintain the good confession of the faith. Paul reminded Timothy that Christianity is warfare. I love the apostle Paul because he never challenged others to do something that he was not willing to do himself. He lived with integrity and he preached with integrity. Paul testifies to Timothy in the last chapter of his last letter to this fact. 2 Timothy 4:6–7 says, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” In this expectation of Timothy’s confession we learned that we are to war for the faith.
Paul challenged Timothy to fight for the faith and focus on the Father. Christian’s with the proper perspective of the Lord will live with the greatest passion for the Lord. I want to challenge the church of Jesus Christ to wage the good warfare for the faith and maintain a godly life by keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you fighting for the faith? Are you taking a stand for Jesus in this wicked culture? Are you blending in and hiding out or are you battling for and lifting up the Lord Jesus in this world? This passage continues to show us specifics about the fight for the faith.
III. There’s an expectation of our confession. (12–14)
A. We are to war for the faith. (12a)
B. We are to witness before the family. (12b–14)
1. Timothy had a personal confession. (12b)
“to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession”
Timothy had been called by the Lord Jesus to salvation and Timothy was to confess the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord. As Christians we are all called by God and are to confess the good confession. It was and is and will always be a personal confession. Paul couldn’t and didn’t confess for Timothy! Your mother or daddy or brother or sister cannot confess the good confession for you!
God calls us to Himself and He expects that we make a personal confession of our faith. Confessed: (KJV: professed) homologeo, hom-ol-og-eh’-o; to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge, con-(pro-) fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise. This is a compound word which means “to say the same; to agree with what someone else says.” Timothy was called by God and was to say the same that that God say about the Lord Jesus. We are to confess that Jesus is Lord! It is a personal confession and it is a good confession. Good: This is the same word Paul used for the “good fight” which means good, noble, virtuous, or worthy.” It is a good confession and it is good for us. You and I are to make the personal confession of our faith and we are to maintain that confession of faith. Paul exhorted Timothy to have courage and stand strong for Jesus! Have you made a personal confession of faith? Timothy had a personal confession. We also learn in verse 12:
2. Timothy had a public confession. (12c–14)
“and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Timothy had a personal confession and a public confession. The Biblical way of trusting Jesus is always a personal and public matter. There is no secret agent Christians. When we come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus we will make that faith known to others. Notice that Paul gave Timothy:
a. The reminder of his confession. (12d)
Paul exhorted Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith and to lay hold on eternal life and then he reminded Timothy that you have been called by God and you have confessed faith in God personally and publicly. Timothy would have been challenged by this reminder and strengthened by this reminder. It is good for us at times to go back to the day we trusted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. It is helpful to remember that we too have made a public confession of our faith in the Lord Jesus. Timothy made his public confession “in the presence of many witnesses.” Presence: (KJV: Before) enopion, en-o’-pee-on; in the face of (literal or figurative):—before, in the presence (sight) of, to. Timothy had made his confession before many people. Paul reminds Timothy of his statement of faith and challenges Timothy in this passage to stand for the faith. Witnesses: martus, mar’-toos; a witness (literal [judicially] or figurative [genitive]); by analogy a “martyr”:—martyr, record, witness. This confession in the presence of many witnesses obviously meant his declaration that Jesus was Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9–10) Under Roman rule the subjects of the Roman empire were required to make the confession that “Caesar was Lord.”
The Christians would not make that confession but would confess that “Jesus is Lord!” This confession was a bold confession that many of them their lives! Making the good confession meant something to the early church and making the good confession still means something today! This confession could also have been Timothy’s public baptism. The early church didn’t have nice facilities and heated baptisteries. They had to baptize in the lakes and it was done publicly before the saints and before the sinners. Paul gave Timothy the reminder of his confession. In verse 13 we learn Paul gave Timothy:
b. The reasons for his confession. (13–14)
(1.) The Lord’s confession which challenges us. (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.”
Urge: (KJV: Charge) paraggello; means “to command, order, charge.” This is a strong word to Timothy not to give up or back down! Timothy may have been timid, but as he surrendered to Jesus and reported for duty he would be strengthened for the fight. Paul is charging Timothy before the Highest and the Greatest! In the sight of God: tells us that God sees all and knows all and Timothy would have understood the implications. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Timothy would have been challenged by the fact that the Lord knows all and sees all and he would have been encouraged by the fact that the Lord is over all and he is the One who gives life to all things. Gives life: (KJV: Quickeneth) zoopoieo, dzo-op-oy-eh’-o; to (re-) vitalize (literal or figurative):—make alive, give life, quicken. He is the life giver! He can be trusted because He is God!
John MacArthur wrote, “Paul’s point is that God is in charge of all life, including Timothy’s. Therefore, the preacher should not be concerned about the price of his faithful proclamation because the Lord will sustain him until he has finished his work.”
Timothy was to wage the good warfare for the faith because of the faithfulness of God and the fact that the Lord Jesus has fought the good fight and He made the good confession. Paul takes Timothy back to the Lord’s confession before Pontius Pilate. We learn that the Lord’s confession challenges us as it did Timothy. What a testimony about our Lord Jesus! He witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate knowing that Pilate would hand Him over to be crucified. In the face of total opposition and pending crucifixion the Lord Jesus witnessed the good confession. His confession challenges us to do the same! H.A. Ironside said, “Our blessed Lord made a good confession before Pontius Pilate. He did not hold back the truth even though He knew it meant the cross, because He was going there for your salvation and for mine. We, too, are called upon to maintain a good confession.” The Lord made the good confession and didn’t back down! Thank God that the Lord Jesus always spoke the truth even when facing imminent death.
Paul reminded Timothy that the Lord Jesus made the good confession. We do what we do because He did what He did! Timothy would have been challenged by the Lord’s confession. Paul continues in this charge to Timothy to fight the good fight. He moves from the Lord’s confession to the Lord’s coming. In verse 13 we learn that it is the Lord’s confession which challenges us. In verse 14 we notice:
(2.) The Lord’s coming which compels us. (14)
(a.) To set apart obedience. (14a)
“that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless”
Paul charges Timothy to keep this commandment without spot and blameless. Keep: (tereo) this word means “to watch, observe, guard, protect, and preserve.” We are to keep the commandment by proclaiming the commandment, protecting the commandment, preserving the commandment. In the context we learn that Paul has commanded Timothy to flee covetousness, follow hard after godliness, and fight the good fight of faith. John Phillips wrote, “Timothy needed to ensure that no one would ever be able to accuse him of compromise, carelessness, or cowardice.” Commandment: entole, en-tol-ay’; injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription:—commandment, precept. Timothy was charged to keep God’s commandment. As Christians you and I are charged as well to keep the commandment. We are not to forsake the fight; we are not to withdraw from the war; we are not to bail out of the battle; we are not toss in the towel; we are to fight on and keep the commandment that has been passed on to us.
God has not changed the operation orders! God has not recalled the regiment’s commands! The Lord has not withdrawn the troops! He has still commanded us to fight on! Paul tells Timothy not only to obey, but how to obey. We are compelled by the Lord’s coming to set apart obedience. The fact that the Lord Jesus is coming should compel us to live faithfully and obediently to His commands. We are to keep His commandment without spot. Without spot: aspilos, as’-pee-los; unblemished (physical or moral) without spot, unspotted. This word means “free from censure, irreproachable, free from vice, unsullied.” Our obedience to our Commander in Chief is to be without stain and without spot! Our obedience is to be free from defilement! We are compelled to set apart obedience by the Lord’s coming. Our obedience is to be recognizable and undeniable. We are to keep the commandment without spot and blameless. Blameless: (KJV: Unrebukeable) anepileptos, an-ep-eel’-ape-tos; not arrested, i.e. (by implication) inculpable blameless, unrebukeable. That which cannot be apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of. This word means “will not stick.”
Timothy was charged to keep the commandment blameless. No charge of infidelity or immorality would stick to Timothy! No charge of desertion or defilement would stick! No charge of faithlessness or forsaking would stick! No charge of corruption or covetousness would stick! No charge apathy or adultery would stick! No charge of sin or selfishness would stick to Timothy!
We live in a world were accusations are made and accusations stick. The world demands integrity from their role models, athletes, movie stars, business executives, but they look for integrity in men and women who do not pursue godliness.
Several years ago dog fighting allegations came out on Michael Vick, then quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. Vick adamantly refuted all allegations and proclaimed his innocence. After further investigations and arrests were made by those who were involved in the dog fighting and gambling ring, Vick finally came out and pleaded guilty. He served 23 months in prison for his part in training, abusing, fighting, and even killing dogs. The allegations were made and the allegations stuck. Vick was not living blameless. Currently there are many athletes that have been named in the Mitchell report for using steroids and performance enhancing drugs. Some of the athletes have come clean and confessed their guilt. Others like Barry Bonds are still fighting the allegations. Major League Pitcher Roger Clemens interviewed on “60 minutes to proclaim his innocence.” The following day he held a news conference and answered questions. Roger Clemens has filed a defamation lawsuit against the former trainer who made the allegations against Clemens.
We don’t know who is telling the truth, but I hope the matter will be resolved. Too many athletes, business executives, actors, politicians, and even preachers have accusations made that stick! Timothy was to keep the commandment without spot and blameless because Jesus is coming again. We will stand before the All-knowing and All Powerful God who has made us and saved us and who will examine us at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Lord’s coming is a great motivating fact that will keep Christians faithful and focused in their daily living. Paul is giving Timothy the reasons for his confession. The Lord’s coming compels us to set apart obedience. We also note in verse 14 the Lord’s coming compels us:
(b.) To sustained obedience. (14b–15a)
“until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time,”
The Lord’s coming compels us to sustained obedience to His commandment. Timothy was to persevere and press on and fight on for the faith. All Christians are called to a life of sustained obedience. I am greatly concerned about those who show no faithfulness to the house of God and the things of God. Many who claim to be Christians absent themselves from worship, Bible study, prayer meetings, the fellowship of the saints, and the work of the Lord! They do not obey the Lord Jesus because they do not love the Lord Jesus and they do not love the Lord Jesus because they do not know the Lord Jesus!
• John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
• Luke 6:46 Jesus says, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?”
We need long obedience in the same direction! Paul charges Timothy to keep the commandment without spot and blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing.” Exhortation: We need to plan as though Christ were not coming for ten years, but live as though He were coming in ten seconds. We need to determine in our hearts that we are looking for Jesus and that we are living for Jesus. His coming gives us great encouragement and motivation for daily living!
Paul charges Timothy to live a life of sustained obedience in light of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s Coming again and we need to be watching for Him, working for Him, and worshiping Him!
At the height of World War II, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned for taking a stand against Hitler. Yet he continued to urge fellow believers to resist Nazi tyranny. A group of Christians, believing that Hitler was the Antichrist, asked Bonhoeffer, “Why do you expose yourself to all this danger? Jesus will return any day, and all your work and suffering will be for nothing?” Bonhoeffer replied, “If Jesus returns tomorrow, then tomorrow I’ll rest from my labor. But today I have work to do. I must continue the struggle until it’s finished.”
We are to stay faithful because Jesus is coming again. We are to flee covetousness because Jesus is coming again. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness because Jesus is coming again. We are to fight the good fight of faith because Jesus is coming again. We are to lav hold on eternal life because Jesus is coming again. We are to maintain our good confession because Jesus is coming again. We are to keep His commandment without spot and blameless because Jesus is coming again.
In the first part of verse 15 Paul tells Timothy that the coming of the Lord Jesus will be in His own time. He’s not coming back on Paul’s schedule or Timothy’s timetable. He’s not coming back when we want, but when He wants! There is coming a time, maybe soon, that Jesus will come again! We are to be looking for Him because He can come at anytime.
Paul tells Timothy that the Lord will manifest His coming in His own time. Manifest: deiknuo, dike-noo’-o; to show (literal or figurative) show, to bring about. Because we do not know when the Lord is coming we must ever be watching for Jesus, working for Jesus, and worshiping Jesus! We are to be fighting for the faith and we are to be focused on the Father. Does obedience describe you? Are you faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you fighting the good fight of faith? Have you made the good confession? Does the Lord’s confession challenge you? Does the Lord’s coming compel you to obedience to Him?
In his song “Soldier” Michael Combs sings these words,
◾ “I am a soldier in the army of the Lord. And I am in a battle with the enemy of this world. I have been wounded; Lord knows that I’ve been hurt.
◾ And I’ve seen other soldiers just give up and desert, but I’ll keep on marching to my Commander I’ll be true.
◾ Because I am a soldier and that’s what soldiers do. I fly the flag of Christian. I’m a soldier on a mission.
◾ The Bible is my sword; my faith is my shield; and when the enemy comes charging after me; I’ll stand upon the Word of God I will never yield.
◾ Cause I am a soldier in the army of the Lord; and I am in a battle with the enemy of this world.
◾ I’ll keep on marching to my Commander I’ll be true. Because I am a soldier and that’s what soldiers do.”
The Fight for the Faith! (pt. 3)
(1 Timothy 6:15–16)
In learning about the fight for the faith we’ve learned that Paul admonished Timothy concerning his character. Paul challenged Timothy to forsake ungodliness and flee covetousness. Paul challenged Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. The man of God was called to flee, to follow, and to fight! God is still calling for men and women of God to flee covetousness, follow hard after godliness, and fight the good fight of the faith.
Paul gave Timothy an exhortation about his character. If our character is not in line with the word of God we will not fight well in the army of the Lord! Paul reminded Timothy about the expectation of his confession. In this fight for the faith men and women are expected to make the good confession and maintain the good confession of the faith! We are challenged by the Lord’s confession and we are compelled by the Lord’s coming! The Lord Jesus is coming again and we are called to live a life of godliness, holiness, and obedience to our Commander-in-Chief.
In the “Fight for the Faith” Paul closes out this section with an admonishment to young Timothy to always exalt and praise the Lord Jesus.
One of the most famous monuments in the United States and one of the most memorable pictures taken is of the soldiers in World War II on the Sands of Iwo Jima together lifting high the American Flag. Planting the flag on foreign soil and lifting the flag in foreign lands was a symbol of victory! The American troops were saying loudly and proudly that they are conquerors. They have won the victory! The land belongs to them! It is a great testimony that the troops rally around the uplifted flag!
As soldiers in the army of the Lord Jesus we are to be planting the flag of Christian in this wicked world. We are to be lifting high the banner of Christ in the fallen world! As Christians we are to be fight the good fight of faith by exalting the Lord Jesus Christ in this world!
Paul declared Whom we exalt, why we exalt, and the way we exalt. Christians are to wage the good fight by lifting up our heavenly Father in praise. I want to challenge the people of God to lift up Jesus in this fallen world. What priority does praise and worship have in your life? Do you consciously and consistently praise Jesus? These verses give us some powerful reasons we are to praise the Lord!
I. There’s an exhortation about our character. (11)
II. There’s an expectation of our confession. (12–15a)
III. There’s an exaltation of our Christ. (15b–16)
We exalt Jesus:
A. Because He is absolute in power. (15b)
“He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,”
The Lord Jesus is the blessed and only Potentate. Blessed: makarios, mak-ar’-ee-os; supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off:—blessed, happy (x -ier). This word means “happy, content, or fulfilled.” Potentate: dunastes, doo-nas’-tace; a ruler or officer:—of great authority, to be able, to have power, mighty, potentate, a mighty prince. We get our English word “dynasty” from this Greek word.
H. A Ironside wrote, “I do not think there is any happy potentate now. I am sure the kings of Europe and in other lands are far from happy, nor are presidents of republics in any more cheerful state. No, there are no happy potentates today. They are so hampered by conflicting principles and contesting political parties that they find themselves almost helpless to carry out the things which they believe are for the betterment of the nations. But when the Lord Jesus Christ reigns He will be a happy Potentate, because in Him the world will see One who not only has the desire to do good, but also the power to enforce His authority everywhere; and He will rule the nations with the iron rod of righteousness.”
We are to exalt Christ because He is absolute in power. Paul expounds on the position and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the blessed and only Potentate. John MacArthur wrote, “The adjective ‘only’ shows that God’s power to rule is inherent in Himself, not delegated from an outside source. God is absolutely sovereign and omnipotently rules everything everywhere.” We are to worship Jesus, exalt Jesus, glory in Jesus because He is absolute in power. He is the blessed and only Potentate! There is no ruler like Him! He alone has absolute Power. The great hymn writer Isaac Watts wrote, “Before Jehovah’s awesome throne Ye nations, bow with sacred joy; know that the Lord is God alone; He can create; and He can destroy.” There is nothing or no one that can diminish His power; there is no force or no foe that can thwart His power; there is no enemy that can cut off His power. There is nothing that can disconnect His power! There is nothing that can be hidden from Him or taken from Him.
Paul continues to tell Timothy why we should exalt Christ. We exalt Him because He is absolute in power. He is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” As I mentioned before that in the Roman world Caesar worship was prominent. The subjects of Rome would confess that Caesar was lord! The emperor worship dates back to the time of Augustus. It gradually gained a central place in the empire. According to Bruce Shelley in his book “Church History in Plain Language” emperor worship became “the supreme cause of Roman persecution of Christians.”
It was in this context where emperor worship was so evident and prominent and where the rule of Caesar seemed endless and limitless that Paul reminded Timothy Who really was King and Who really was Lord. Jesus is not just King, but He’s King of kings! He is not just Lord, but He’s Lord of lords. He is the highest and the greatest and all rulers of nations of all times will answer to Him and bow their knees to Him.
Philippians 2:9–11 says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
We are to give Jesus the praise because He is the only Happy Ruler! He has unlimited power! He is King of kings and Lord of lords! All power will be brought into subjection to His mighty power!
John Phillips wrote, “He (Paul) saw the Lord as the ruling One (‘the blessed and only Potentate’), the royal One (“the King of kings”), and the reigning One (“Lord of lords”).”
Jesus is indeed the Ruling One, the Royal One, and the Reigning One! We can praise no one higher than the Lord Jesus Christ! We can serve no one greater than the Lord Jesus Christ! We can exalt no one more powerful than the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you exalting Jesus Christ in your life and with your lips? The first reason given to us in verse 15 to exalt Christ is because He is absolute in power. We also learn in verse 16 we are to exalt Christ:
B. Because He is ageless in Person. (16a)
“who alone has immortality,”
Paul magnifies the Lord Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Paul tells Timothy that Jesus alone has immortality. Immortality: athanasia, ath-an-as-ee’-ah; deathlessness, immortality. This word means “no death, incapable of dying.” The Lord is alive, has always been alive, and will always been alive. He is the Ancient of Days! Jesus is He who had no beginning and will have no end. Revelation 1:18 says, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” We can and should exalt Jesus forever because He will be forever. There will never be a time that the Lord Jesus will not be! He is deathless. Death can no longer get a hold on Him! Death got hold on Him 2000 years but it could only hold Him for three days. On the third day He got up from the dead never to die again.
Jesus alone has immortality! Those who have eternal life have it because Jesus gave it to us! Jesus has life because He is life! Hallelujah! We should praise Him who is deathless because He is Life and He is the Life Giver! Death is so prominent in the world! Because sin came into the world death also came into the world. Because all people have sinned all people will die! I’ve got some Breaking News! 1 out of 1 people dies! You and I are going to die one day! But thank God we know One who is ageless in Person! The Lord Jesus will not grow older, get weaker, and His mind will not falter. Arthritis, cancer, congestive heart-failer, diabetes, and no other disease can touch Him, can taint Him, or can torture Him. Death has no power over the Lord Jesus Christ! He alone has immortality and those who will live forever must come by Him. We are to exalt Christ because He is absolute in power; ageless in Person; and we learn also that we are to exalt Christ:
C. Because He is awesome in Presence. (16b)
1. His dwelling. (16b)
“dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see,”
Paul magnifies the Person of the Lord Jesus, the Position of the Lord Jesus, and the place of the Lord Jesus. Dwelling: oikeo, oy-keh’-o; to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figurative inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication to cohabit:—dwell, to be at home. The Lord dwells in unapproachable light! Unapproachable: aprositos, ap-ros’-ee-tos; inaccessible:—which no man can approach. Psalm 104:1–2 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, 2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.” The light of the sun pales in comparison to the Light of the Son!
John MacArthur wrote, “In this age of casual familiarity with God, it is well to remember His utter holiness. While God is our loving, gracious Father, He nevertheless dwells in unapproachable light.”
Paul understood this fact all too well! He knew that the Lord was at home in unapproachable light. On his way to Damascus to persecute and arrest Christians Paul was himself arrested by the Lord Jesus. On the road to Damascus Paul was blinded by a light from heaven. The Lord Jesus rebuked Paul and then redeemed Paul. Paul arose from the ground and was blinded for three days. He came to Damascus and there he stayed! God sent a Christian named Ananias to go to Straight Street and lay his hands on Paul and when he did the scales fell from Paul’s eyes and he was able to see again. Paul saw a little of the glorious light of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord dwells in unapproachable light! We are to praise Jesus and exalt Jesus because He is awesome in presence. Paul continues by saying, “whom no man has seen or can see,” We understand that through the person of the Lord Jesus we can see the Father! The Lord Jesus was God in the Flesh, but His glory was veiled while He walked on this earth! In heaven He dwells in unapproachable light in which no man has seen or can see. Paul tells Timothy that no man has seen God or can see God because of His dwelling.
I heard about this school teacher who was walking through her class and checking out what her class was doing! The teacher stopped at a desk and asked little Johnny, “Johnny, what are you drawing?” Johnny said, “I am drawing a picture of God!” The teacher said, “Johnny, how are you going to draw a picture of God? No one knows what God looks like!” Johnny said, “They will when I get through!”
Paul understood that no man could see God at any time. We’ve learned that God is awesome in Presence. We’ve learned about His dwelling and we also learn about:
2. Our duty. (16c)
“to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”
It is our duty to praise the Lord Jesus because He is absolute in power; ageless in Person; and awesome in presence. It is our duty and it should be our delight to praise Jesus! Paul magnifies Jesus and gives Him honor! Honor: time, tee-may’; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collective) valuables; by analogy esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:—honor, precious, price, some. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “If Timothy was going to fight the good fight of faith, he had to decide that Jesus Christ alone was worthy of worship and complete devotion.”
Paul encouraged him and challenged him to exalt Christ because He alone is worthy to be honored and exalted. He is to receive honor from us because He is worthy of all honor! He not only has all honor, but He also has everlasting power. He has eternal power! Power: kratos, krat’-os; dominion, might [-ily], power, strength. This word refers to power put forth in effect. His power is not just stored up, but His power is put forth! It is used for His glory and honor through His saints and in His world.
Guy H. King said, “We believers recognize that all the power we need, for all we ought to think, and say, and do, and be, comes from Him, and therefore, that for whatever be accomplished for us, in us, or through us, all the honor should be given to Him.”
We have a duty to exalt Him and give Him all the glory because of Who He is, what He has done, and where He is at! To fight the good fight we must be soldiers who war well, work well, and worship well our King! Are you fighting the good fight of faith? Are you living for Jesus everyday and honoring Him in every way? The church today needs to repent for not give the Lord Jesus the honor due His name! We need to ask Him to forgive us because we’ve not praised His named! We are to exalt Him because He is absolute in power; He is ageless in Person; He is awesome in presence! Are you trusting in the One who conquered death? Are you telling others about the One that can save them from their sins and deliver them from hell? Do you stand in awe of His awesome presence?
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