Living in Light of Eternity

Sermon Title: Living in Light of Eternity

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: January 12, 2025

PRAY

O Sovereign Lord, We come before You on this Lord’s Day, humbled and expectant, seeking Your wisdom and power. You are the eternal King, the blessed and only Sovereign, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light. As we open Your Word, we ask that You illuminate our hearts to behold Your glory, and may the charge of Your Word transform us to live in light of eternity.

What we know not, teach us. What we are not, make us. What we have not, give us.

We ask this in the name of Christ, our Victor and Redeemer, who reigns forevermore. Amen.

Introduction: I just returned from a trip to Portugal with my father, and it was one of the most precious experiences of my life.

The Lord was so gracious to give us that time together.

We had a blast watching football matches, eating incredible food, and visiting some of the most beautiful sites in Portugal and Europe.

It was unforgettable—a gift I deeply cherish.

But the first Sunday during our trip stands out in my mind.

That morning, we attended a sweet and faithful church in the heart of Lisbon, the First Baptist Church of Lapa, pastored by Tiago Cavaca.

It was a precious time of worship as we gathered with fellow believers to read, sing, and hear God’s Word about Christ and His kingdom.

The focus was entirely on Jesus—on His glory, His reign, and His call to live for eternity.

That evening, the contrast couldn’t have been starker.

We went to a football stadium (Estadio José Alvalade Stadium) packed with over 30,000 fans.

The atmosphere was electric as people sang, chanted, and celebrated their club.

But the songs weren’t about Christ or His kingdom.

They were about the team.

It was their passion, their life, and their love.

For them, it was everything.

The crowd was completely consumed by it.

What a contrast!

That morning, we were singing and celebrating the eternal King, the One who reigns forever.

By evening, we were witnessing thousands of people giving themselves entirely to something that will not last, something that cannot satisfy the deepest longings of their hearts.

And yet, how often do we do the same?

Maybe it’s not football for us, but we all have things that vie for our hearts.

Whether it’s work, relationships, hobbies, or possessions, we are constantly tempted to live for what is temporary instead of what is eternal.

That’s why Paul’s words to Timothy in today’s passage are so urgent.

Paul is calling Timothy—and us—not to live for what fades but for what lasts forever.

He’s reminding us that living for eternity isn’t easy.

It’s a fight—a fight against the allurements of this world and the distractions that threaten to pull us off course.

As Paul nears the end of his letter, he delivers a charge to Timothy filled with weight, urgency, and clarity.

Timothy, as a “man of God,” is called to live differently from the false teachers around him, whoselives are consumed by the love of money, corruption, and arrogance.

Timothy’s calling—and ours—is far higher.

This passage calls christians to:

Flee what destroys.

Fight for what endures.

Follow Christ with unwavering faith and hope.

Focus on the eternal riches and the triumph of Christ’s return.

Paul will showing us in this passage what it means to live with eternity in view.

This is a call to Christ-centered obedience, grounded in the finished work of Jesus.

This passage forces us to ask the following questions:

What are you living for?

What holds your heart?

Will you live for what truly matters, for what lasts, or will you let the distractions of this world pull you away?

Which is why I’ve entitled this sermon: “Living in Light of Eternity.”

Transition to the First Point: Paul begins with a sharp contrast from the greedy false teachers he has just finished exposing for us in verses 3-10 by starting verse 11 with:

1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV)

BUT as for you, O man of God,

This sets Timothy apart from the false teachers described earlier, calling him to a life defined by godly character.

This leads us to our first point this morning:

to live a life defined by godly character we must...

Point 1: Flee from What is Destructive (v. 11)

1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV)

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Explanation: The title “man of God” carries immense weight, used in the Old Testament for figures like Moses, Samuel, and Elijah.

Timothy is to embody this legacy of godliness.

However, Paul’s first command is to flee—a strong and ongoing action (Not a one and done!).

The things Timothy must flee include the evils described earlier in verses 3-10 that Zack covered last week: the love of money, pride, and contentiousness (vv. 3–10). Yet fleeing is not passive.

We are charged here to actively pursue virtues that characterize a godly life:

Righteousness: Living uprightly with God and in relationships with others.

Godliness: Reverence and devotion to God.

Faith: Trusting God amid trials.

Love: Acting selflessly for the good of others.

Steadfastness: Persevering under pressure.

Gentleness: Reflecting Christ’s meekness even in conflict.

This list echoes the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), underscoring that these virtues are not produced by the will of man but produced by the Spirit’s work in the believer.

Illustration: Picture a runner in a race, shedding every weight that hinders forward progress and pressing toward the finish line.

Timothy’s call and our call is similar: flee the weights of sin and pursue the virtues that lead to eternal life.

My dad used to say, "You can do things the easy way or the hard way," urging me to avoid unnecessary difficulties.

But when it comes to following Christ, this saying takes on a deeper, inverted meaning.

In the Christian life, the hard way is often the right way.

As Christians, we are faced with a choice: to take the easy way or the hard way.

Jesus makes it clear which path we should choose:

Matthew 7:13–14 ESV

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

The easy way may seem appealing, but it leads to destruction.

The hard way, though challenging, leads to life.

Life is short but eternity is long. (Ponder on that!)

The hard way means fleeing what destroys and disobeys God while pursuing what He commands and causes us to flourish.(REPEAT)

This is the way Jesus calls us to walk.

Clarifying Quote: John Stott captures the balance of fleeing and pursuing when he writes, “Fleeing from evil and pursuing good are twin aspects of repentance. Turning away from sin and turning toward righteousness are inseparable in the life of the believer. It is not enough to merely resist sin; the Christian life is a dynamic journey toward Christlikeness.”

Application: What destructive desires or habits must you flee today?

Are you intentionally pursuing godliness in the power of the Spirit?

True godliness requires running away from sin and running toward Christ.

Gospel Connection: This call to flee and pursue is not moralism.

Christ has already secured our righteousness, enabling us to live out these virtues by His Spirit.

Transition to the Second Point: After commanding Timothy to flee sin and pursue godliness, Paul turns to an athletic metaphor, illustrating the effort and perseverance required in the Christian life.

Point 2: Fight for What is Eternal (v. 12)

1 Timothy 6:12 ESV

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Explanation: Paul’s command here to “fight the good fight of the faith” emphasizes that the Christian life is a struggle requiring discipline and determination.

The word “fight” (agonizomai) evokes the imagery of both an athlete competing in a race and a soldier engaged in battle.

Timothy is called to strive for faithfulness in doctrine and conduct.

Professional boxers often train for 4 to 6 hours a day, six days a week, preparing their minds and bodies for a fight that may last less than an hour.

Their training includes sparring, conditioning, strength work, and mental preparation.

They endure grueling routines, relentless discipline, and constant sacrifice—all for the hope of victory in the ring.

Now, think about this: if a boxer pours so much effort into preparing for a fight that lasts only a few rounds, how much more should we, as followers of Christ, train and strive for the fight of faith—a fight with eternal stakes?

Paul’s call to Timothy to “fight the good fight” reminds us that the Christian life demands perseverance, focus, and discipline.

Take a moment and consider your christian life, has that been your experience?

But here’s the good news: we’re not fighting alone or in our own strength.

Christ has already secured the victory, and He empowers us to fight with faith and hope in him.

That is why Paul also exhorts Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life.”

This refers not to earning salvation but to seizing the reality of eternal life that Timothy already possesses through his calling from the Lord Jesus and from His confession.

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life” is a reminder that eternal life is not just a future hope—it’s a present reality for all who are in Christ.

Eternal life begins the moment we are united with Jesus through faith.

It means that we have already passed from death to life (John 5:24), that we are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and that we live as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom even in this broken world.

For Christians fighting the good fight, this reality changes everything.

We don’t strive for victory; we fight from victory.

The eternal life we possess empowers us to persevere, gives us unshakable hope, and fills us with purpose.

Knowing that we are already secure in Christ equips us to endure trials, resist temptation, and stand firm, because the greatest battle has already been won at the cross.

The question is: are we living in the fullness of this eternal life, letting it shape every moment of our fight for faith?

The “good confession” likely refers to Timothy’s public declaration of faith, possibly at his baptism or ordination (More than likely his ordination due to the nature of this letter and the other pastoral letters we will cover in this study), where he affirmed Christ as Lord before many witnesses.

But here in verse 12 is a charge, an exhortation, a command to fight for what is eternal and PERSEVERE in this fight! Take hold of it, grip it tight, and don’t let go of it!

Illustration: Imagine you’re stranded in a deep ravine with no way out.

You’ve been trapped for days, exhausted and hopeless, when suddenly, a rescuer appears at the top, lowering a strong, secure rope.

The rescuer assures you, “This rope is your lifeline—it will hold you. Grab it, and I’ll pull you to safety.”

Now, the rope is already there. It’s strong, secure, and provided for you.

But unless you take hold of it—grip it tightly and cling to it with everything you’ve got—you won’t experience its saving power.

This is what Paul is telling Timothy.

Eternal life has already been given through Christ; it’s a present reality.

But Timothy is exhorted to take hold of it—to live in its fullness, to grip it tightly, and to let it shape every moment of his life and ministry.

For Christians, the fight of faith is not about securing the rope or earning the rescue.

Christ has already accomplished that.

Instead, it’s about clinging to what we’ve already been given, persevering in the fight, and letting the reality of eternal life empower us to stand firm, resist temptation, and remain faithful.

Application:

Let me ask you:

where are you struggling to fight for faith today?

Is it in your thoughts, your habits, or your priorities?

In your thoughts:

Maybe you’re battling worry, consumed by the what-ifs of tomorrow.

Anxiety grips your heart as you try to control what only God can handle.

To fight for faith here is to flee the temptation to dwell on what is uncertain and pursue trust in the promises of God and grab a hold of what is already yours in Christ.

Meditate on Jesus’ words: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Matt. 6:34).

Instead, take hold of the truth that your Father knows your needs and will provide for you in His perfect timing.

In your habits:

Perhaps you’ve grown comfortable with a small compromise—a quick indulgence in envy as you scroll through social media, a harsh word justified by stress, or a neglected Bible gathering dust on your shelf.

To fight for faith is to confess these compromises, flee them, and intentionally replace them with habits of grace—prayer, meditating on God’s Word, and walking in accountability with other believers.

In your priorities:

Are you placing your hope in material success, in your career, or even in your children’s achievements?

Fighting for faith here means loosening your grip on temporary treasures and pursuing the eternal perspective Paul speaks of.

Jesus reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matt. 6:19).

Lay hold of eternal life by prioritizing time with the Lord, serving His church, and investing in relationships that point others to Christ.

Here are a few real example of taking hold of eternal life and fighting for faith: Consider a mother overwhelmed with the demands of parenting young children.

She fights the temptation to find her worth in her ability to keep everything under control.

Instead, she lays hold of eternal life by starting her day in prayer, even if it’s just five quiet minutes before her kids wake up, entrusting her family to God and seeking His strength for the day.

Or think of a businessman tempted to compromise his integrity for a deal that promises financial security.

Fighting for faith means turning away from the deceit of riches and trusting in God as his provider.

He flees the lie and pursues honesty, even when it costs him, because his hope is not in this world but in eternity.

Call to Action: What about you?

Are you fighting the good fight, or have you grown weary?

Have you allowed distractions, idols, or compromises to creep into your life?

Hear this:

God has not called you to fight alone.

Christ fights for you and with you.

And as we sung today…

I'm fighting a battle You've already won No matter what comes my way I will overcome Don't know what you're doing But I know what you've done And I'm fighting a battle You've already won

Gospel Connection: The fight is already won in Christ.

He is the author and finisher of our faith, enabling us to endure by His grace.

Transition to the Third Point: Having exhorted Timothy to flee sin and fight for faith, Paul now elevates the charge by calling Timothy to follow Christ faithfully, grounding his commands in the majesty and hope of God.

Point 3: Follow Christ in faithfulness and hope.

1 Timothy 6:13–16 ESV

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Explanation: Paul’s charge to Timothy is monumental. So what does he do? He invoking two witnesses:

God the Creator and Christ the faithful witness.

This charge is not a mere suggestion; it is rooted in the weight of who God is and the assurance of what Christ has done.

Paul begins with God as Life-Giver:

Paul here describes God as the one “who gives life to all things.”

Every heartbeat, every breath, every blade of grass exists because of His sustaining power.

He is no distant deity but the Creator who upholds the universe by His will.

Imagine the immensity of this:

the stars that light the night sky, the oceans that roar, the mountains that stand firm—they all testify to God as the source of life.

This God, who holds all creation together, stands as witness to Timothy’s charge to remain faithful and unstained in his calling.

Then Paul moves to Christ as the Faithful Witness:

Paul turns our eyes to Christ, who stood before Pontius Pilate and made “the good confession.”

Mark 15:2 ESV

And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

Picture Jesus, battered and bruised, standing unshaken before the most powerful ruler of His time.

Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world, and He boldly proclaimed it, even at the cost of His life.

Christ’s confession sealed His crucifixion but also secured our redemption.

Paul uses this moment to call Timothy—and us—to follow Christ’s unwavering faithfulness, even when the cost is great.

Timothy then is instructed to “keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach.”

This likely refers to the gospel and its call to godliness that reverberates throughout this letter.

Timothy’s faithfulness, and ours, is to reflect the purity and beauty of the gospel itself, which remains untainted by the corruption of sin or compromise.

Paul then set’s an anchor for this charge here in verse 15.

Paul’s charge to young Timothy and to us is grounded in the hope of Christ’s “appearing” (epiphaneia), a term rich with imagery.

Just for reference:

1 Timothy 6:14 (ESV)

to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Timothy 6:15 (ESV)

which he will display at the proper time—

Nothing will delay this appearing of Christ, this triumphant return, Just as nothing could stop Jesus from being born “at the proper time” and Jesus death on the cross for sinners could not be stoped “at the proper time.”

At the proper time Jesus will appear victoriously! (This is the anchor for Paul’s charge!!)

Illustration:

Imagine the final battle in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

The city of (Me-Nas Tear-ith) Minas Tirith is under siege, its walls battered by the relentless forces of darkness.

The enemy army appears unstoppable, and hope seems lost.

Then, in the darkest moment, the horns of Rohan sound in the distance.

King Théoden leads his cavalry into the fray, their banners flying and their armor gleaming in the light of dawn.

But even greater is the arrival of Aragorn, the rightful king, who takes his place at the front of the battle.

With his army and the sword of kingship in hand, he turns the tide of the war and leads his people to victory. It’s glorious!

Now, imagine something infinitely greater:

Christ, the King of kings, appearing not with an earthly sword but with divine authority, radiant in glory, to crush every enemy and restore His people.

Just as the people of Middle-earth longed for their king to come and deliver them, so we, the church, wait with eager anticipation for the true King to return and make all things new.

This isn’t a fictional tale—it’s the ultimate reality.

Christ’s appearing will surpass every story of rescue and redemption because His reign will be final, eternal, and perfect.

This is the kind of glorious “appearing” Paul envisions to anchor His charge and commands: Christ’s triumphant return to establish His eternal kingdom.

Transition:

Paul’s description of Christ’s majesty crescendos into a breathtaking doxology.

Imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or gazing up at the vast expanse of the Milky Way.

You feel small, yet deeply aware of something infinitely greater than yourself.

This is the sense of awe Paul wants us to feel as we meditate on the greatness of Christ:

Point 4: Focus on the eternal riches and the Triumph of Christ’s return.

1 Timothy 6:15–16 (ESV)

[At the proper time Christ the Victor will appear]—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Paul shifts our focus from the hear and now, from the cursed and and powerless to “The blessed and only Sovereign":

Jesus Christ reigns supreme.

Imagine a ruler whose authority is not granted by election or inheritance but is intrinsic, unchallengeable, and eternal.

Unlike earthly kings, who are often corrupt and fallible, Christ is the perfect King who rules with justice and mercy.

He is not one king among many but the Sovereign over all.

His reign is not bound by borders, time, or power struggles—it is eternal and absolute.

Then He moves on to this even more glorious depiction of Christ - “The King of kings and Lord of lords":

This title paints a picture of Christ’s supremacy over every earthly ruler.

Imagine every king, president, and emperor throughout history bowing before Him, acknowledging His ultimate authority.

Revelation 19:16 portrays Christ riding victoriously, His robe dipped in blood, with the name “King of kings and Lord of lords” written for all to see.

In verse 16, Paul then writes using apophatic language.

This means that, to describe God, he must articulate what God is not.

Human language is incapable of directly expressing the transcendent nature of God without employing analogy or negation.

So He writes- “That God alone has immortality":

While life for us is a gift, Christ inherently possesses it.

He is the eternal One, the Alpha and the Omega, who was and is and is to come.

Imagine a flame that never dims or a sun that never sets—this is the life that belongs to Christ alone.

This reminds me of Psalm 90:2 in the OT, that says,

Psalm 90:2 ESV

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

It of course should remind us of John’s gospel as well when He writes in his prologue:

John 1:4 ESV

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Not only is God immortal, but Paul says that “God dwells in unapproachable light":

Paul uses the imagery of radiant, holy light to describe God’s presence.

Think of the sun at its zenith (this has happened to me at the beach before many times), the sun is so brilliant and intense that no human can look at it directly without being blinded.

YET Paul writes that this is only a faint reflection of the purity and majesty of the One who dwells in unapproachable light.

Like Moses on Mount Sinai, the point Paul is making is that we cannot approach the one true God without being truly transformed by His grace.

Friends, this doxology is not just a theological statement; it is a call to worship.

It reminds us of Christ’s infinite greatness and draws us to bow in awe and surrender.

Application:

Are you living with the hope of Christ’s return?

If you knew the King would return tomorrow, how would you spend today? Would you cling to your grudges, or would you forgive?

Would you continue to chase worldly treasures, or would you invest in the eternal?

Let the certainty of His coming reorient your priorities.

Does His majesty sustain your faithfulness?

This is not a call to grit your teeth and try harder but to fix your eyes on the King who is coming in glory.

His power is your strength, and His beauty is your motivation. When the weight of the world feels heavy, remember who it is that you serve:

the blessed, immortal, reigning Christ.

Gospel Connection:

Christ’s return is not just a future hope—it is the culmination of His redemptive work.

The same Christ who stood firm before Pilate now intercedes for us and will one day return to claim His bride.

His faithfulness in suffering secures our faithfulness in obedience.

Because He stood firm in His confession, we too can stand firm in the power of His Spirit.

Paul’s charge to Timothy and to us is this:

Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the day our King appears.

It is not a burden but a privilege to serve this glorious Savior.

APPLICATION AND EXHORTATION:

Could it be, dear friends, that our gaze upon our glorious and victorious King is not clear enough this morning?

Perhaps that’s why some of you remain hesitant, still standing on the fence, unsure whether to give Him your life and your all.

But let me urge you—look to Him!

See Him as He truly is: the King who conquered sin and death, who reigns in glory, and who offers you life abundant.

Don’t wait; don’t linger.

Fix your eyes on Him and surrender everything to the One who is worthy of it all.

The Song we sang today “Christus Victor” may be able to help us here.

This title “Christus Victor” is latin for “Christ the Victor”.

Christus Victor is the element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.

(https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/christus-victor/#:~:text=Christus%20Victor%20is%20the%20element,between%20God%20and%20the%20world.)

I want to re-read verse 3 and the chorus one more time this morning before we sing it together to help us behold the Jesus Paul is speaking of here in our text:

O Most High King of the ages Great I AM God of wonders By the blood You have redeemed us Led us through mighty waters Our strength our song our sure salvation

O Most High dwelling among us Son of man sent for sinners By Your blood You have redeemed us Spotless Lamb mighty Savior Who lived who died who rose victorious

O Most High King of the nations Robed in praise crowned with splendor On that day who will not tremble When You stand Christ the Victor Who was and is and is forever

Now to the Lamb upon the throne Be blessing honor glory power For the battle You have won Hallelujah With every tribe and every tongue We join the anthem of the angels In the triumph of the Son Hallelujah Amen

Example:

Example of me being at Estadio da Luz, Benfica stadium, people chanting, raising their hands, for a team. 61, 000 + people!

Now picture something infinitely greater:

One Team- Those beloved in Christ wearing the robes of Christ’s righteousness (scarfs with “Christ the Victor”, and jerseys with one badge in the front “Redeemed by Grace” ).

Not just a stadium, but a multitude of angels, tribes, tongues, and nations, all singing in perfect harmony the triumph of the Son of God!

The anthem of redemption echoing across eternity, every voice proclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

Chanting - “Christ the victor, Christ the Victor, Christ the Victor”!

Do you see Christ in victory this morning?

You want victory of sin, death, and satan.

Look to Christ the Victor, and Trust in His finished and victorious work!

Conclusion:

If we are going to take hold of eternal life and fight the good fight of faith, we must keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ the Victor.

In doing so, we must:

Flee from sin.

Fight for faith.

Follow Christ in hope.

Focus on eternal riches and Christ the Victor.

Call to Action: Where are you running?

What are you fighting for?

Who are you following?

What are you focusing on?

Look to Christ, and live in light of His coming.

Live in light of eternity TODAY!

“To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (v.16)

PRAY O Most High God,

We thank You for the privilege of hearing Your Word this morning.

You have reminded us of the urgency to flee what is destructive, to fight for what is eternal, and to follow Christ in faithfulness and hope.

Seal these truths in our hearts by Your Spirit, that we may walk in obedience, not in our strength but in the strength of Christ who has already won the victory.

For those who do not yet know Him, we pray You would awaken their hearts to see the beauty of Christ and the hope of eternity.

As we go forth, may our lives be a testament to the One who gives life to all things, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Let us live in light of eternity, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

To Him be honor and eternal dominion forever and ever. Amen.