I Give Thee Charge

1 Timothy 6:13-16

Paul instructs Timothy to be different. But thou, O man of God. He was to be walking in a different direction. He was to be living a life of godliness regardless of how others were living.

In these next few verses of 1 Timothy 6, a powerful charge is laid upon Timothy. Great weight is placed upon this charge, and a grave responsibility is placed upon the shoulders of younger Timothy.

I give thee charge in the sight of God.

[Read vv. 13-17]

Charge—to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, to announce

“Command” 20x, charge 6x.

The aged apostle who served as Timothy’s mentor, gives him a commandment.

Strong word!

Yes, it is appropriate for some to command others.

In some regards, it is not much different than a general commanding a soldier.

Paul did this with the churches also.

1 Thess. 4:11

2 Thess. 3:4

2 Thess. 3:6

2 Thess. 3:10

2 Thess. 3:12

1 Tim. 4:11

Things we are commanded to do!

Not optional. Not suggestions or recommendations.

God’s Word is filled with COMMANDS!

Do you obey?

In the sight of God

How God sees everything we do.

He knows everything about us.

Ps. 139:1-18

This is both comforting and sobering.

Who quickeneth all things

God is the author of life.

He is the only One who can give life and make that which is dead alive.

“To produce alive; to cause to live; to restore to life; to invigorate.”

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Eph. 2:5).

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13).

A reminder to Timothy, and all of us—God is the giver of life—physical and spiritual.

And before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnesses a good confession

Paul already said that Timothy professed a good profession before many witnesses (v. 12).

Jesus is our greatest example.

The way He lived. The way He responded to His opponents.

Jesus was sinless, and therefore completely blameless.

That thou keep this commandment

Likely a reference to the entirety of Paul’s instructions to Timothy.

He has given much instruction in this letter.

He’s been speaking of many commands.

Contentment. Godliness. Righteousness. Fleeing wickedness.

We believers are held accountable for keeping God’s commandments.

And this goes far beyond the Ten Commandments.

Without spot, unrebukeable

Integrity. Blameless. No hypocrisy.

Jas. 1:27

2 Pe. 3:14

1 Tim. 3:2

Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Until we die or until the Lord returns.

Again, Paul believed the return of the Lord could happen in his lifetime!

If Paul believed that and taught such, how much more should we believe and teach the same!?

The NT challenges the believer to live with the return of Christ in view—to expect it; to anticipate it.

Which in His times He will shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Paul, as he does elsewhere, breaks into praise.

He worships Christ!

As we should!

Let’s never get bogged down by commandments that we lose sight of Who we are serving!

See the big picture!

In His times the world will see who Jesus really is.

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light

The power and glory of Christ.

Which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see

The true shining glory!

Man has only seen glimpses and portions.

To whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

All glory to belongs to God.

Let’s keep His commandments.

Let’s live for His glory.

Let’s worship Him for Who He is!

That is our CHARGE!