1 Timothy 6:11-12 ESV: Flee from Evil and Pursue Righteousness
The Call to Flee from Evil
In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, his beloved disciple, urging him to flee from evil and pursue righteousness. This passage serves as a reminder to all believers to shun evil and instead seek after godliness.
"But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11, ESV)
Paul's exhortation to Timothy is clear: we are to flee from evil and its accompanying temptations. The "things" referred to in this verse are the love of money, materialism, and the corrupt desires that can lead us astray (1 Timothy 6:10). As believers, we are to avoid these dangers and instead pursue the virtues that bring glory to God.
Pursuing Righteousness and Godliness
So, what does it mean to pursue righteousness and godliness? It means to seek after a life that is characterized by moral excellence, faith, love, and gentleness. It means to strive for a deeper relationship with God and to reflect His character to a watching world.
"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." (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)
Paul's words to Timothy are a call to spiritual warfare. We are to fight the good fight of faith, taking hold of the eternal life that is ours in Christ Jesus. This means to stand firm against the forces of evil and to press on in our walk with God, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, we are reminded of the importance of fleeing from evil and pursuing righteousness. May we heed Paul's exhortation to Timothy and strive to live lives that are characterized by faith, love, and gentleness. May we fight the good fight of faith, taking hold of the eternal life that is ours in Christ Jesus.
