Flee from Evil, Pursue Righteousness
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NKJV
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, the apostle Paul urges Timothy, a young minister, to flee from evil and pursue righteousness. This passage serves as a powerful reminder to all believers to live a life that honors God.
Fleeing from Evil
The Bible teaches us that we are in a spiritual battle against evil forces that seek to destroy our relationship with God. As believers, we are called to flee from evil and its influences. This means avoiding sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, and environments that can lead us astray.
Pursuing Righteousness
On the other hand, we are encouraged to pursue righteousness, which includes godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Righteousness is not just about avoiding evil but also about actively pursuing a life that is pleasing to God.
The Good Fight of Faith
The Bible describes the Christian life as a good fight of faith. This fight is not physical but spiritual, and it requires perseverance, courage, and determination. As believers, we are called to lay hold on eternal life, which is the future hope of eternal salvation.
Laying Hold on Eternal Life
Eternal life is not only a future hope but also a present reality. As believers, we can experience the joy, peace, and love of God in our daily lives. However, we must confess our faith in God and His promises, just like Timothy did in the presence of many witnesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 Timothy 6:11-12 reminds us to flee from evil and pursue righteousness. We are called to live a life that honors God, and this requires us to avoid sinful habits and pursue a life of godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. As believers, we are in a spiritual battle, but we can lay hold on eternal life by confessing our faith in God and His promises.
