1 Timothy 6:11-13: A Call to Flee and Pursue
Flee from Evil Desires
In 1 Timothy 6:11-13, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging him to flee from evil desires and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.
But you, man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11, ESV)
Paul reminds Timothy that as a man of God, he should flee from the evil desires that can ensnare him and instead pursue the virtues that are pleasing to God.
The Good Fight of Faith
Paul also encourages Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, taking hold of eternal life.
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)
This exhortation emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's call and holding on to the eternal life that has been promised to believers.
A Charge to Keep
Paul concludes by charging Timothy to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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. (1 Timothy 6:13-14, ESV)
This charge serves as a reminder to Timothy, and to all believers, of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and faithful to His call.
Conclusion
In 1 Timothy 6:11-13, Paul encourages Timothy, and by extension, all believers, to flee from evil desires, pursue righteousness, fight the good fight of faith, and keep the commandment until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we heed this exhortation and live lives that are pleasing to God.
