1 Timothy 6:11-21: A Call to Faithfulness and Perseverance
The Importance of Godliness with Contentment
In 1 Timothy 6:11-21, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, his young disciple, emphasizing the importance of pursuing godliness with contentment. This passage serves as a reminder to believers to focus on spiritual growth and to persevere in their faith despite the challenges they may face.
The Marks of a Faithful Servant (vv. 11-12)
Paul begins by urging Timothy to flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. These qualities are essential marks of a faithful servant of God, and Timothy is encouraged to strive for them.
The Charge to Timothy (vv. 13-14)
Paul gives a solemn charge to Timothy, commanding him to keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. This charge serves as a reminder to Timothy of the high calling he has received, and the importance of fulfilling his ministry faithfully.
The Glory of God Manifested (vv. 15-16)
Paul then turns his attention to the glory of God, emphasizing that He is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This doxology is a declaration of the majesty and glory of God, and serves as a reminder to Timothy of the one he serves.
The Riches of This Present Age (vv. 17-19)
In these verses, Paul addresses the rich, commanding them not to be haughty or to trust in uncertain riches, but rather to trust in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. This warning serves as a reminder that true riches come from God, and that believers should not place their trust in worldly possessions.
The Good Fight of Faith (vv. 20-21)
Finally, Paul concludes his exhortation to Timothy, urging him to guard what has been entrusted to him, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. This charge is a call to Timothy to persevere in his faith, and to avoid the false teachings that were prevalent in his time.
Conclusion
In 1 Timothy 6:11-21, Paul emphasizes the importance of godliness with contentment, perseverance, and faithfulness. This passage serves as a reminder to believers of the high calling they have received, and the importance of fulfilling their ministry faithfully. May we, like Timothy, strive to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and may we guard the good deposit entrusted to us, avoiding the false teachings of this present age.
