1 Timotius 6:11-16: A Call to Flee and Pursue
Verse 11: Flee from Evil
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." - 1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
In this verse, Paul reminds Timothy to flee from the temptations and desires that can lead to sin and destruction. As a man of God, Timothy is called to live a life that honors God, and to flee from anything that can hinder his relationship with Him.
Verse 12: Fight the Good Fight
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." - 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)
Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in his faith, to fight the good fight against the forces of evil that seek to destroy his relationship with God. As a believer, Timothy is called to take hold of the eternal life that he has been called to, and to continue to trust in God's promises.
Verse 13-14: Charge to Timothy
"In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without stigma or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Timothy 6:13-14 (NIV)
Here, Paul charges Timothy to keep the command to live a life that honors God, without shame or reproach, until the return of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy that he is accountable to God, who gives life to everything, and to Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate.
Verse 15-16: The King Eternal
"which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 6:15-16 (NIV)
In these final verses, Paul praises God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who is the blessed and only Ruler of the universe. God is the one who will bring about the fulfillment of all things in His own time, and to Him belongs honor and might forever.
