February 25 – The Good Fight of Faith

Sunday School Lesson

February 25

The Good Fight of Faith

 

Devotional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10

 

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-21

 

 

1 Timothy 6:11-21

 

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

 

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

 

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

 

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

 

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

 

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

 

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

Key Verse

 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.—1 Timothy 6:12

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. List the attitudes and actions Paul encouraged Timothy to maintain as a minister.

 

2. Explain the long-range view of lifetime faithful behavior.

 

3. Give a specific example how one’s faith will influence his or her actions in the week ahead.

 

 

Introduction

 

1. The Fight of Faith

 

In the 1990s, evangelical leaders such as Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003) began talking about something called the “culture war.” Faithful church members were pictured as battling secular forces bent on destroying Christian influence. The battlegrounds for the culture war were seen to be places such as public schools, marriage license bureaus, and courtrooms. These battles were often overtly political.

 

In Paul’s day, no one would have taken such an outlook. Christians were a tiny minority of the population of the Roman world and had little voice or influence in culture as a whole. The “fight of faith” was not the church against the secular world. Rather, it was the battle waged within the life of each believer. The question for each Christian was, “Will I remain faithful until the end?” (compare Revelation 2:10).

 

In today’s lesson, Paul addresses this topic with Timothy, his son in the faith. The culture may have changed over the centuries since then, but our internal fight of faith is not much different. We too must remain faithful and endure.

 

1. Lesson Background

 

The relationship between Paul and Timothy began on Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul found young Timothy in Lystra (Acts 16:1) and recruited him as a missionary associate. Timothy became trusted and competent in that regard. He is mentioned seven times in the book of Acts and seventeen times in the letters of Paul, making him one of the most important church leaders in the New Testament. Six of Paul’s epistles list Timothy in the opening greeting, which is a tribute to Timothy’s influence.

 

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy while Timothy was ministering to the church in Ephesus. He had been left there by Paul to deal with some false teachers (see 1 Timothy 1:3). First and Second Timothy are among the last of Paul’s letters, being written in the mid-60s AD, some 15 years after Paul and Timothy first joined forces. Timothy is perhaps 30-35 years old by this time, still a young man in Paul’s eyes; but he is given responsibility for a highly influential church.

 

Timothy had credibility because of his association with Paul, but that went only so far. Timothy needed to show to the Ephesians that he was wise and capable in his own right. He would have been instructing and correcting men and women older than he. That is why it was so important that he demonstrate a consistent and faithful life, one above reproach in every aspect (see 1 Timothy 4:15, 16). He was called to set an example to all the Ephesian Christians despite his relative youth (4:12). Paul knew this would be difficult, so he advised Timothy to be a “good soldier” for Jesus Christ, willing to endure great hardship (2 Timothy 2:3).

 

1. Preparing for Battle

 

                                                             (1 Timothy 6:11-16)

 

1. What to Pursue (v. 11)

 

11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

These things are those Paul addresses in verses 9, 10, centered on the temptations and failings coming from the “love of money” (1 Timothy 6:10). Paul strongly advises Timothy to watch for the lure of using his ministry position as a leverage to become rich. He tells Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

 

The Greek word translated flee means more than “run away”; it implies running and seeking safety (examples: Matthew 2:13; 10:23). Timothy is a man of God, not a man of money. He must follow a different path, one that pursues the qualities of a person devoted to God. Paul gives Timothy a list of six qualities that should become a priority for him. First, he must follow righteousness. In this context, Paul means Timothy must know the right thing to do and then do it. Second, he must pursue godliness. In this letter, this is the practice of proper reverence for God and the things of God. Paul teaches Timothy that the exercise of godliness is even more important than exercise for the body, though he does approve of the latter (1 Timothy 4:7, 8).

 

How to Say It

 

EphesusEf-uh-sus.

 

IconiumEye-ko-nee-um.

 

LystraLiss-truh.

 

Pontius PilatePon-shus or Pon-ti-us Pie-lut.

 

Third, Timothy is encouraged to follow faith. This will be the theme of some of his later advice, the need to trust in God fully for all things (v. 17, below). Fourth, he should run after love, the spirit of compassion that motivates one to care for others more than oneself. Ministry lacking in love is empty and doomed to failure. Fifth, Timothy must find patience in his task. One who reads 1 and 2 Timothy cannot help but realize how frustrating his situation must have been at times. He was surely challenged as an outsider, a meddling kid who had no right to correct his Ephesian elders. Successful ministry walks a line between patience and impatience, but the minister who is always impatient will find his people have no patience with him.

 

Meekness, last item on the list, is a misunderstood and underappreciated quality today. Modern culture celebrates and rewards brash, overbearing personalities in many ways (sometimes even in ministry). Meekness is not weakness. It is the willingness to handle others with care. It is cultivating a ministry of care rather than intimidation.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What would have to happen for you to follow the six listed virtues more closely?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In terms of positive prompts to add

 

In terms of negative influences to avoid

 

Flee or Follow?

 

For nearly a decade I had the privilege of serving as dean of junior high week at a church camp in Indiana. Bible classes, chapel services, and vespers were part of our daily routine. So was recreation. One of the most popular games the students played during this time was Capture the Flag. Groups of students were assigned territories and given colored armbands to identify their teams. Each team received a flag and was instructed to place it in a protected area. Students on the opposing team were to sneak in and steal their opponents’ flag without being caught. The students whose task was to capture the flag spent a great deal of time fleeing from their opponents. If you got caught trying to capture a flag, you wound up in “prison.” On the other hand, a group that found and captured its opponents’ flag spent a great deal of time following, making sure the captured flag—and the student who carried it—arrived safely in their home territory. Winning was a matter of knowing when to flee and when to follow.

 

Paul wanted Timothy to know when to flee and when to follow. Being a Christian and a leader required that Timothy turn away from greed and personal gain and pursue a life marked by godly characteristics. He was to live a life controlled by the Spirit.

 

Is something in your life keeping you from following Jesus? If so, identify it and pursue the qualities that lead to faithfulness and obedience.

 

—S. M.

 

1. What to Remember (v. 12)

 

12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

The Greek word translated fight is the term from which we get the English word agonize. It does not refer to fighting in a military sense, but to struggling, or making strong effort. Paul includes significant motivation to Timothy in his fight of faith. First, he should remember that he is called to eternal life. Second, he should never forget his good profession, his confession of faith.

 

This harkens back to Timothy’s initial encounter with Paul in Lystra. Paul found Timothy as a young disciple, one who had been raised in the faith by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). He was already well respected for his faith by the church in Lystra as well as the church in nearby Iconium (Acts 16:2). The public testimony of Timothy’s faith in Christ had been heard many times by many witnesses. Now is not the time to nullify this confession of faith by rash and ungodly actions. Much in Ephesus is riding on the purity and consistency of Timothy’s life.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What would full application of this verse to your life look like?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In your use of time

 

In your spiritual disciplines

 

In your friendships

 

Other

 

For the Long Haul

 

My father was a noble man. He was an elder in the church, a teacher, a preacher, a tireless worker, a successful businessman, and a philanthropist. He worked for years as a welder and pipefitter before he and my mother purchased and operated a nursing home in our hometown. Of all the qualities that made my dad my hero, one stands out among the rest. Having sat under my father’s teaching and preaching hundreds of times, I can say without hesitation that every biblical principle I heard him expound in the classroom or from the pulpit, I watched him live out daily in our home. He had that kind of character, that kind of consistency, that kind of heart. I knew early on that as far as the Christian life was concerned, my dad was in it for the long haul.

 

Paul wanted Timothy to grasp the long-range view of faithful behavior. He wanted to show him the value of fighting the good fight, of laying hold on eternal life, and of persevering until Christ returned. Life is full of surprises—and disappointments. Often the disappointments tempt us to give in and give up in our pursuit of holiness and faithfulness. But there is good reason to remain steadfast. One day the faithful will stand before the Lord and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Those words will make every hardship and every painful moment seem like distant memories. And we will be with the Lord forever.

 

Are you tempted to give up? Do you want to throw in the towel? Before you do, think about what you’ll gain by remaining faithful.

 

—S. M.

 

1. Whom to Imitate (vv. 13-16)

 

13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.

 

Paul expands on the idea of a good confession by pointing Timothy to God himself. God is the one who quickeneth all things, meaning God is the source of life for every living thing (see the words of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:6). This highlights the all-powerful nature of God. What could be more powerful than the authority over life and death?

 

What Do You Think?

 

What are some ways to remind ourselves frequently that God is the ultimate source of life?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

By using inanimate objects

 

With regard to living things

 

With regard to personal experiences

 

Other

 

Paul also notes the importance of a good confession that Christ Jesus made before Pontius Pilate. All four Gospels record Pilate’s asking Jesus, “Art thou the King of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:3; John 18:33). In all the accounts Jesus acknowledges the truth of Pilate’s statement, with John’s record providing the most extensive exchange between the two (John 18:33-38; 19:8-11). Even in the face of the threat of death, Jesus gave the right answer. Paul challenges Timothy that even if his life is threatened in Ephesus, he must always confess the truth about Jesus; for God is his ultimate judge.

 

14. That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Timothy may have several decades of life and ministry ahead. From Paul’s perspective, this may be cut short by the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, his appearing in power and glory. But it should not be cut short by Timothy’s denial of his Christian faith, whether by word or deed. For him to be effective in difficult times, his witness must be without spot, characterized by no careless words or actions. It must be unrebukable, so pure that no one can find a charge against this young man.

 

Like Timothy, we too must strive for purity in what we teach and consistency in how we live. And this must be for a lifetime, not a season! We never retire from being Christians. We must be “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). If Christ comes before we die, we will be ready. If He does not, we will die with no regrets, having fought the good fight of faith until the end (2 Timothy 4:7).

 

15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

 

Paul loves the promise of the second coming of Christ, and so he takes the opportunity to say more about it. We learn, first, that Christ will come in his times, not according to a humanly devised schedule. Why have some tried to predict this date? We should be content with the promise of His return and relinquish all control over calculating the date.

 

Second, no one will misunderstand who Christ is when He returns. He will be praised by every living creature (see Philippians 2:10, 11). He will be revealed as the blessed and only Potentate, a term that emphasizes power. Paul expands on this by designating Christ as the King of kings, and Lord of lords. This is similar to the title accorded Christ in Revelation 19:16, a dramatic designation indicating that the returned Christ will have immediately recognized authority over all the rulers of the earth.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What more can you do to make it clear to others that Christ is your ultimate authority?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In choice of recreational activities

 

In financial priorities

 

In moving past the “milk” of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12, 13)

 

Other

 

16. Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

 

Third, we understand the nature of Christ in this period of awaiting His return. He has immortality, literally “non-deadness.” Christ has the preeminence when it comes to victory over death, for He was the first to rise from death to live forever (1 Corinthians 15:20). Given that He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto, we cannot even imagine coming into His presence. Even so, “We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

 

Paul ends this section with a doxology, a word of praise to Christ. The ending Amen means “truly.” To his Lord, Paul gives recognition of ultimate and eternal honor and power. Paul does not need to wait until the return of Christ to say these words. He says them now, and this reality undergirds his commitment to ministry and to maintaining a witness of purity in word and deed.

 

1. Enlisting Allies

 

                                                              (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

 

1. Uncertain Wealth (v. 17)

 

17. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

 

Having climbed the heights of praising Christ and contemplating His nature and return, Paul brings Timothy back to the task before him. Paul has specific advice for teaching those who are rich in this world, perhaps referring to wealthier church members, although the teaching applies to unbelievers as well. It is worth noting that Paul does not condemn the rich for being rich. He does advise Timothy to teach those who are prosperous that they must be godly in use of money.

 

First, the rich must place their faith in God, not in themselves (being highminded). Rich people, especially self-made ones, have many reasons to trust their own judgment and abilities. There is a time and place for this in the business world, but even the most successful businessman needs to trust the Lord. Second, the rich must not place their faith in their money. The worst thing that can happen to a person of affluence is to think, “I have plenty of money; I don’t need God.” Jesus’ parable of the rich fool illustrates the folly in this false faith, for he was so consumed by his wealth that he was unprepared for death (Luke 12:20).

 

Third, the wealthy must remember that God is the ultimate source of all good things. There are rewards for hard work, to be sure. God, however, is the Creator and Sustainer of the world. Farmers do not cause their crops to grow. Miners do not put minerals in the earth. Businessmen do not create people who become customers. All wealth depends upon the provision of God. Those who trust in money are rewarded with devastation when there is a stock market crash or the economy turns sour.

 

1. Eternal Riches (vv. 18, 19)

 

18. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.

 

The rich should be taught to be rich in good works, as should any Christian. Wealth that counts is a bank account of good deeds rather than bags of gold. Those with wealth should be generous with it, willing to communicate (or share) with those in need. This is true wealth and is both satisfying to the person and pleasing to God.

 

19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 

The time to come that Paul has in mind might be a near future of economic distress or it might be the time of Christ’s return. At any rate, one who has shared his wealth and strengthened the church community will always have a more secure future. Ultimately, this includes eternal life, the future that the rich fool in Jesus’ parable did not consider.

 

In giving this advice to Timothy, Paul is not teaching that salvation can be earned. Good works are not tallied for the Day of Judgment. When rich people act with generosity, they are caring for their own souls. They are not buying friends or God’s favor. They are building a strong foundation of faith in their own lives. They are learning to trust God, and in doing this they are winning in the fight of faith, the battle within.

 

III. Eyeing the Prize

 

                                                              (1 Timothy 6:20, 21)

 

1. Know Your Mission (v. 20)

 

20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.

 

That which is committed in trust to Timothy is a body of sound doctrine (compare Titus 2:1). All kinds of profane and vain viewpoints surround Timothy, threatening to pollute the gospel message. We are careful to note that the word science as used here means “knowledge” in a broad sense. What many accept as true and factual is often merely superstition, etc. Timothy’s teaching must result in changed lives and be exemplified by his own conduct.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How will you make sure that what you value most is what God values most?

 

 

 Points for Your Discussion

 

In how you initially Identify what God values

 

In making plans for periodic reassessment

 

1. Keep on Track (v. 21)

 

21. Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

Paul ends with a warning: false beliefs result in false doctrine (errors concerning the faith). Having a great mind is no guarantee against abandoning essential gospel truths. This is not a condemnation of careful study of doctrine. There are things of the faith that are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16), and diligent investigation can help build one’s faith. But we must always rely on the basics. Paul does not want to see a young minister like Timothy shipwreck his faith (1 Timothy 1:19). He finishes with a blessing of grace for Timothy, trusting that he will find his counsel helpful and follow it.

 

Conclusion

 

1. False Trust in Wealth

 

A friend of mine who was connected to big-time sports told me of a well-known former basketball player who was completely broke. This man had made over $150 million in his career. He was not only broke, but was a broken person. His trust had been in his own abilities and his wealth, and now he had neither.

 

Let’s admit that the church and its members need money to operate. We are naïve to think otherwise, but money must not control everything. The “good fight of faith” can often be a battle against personal greed and selfishness. Do we trust in money more than God? Or are we blameless in this area? Will we trust that God will provide the opportunities and money we need? These are some of the most crucial questions we can ask ourselves, especially if we are in positions of leadership in our congregations. We must be both careful with the money with which we are entrusted and thankful to God for His provision. When we do this, we are fighting the good fight with a winning strategy.

 

1. Prayer

Father, when times are tough, You are with us. When we are discouraged, You are with us. When others run away, You remain. May we be like Paul, who finished faithful. We pray this in the name of Jesus our Savior. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

“We have met the enemy and he is us.”

 

—Cartoonist Walt Kelly (1913-1973)

 

 

 

Kid’s Corner

Why Store Up a Treasure?

February 25, 2018

1 Timothy 6: 11-21

 

 

1 Timothy 6:11-21

(1 Timothy 6:11) But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

Paul wrote to Timothy as a “man of God.” Though Timothy was a minister, Paul used “man of God” to include and apply to anyone who claimed to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy 6:1-10, Paul wrote that all Christians should avoid becoming conceited, developing an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction, pursuing godliness as a means to financial gain, and loving money (a root of all kinds of evil). Rather, when tempted to follow the ways of the world, a Christian will flee from these temptations and replace them with the pursuit of Christian virtues.

Righteousness includes trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and obeying His teachings throughout the New Testament. Righteousness includes striving to maintain a right relationship with God and others based on the objective truth of the Bible. “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17).

Godliness includes following the example of Jesus Christ. Paul commanded: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Godliness involves taking time to prayerfully “contemplate the Lord’s glory,” which results in being “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge of the truth leads to godliness; therefore, we trust in Jesus Christ and study the Bible with the Holy Spirit’s help (Titus 1:1).

Faith includes trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and trusting God will fulfill all His promises in the Bible through Christ. Faith involves obeying God with the faith that God is with us and we can depend on Him to work out all things for our good (Romans 8:28). As Christians, we live by faith in Jesus Christ.

Love includes the JOY of putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third. Jesus described His love for us and what He expected from us as His followers: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11). Jesus commanded us to love and Jesus lived in love as an example for us: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Selfishness and self-centeredness is the opposite of love. Paul wrote: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). See also Paul’s explanation of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

Endurance includes “keeping on keeping on” while trusting and obeying Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s help as we face various trials, temptations, diseases, persecutions, spiritual enemies, and other afflictions that come from living in a fallen world prior to the return of Jesus Christ. Prayerful Bible study increases our faith and spiritual endurance.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that we should practice in all of our relationships (see Galatians 5:22 & 23). Our tongues can be used to show anger and impatience or to express lovingkindness and a willingness to be helpful. In many ways, Jesus showed gentleness to others as our example. Compared to what He could have said and done, Jesus spoke the truth with authority and gentleness to the scribes and Pharisees who wanted to kill him and even to Pilate. Paul wrote to the Colossians: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

(1 Timothy 6:12) Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Sharing the good news of God in Jesus Christ and expressing the necessity for people to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior to receive eternal life involves a fight against sinful inclinations and spiritual enemies. But Christians fight spiritually in the context of 1 Timothy 6:11, with Christians using all the qualities of Christian character that Paul listed and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jesus fought by telling the truth about God the Father, Himself as the Son of God and the Way to eternal life through faith in Him. He told the truth about people’s situation as sinners and slaves to sin, among other truths. Paul wrote that to fight the good fight of faith we need to know our true enemies: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We can win the victory with the help of the Holy Spirit using the truth of the Bible: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

As Paul told Timothy, if we take hold of and remember the gift of eternal life that we have received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, then we can fight the good fight of the faith and leave the consequences in the Lord’s hands. We can remember our confession of faith before the Church and the prayers that were said in our behalf. Since Timothy was commissioned (or ordained) by the Church as a minister, he had special responsibilities as a leader in the Church and representative of Jesus Christ.

(1 Timothy 6:13) I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

Applying Paul’s words to our own situation as Christians, we can fight the good fight with confidence because we are doing so “in the sight of God.” We are not alone. God is with us and watching over us. God in Christ gives life to everything, and that includes us. We are in God’s hands, and our eternal life is assured by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. When Jesus spoke, He told the truth before Pilate, and though He suffered under Pontius Pilate, He rose from the dead and will raise us. We can have confidence in the promises of Christ should we face death for telling the truth about God and Jesus as Jesus did. In the light of these truths, Paul made a charge to Timothy that we can consider a charge to us.

(1 Timothy 6:14) that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The command includes fighting the good fight of the faith. The command involves speaking the truth in love and praying for divine help to defeat the “powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.” Jesus has given us a command to obey with a promise: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). If we die, as Stephen did from being stoned to death, Jesus will stand up for us and that day we will be with Him in paradise. If we fight the good fight of faith, some may eventually believe and receive the gift of eternal life. Whereas others may perish: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). The Bible emphasizes that Christianity is true, that we speak the truth about Christianity, and that believers must love the truth. Finally, we have the assurance that Jesus Christ, our Lord, will come again and make all things new and right.

(1 Timothy 6:15) which He will bring about at the proper time–He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

Paul reaffirmed that Jesus Christ will come again according to God the Father’s timing, and then Paul broke into spontaneous words of praise that declared the truth about God. God is blessed (or happy). God is the only Ruler, for all other “rulers” are under His authority and power. There may be kings around the world, but God is the King above all kings and their rule depends ultimately on God; their life and future moment-by-moment are in God’s Hands whether they know these facts for not: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” (Proverbs 21:1—KJV). There may be lords under kings, but God is the Lord over all kings and all lords.

(1 Timothy 6:16) who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Paul continues to tell the truth about God. Praise involves proclaiming the truth about God. Telling the truth about Jesus to other people includes praising Jesus. God is immortal or eternal in and of himself. God needs nothing and no one outside of himself to remain immortal; whereas, all life and the eternal life of believers depends wholly on God. God is light, so bright that we cannot see or look upon Him. So bright that we cannot see how to approach Him. God is brighter than the sun that would blind us if we looked long upon it with the naked eye. We can only see God by seeing Jesus, the light of the world: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). And Jesus said that those who follow Him are also the light of the world, because they can make it possible for people to see Jesus and come to Jesus and glorify God the Father (see Matthew 5:14-16). Finally, though many in this world seek honor and might, true and lasting honor and might belong to God alone: His honor and might are not fleeting, but forever and ever.

(1 Timothy 6:17) Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

Paul wrote earlier: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). Paul did not say being rich was evil, but just as being poor can lead to many temptations, so can being rich. In the Book of Proverbs, we read: “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:7-9). Almost every year we hear about someone who has come to a sorry end because they put their hope in wealth and not in God. Whether rich or poor, God wants us to enjoy the world He has created for us; but even more than enjoying God’s good creation, we can always enjoy our relationship with God in Jesus Christ and never be sorry for the time we have spent with the Lord in the study of His Word.

(1 Timothy 6:18) Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Paul commanded Timothy to specifically command those in the church who were rich to use their wealth with compassion for others. Those who are rich can use their wealth in ways that can make a difference. They can pray for the Lord Jesus to show them ways they can use their wealth to meet the needs of others, even as the poor are praying for the Lord to meet their needs. How wonderful when the Lord leads the rich to answer the prayers of the poor. In the Book of Acts, Tabitha was rich in good deeds, in helping the poor, and clothing the widows in the church in Joppa (see Acts 9:36 & 39). Jesus had good reasons to answer the prayers of those Tabitha helped, of those who loved her, by raising her from the dead through Peter (see Acts 9:40).Those who love God more than money will look for ways to be generous and share with others, especially the good news of Jesus.

(1 Timothy 6:19) storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Those who are rich or poor need to maintain an eternal perspective. Through faith in Jesus Christ and following the Lord’s leading, both rich and poor can lay up treasure for themselves by doing good deeds as the Lord enables them. Jesus told one who was rich: “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). The wealthy ruler chose neither to help the poor nor follow Jesus. Notice: whether we are rich or poor, Paul looked beyond our receiving treasure in heaven to the coming age when Jesus returns as He promised and believers reign with Him over the new heaven and earth. Whether rich or poor, if we follow Jesus Christ using the power and the gifts He gives us, we will lay up treasure as a firm foundation for Jesus using us more effectively when He returns, or we return with Him from heaven (whichever comes first). The life that is truly life is not financial gain and the things of this world, but following and serving Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (see John 14:6).

(1 Timothy 6:20) O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—

Every believer receives gifts from God, often called talents. God entrusts these gifts or talents to us to use and care for and not abuse by neglect, misuse, or in other ways. These gifts are treasures we receive from God to use on earth for our benefit and the benefit of others as we share them. Paul warned that we can be turned away from using our gifts effectively if we turn to godless chatter; that is, speech that is contrary to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ (not just profanity). Some people turn away from following Jesus Christ to fighting others in the church; they will use the Bible to invent false ideas based on a false philosophy or a false psychology or both and then argue with anyone who will listen to them about these ideas. Believers can be tempted to turn from what the Lord wants them to do with their gifts to focusing on arguing with and putting down others with their so-called “knowledge.” Paul wrote to the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). And to the Corinthians, Paul wrote: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10). By keeping our focus on following Jesus Christ and obeying His commands according to the Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will avoid many errors and be united in mind and thought with those who follow and obey Jesus Christ.

(1 Timothy 6:21) which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.

People can profess to believe and promote the ideas of someone they consider famous in the church or in church history, whether they have righty understood their teachings or not. They can then use these ideas to put down other sincere Christians who perhaps follow some other famous person in the church or church history. Paul tried to correct this problem in the Church in Corinth, but it still exists today: “Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Too many people have gone beyond what the Bible clearly teaches and have departed from the faith and have misled others. Surely, all Christians need the grace of God, which enables us to avoid many problems and stay true to the Bible.

 

 

 

Why Store Up a Treasure?

February 25, 2018

1 Timothy 6: 11-21

 

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19).

 

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, He declared: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When someone asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life, “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me’” (Mark 10:21). The Apostle Paul looked forward to the time when Jesus would come again according to God’s timing and Jesus’ followers would use their treasure; therefore, the followers of Jesus need to store up treasure in heaven. Paul wrote that by their choices and behavior Jesus’ followers will treasure up what they will need when Jesus returns. If they die before Jesus returns, they will bring their treasure with them. If they are alive when Jesus returns, they will use the treasure they have acquired to reign with Christ on earth. In the Book of Revelation, we read, “You have made them [followers] to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). Paul wrote to Timothy, “If we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12). The true followers of Jesus will store up treasure that prepares them to reign with Christ and “take hold of the life that is truly life”: a godly character from the Holy Spirit’s work, their habit of obeying Jesus, their pursuit of “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

 

Thinking Further

Why Store Up a Treasure?

February 25, 2018

1 Timothy 6: 11-21

Name ___________________________

 

1. According to Paul, what are the six virtues that Christians should pursue?

 

 

2. Choose two of the virtues Paul named that you deem the most important and give a reason for your choices.

 

 

3. Why can we fight the good fight of faith with confidence?

 

 

4. How did Paul describe God?

 

 

5. Where should all believers, including rich believers, place their hope? What does Paul command the rich believers to do?

 

 

Word Search

Why Store Up a Treasure?

February 25, 2018

1 Timothy 6: 11-21

Name _____________________________

 

I X T U S S E N I L D O G H D

O P E H D Z C U L A N R E T E

Y J S M G M D H S H F A I T H

Z H S I B I R Y P R V E G D J

E B E E R L F D E A U S B S I

R P N E G I A V K L K P R H U

U B T L V E L T S B T W D Y B

D S I F W I K U R W Z N H V Q

N Z W U G V O T Z O T Q E Z E

E P B H W E L W N P M F L G H

Q D T L T Y K O S R T M H Y D

S A B H P F C A V L Q Z I O K

B U G J G T B X G E I M O B H

Y I B Q M J E S U S V G S P I

R C O N F E S S L H A X O N R

 

Flee

Pursue

Righteous

Godliness

Witness

Love

Endure

Gentle

Good

Fight

Faith

Eternal

Confess

Immortal

Light

 

 

 

 

 

True and False Test

Why Store Up a Treasure?

February 25, 2018

1 Timothy 6: 11-21

Name ———————————————–

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. Christians should pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. True or False

 

2. Christians should never fight in any way. True or False

 

3. In God’s time, the Lord Jesus Christ will appear again someday. True or False

 

4. God and the holy angels are immortal and live in unapproachable light. True or False

 

5. Being rich is wrong, and all rich people should give away their possessions and become poor like other people. True or False

 

6. Hope in wealth is uncertain; people should put their hope in God. True or False

 

7. Christians should do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous, and be willing to share. True or False

 

8. No one can put treasure in heaven; it is better to enjoy life here and now as much as possible. True or False

 

9. Christians should take hold of the life that is truly life. True or False

 

10. Some who have become involved in godless chatter and ideas that are falsely called knowledge have departed from the faith. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

1 Timothy 6:11-21

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True

10.True

 

 

Prayer

Father, when times are tough, You are with us. When we are discouraged, You are with us. When others run away, You remain. May we be like Paul, who finished faithful. We pray this in the name of Jesus our Savior. Amen.