1 Timothy 6:11-16

¹¹ “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.¹³ I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.”

Verse 11: Paul addresses Timothy directly as a “man of God” and urges him to distance himself from the false teachings and pursuits mentioned earlier. Instead, Paul instructs Timothy to actively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. This exhortation emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with the character of Christ, displaying virtues that reflect the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 12: Paul encourages Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith,” emphasizing the need for perseverance and steadfastness in living out his calling as a follower of Christ. He reminds Timothy of the eternal life to which he was called, a life that was affirmed through his public confession of faith. This reminder serves as a motivation for Timothy to remain faithful and committed to his calling, even in the face of challenges and opposition.

Verse 13: Paul highlights the divine perspective of God, who is the giver of life, and Christ Jesus, who boldly made a good confession of faith even in the presence of Pontius Pilate. By invoking these powerful examples, Paul charges Timothy with a sense of responsibility and urgency in his ministry.

Verse 14: Paul instructs Timothy to faithfully keep and uphold the command he has been given, maintaining a blameless and spotless testimony until the return of Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and obedience, consistently reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of Timothy’s life and ministry.

Verse 15: Paul reminds Timothy that the fulfillment of God’s plan and the return of Jesus Christ will occur in God’s perfect timing. He describes God as the blessed and only Ruler, the ultimate authority who reigns over all kings and lords. This declaration reinforces the sovereignty and majesty of God, instilling confidence and trust in His divine plan.

Verse 16: Paul concludes this passage by highlighting the incomparable nature of God. He describes God as immortal, dwelling in unapproachable light, and beyond human comprehension. Paul acknowledges the greatness and glory of God, offering a doxology of honor and might that is due to him for all eternity.