11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
- P90
14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16who 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.
- P90
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19In 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.
- P91
Paul urges Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance,
and gentleness. He must fight the good fight of faith, take hold of eternal life,
and keep the command until Jesus Christ appears. - P91
The rich must not hope inwealth; they must hope in God and be generous. Timothy is to guard whathas been entrusted to him and avoid godless chatter and false knowledge. - P91
Paul tells Timothy to flee from what false teachers and lovers of money do and to instead pursue the good things like righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness. - P92
We, like Timothy, are to pursue these things, living out the eternal life that began when we made what Paul calls the "good confession," meaning our gospel testimony. - P92
Our testimony is built on the one that Jesus made before Pilate: Jesus Christ is King. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. When we proclaim Christ’s kingship, we are publicly declaring our faith in Him. - P92
Our faith is not just knowing that He is King but that He continues to live as King. Let us fight the good fight of faith and continue to flee sin and pursue righteousness. - P92
Paul concludes his letter by instructing Timothy about what to teach richbelievers in particular. - P92
He is to remind them not to place their security inmoney. Wealthier believers are expected to do good and be rich in gooddeeds. They should readily share their riches. Some of us are more focusedon financial security than spiritual security. Let us be reminded of Paul‘swords and recognize that the riches of good works are far better than worldly riches. - P92
If our hearts are fully committed to God, we will find ourselvesstoring up treasures that matter in the coming age rather than the temporary treasures of this life. - P92
We will be focused on blessing others rather thankeeping what we have for ourselves. - P92
Heavenly Father, You have given me all that I have, including my finances and my salvation. - P93
Help me to accept both with gratitude, prizing Your gift of salvation and stewarding Your financial provision well. I give You my heart and make You my treasure. In Christ’s name, amen. - P93
"God did not decide to be a being who is supremely valuable, supremely beautiful,
supremely interesting, supremely admirable, and supremely enjoyable. He is who heis. That is what he is."- John Piper - P92
|