What is your Definition of Success?
February 24, 2019
Commentary
Paul shares with Timothy three principles that will bring success in the ministry if they are followed.
1. Flee (v. 11a) the love of money and what it brings, false doctrine, and godless practices. Sometimes we may need to stand and fight but there are definite times when fleeing is a work of wisdom. There are times when running away is the mark of a coward as Nehemiah asked, “should such a man as I flee” (Neh. 6:11)? But there are other times when fleeing is a mark of wisdom and a means to victory. An example would be when Joseph was tempted by his master’s wife and fled (Gen. 39:12).
2. Follow (v. 11b) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Separation without character building only leads to isolation. Let us be known for what we propose rather than what we oppose.
3. Fight (vv. 12-16) for truth and for our commanding general Jesus Christ until He returns. Like Nehemiah have the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other (Neh. 4:17). We must stand guard for the things of Christ, or they will be taken from us. However, we must not spend so much time fighting that we fail to build lives (Rom. 14:19).
As we flee from the things that tie us to this world we then yearn more for His return.
Application
I need to make a list of truths that I can hold to no matter what teachers or friends may say or try to get me to do. Then I need to put a check mark beside the things that I need to memorize a verse of scripture for, to have a proof text. Use a concordance with this project.
1 Timothy 6:11– 16 (NET)
11 But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 to obey this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 15 —whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time. 16 He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.