Paul gives Timothy some final words today: fight the good fight. He contrasts the way that Timothy (and all of us) are called to live with the way that others live. We are to fight that good fight and hold fast to our confessions. Cling to life that is really life. There are so many things that claim to be life, but they are not. Do not give in to those. Fight for what is truly life. It’s hard to follow after Jesus. It is. But it is a fight worth fighting. Fight that good fight today.

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Good morning. It’s a pleasure to be with you on this Thursday morning as we conclude our study of 1 Timothy today. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor here at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and we’ve been journeying through 1 Timothy together, rooted in Christ. Tomorrow, we’ll transition into 2 Timothy. Today, we’ll delve into 1 Timothy chapter 6, verses 11 to the end of the chapter, which spans 10 verses.

“But as for you, man of God, shun all of this. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you have been called and to which you have made the confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time. He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be all honor and eternal dominion.”

“As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves treasures and a good foundation for the future, so they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, of professing that some have missed the mark in regards to the faith. Grace be with you.”

Paul’s closing words to Timothy begin with a contrast. While some may be led astray by the allure of riches, Paul instructs Timothy differently: “But as for you, shun all this.” Instead, he urges Timothy to pursue virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Gentleness, particularly, is emphasized—a challenging virtue in a world that often fosters toughness.

The imagery of fighting the good fight of faith is striking. It prompts reflection on whether anyone truly has an easy path to righteousness. The Psalmist, in Psalm 73, grapples with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Yet, the fight for what is right brings joy despite its challenges. It’s a struggle against selfish impulses and the allure of an easier, albeit empty, life.

Paul’s exhortation to do good and be rich in good works resonates deeply. True life, he suggests, is not found in earthly possessions or pursuits but in godliness and service to others. Yet, in a broken world filled with sin and temptation, this fight is ongoing.

In closing, Paul urges Timothy to hold fast to his confession of faith, guarding against false knowledge and distractions. The true life, he reminds us, is found in Jesus—a life worth fighting for.

Thank you for journeying through 1 Timothy with us. Tomorrow, we’ll begin our exploration of 2 Timothy with chapter 1, starting around verse 7. Have a blessed day, and we look forward to seeing you bright and early in the morning.