Awake & Alive: 1 Timothy Reading Plan
Day 28
11But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Paul continues to build his case for godly living by comparing and contrasting the two available options. He reminds Timothy, and by extension the modern reader, of the importance of living with an eternal perspective. This perspective is a critical tool in guarding contentment and pursuing true holiness anchored in the Gospel.
Paul again emphasizes the importance of a life transformed by the Gospel before concluding with a hymn of praise that beautifully depicts God’s power and nature. This intentional ordering keeps the focus of Christian life on the believer’s ability to display Christ, further emphasized by the specific reference to God’s immense glory. There is freedom in this correct orientation, as it prevents self-exalting legalism and guides believers toward their eternal purpose. This is the great message of the Gospel, and exactly what Timothy has been entrusted with teaching and protecting for the church at Ephesus.