The Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are believed to be the last letters that he either wrote himself or used scribes to compose prior to his death. Paul’s letters, to both of these men, are referred to as pastoral Epistles. This classification is due to the fact that these letters were from one pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Paul, to another pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Timothy and Titus. Prior to these letters, both men had been important missionary companions of Paul as they assisted him at different times of his ministry and while he wrote letters to many of the other churches.
In today’s passage we are looking at a portion of Paul’s closing remarks to Timothy in the last chapter of 1 Timothy. Paul is instructing Timothy to run away from sin so he can live a godly life, to fight the good fight of faith, and to hold on tightly to eternal life. This message was not only for Timothy, or for him to share with the Church at Ephesus that he was leading at the time…no, it was, is, and will be for the entire Church of Christ, which includes you, me, and ALL believers.
Paul understood, just as you and I understand, how sin messes with our souls, it seeks to ruin our relationships, circumstances, life, and ultimately, Satan, tempts us with sin, 24/7, and his intension is to pull us away from Jesus and our godly way of living in connection to Him. Paul reminded the Church in Corinth, as well as he reminds you, me, and ALL believers, that “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Cor 10:13)
Paul also understood, just as you and I understand, that we must finish our earthly life connected to the One Who offers us eternal life, Jesus, no matter what hell on earth comes against us. In order to do that our faith must be rooted in Jesus, and we need to be feeding our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions) His Word daily, because it is the ONLY Truth and light in this dark world. Remember what Paul wrote, and keep in mind this is just before his life would be martyred for Jesus, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)
Finally, Paul cautions ALL believers to hold on tightly to the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Friends, we need to remember what Jesus, Himself, tells us about eternal life, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believer in God Who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” (John 5:24) In this life, you and I will hold tightly to A LOT of people, things, positions, places, maybe our earthly lives, etc. But absolutely, NOTHING should compare or even come close to us holding tightly to JESUS, the ONLY ONE WHO OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE!!!
1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NLT)
Paul’s Final Instructions
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for ministering through the Apostle Paul to us. Thank You for eternal life with You! Holy Spriit, please continue to help each one of us with being quick to flee from sin. We want to live godly lives that are pleasing to the Father. Guide us with Your holy wisdom and shield us with protection from Satan as we stand on Jesus, the Word of God, and fight the good fight of faith. We look forward to eternity with You, Jesus. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.