As we conclude our study in the book of First Timothy, we see Paul giving Timothy some final words of encouragement. He encourages Timothy to stay faithful in the ministry that God has called him to and to fight a good fight. Paul gives Timothy five basic demands that Timothy must adhere to until Jesus comes again. These imperatives are also important for us to obey as we anticipate the soon return of Jesus.

                Flee from worldliness. In verse 11, Paul tells Timothy to ‘flee these things.’ The things that he is to flee are all the sins and shortcomings that Paul addressed previously in his letter. Wiersbe says, “The word “flee” that Paul used here did not refer to literal running, but to Timothy’s separating himself from the sins of the false teachers.”^[1] As you and I live out our days on this earth, we are to flee from the things of this world and pursue godliness and holiness. Separation from the world is imperative for the effectiveness of our testimony in the world. How will the lost around us ever come to Christ if we talk one way but live another way? God has called us to live a separated and holy life. We often scratch our heads and wonder why God does not bless us and His church. Could it be that there is too much of the world in us and in the church? Have we not compromised over the years? In these last days, true revival will only come when God’s people repent of their sins and rid themselves from worldliness and pursue holiness. Returning to holiness is the key to revival. To fight a good fight, to be who God intends for us to be in this world, we must repent of our sins and live a holy life.

                Pursue Christian virtues. As we flee the things of this world, we are to pursue those things that are pleasing to the Lord. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,  whatever is just,  whatever is pure,  whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence  and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.”^[2] The things that we are to focus on are the things that lead to godliness. Too often we feed on the things of this world. We entertain ourselves with all types of sin and vulgarity. In this modern age we are constantly bombarded with all kinds of sin and immorality. However, we are not to look at these things. We are not to feed our minds with the filth of this world. Instead, we should feed our minds with the things that are pure and lovely. We should feed on God’s Word and hide His word in our hearts. The pursuit of such Christian virtues comes from faithful attention to basic spiritual disciplines. The more we feed on God’s Word and pray and meditate, the less appealing the things of this world will be. The closer you get to God, the further away from the filth of the world you become. If we are going to be salt and light in the world, we must pursue those things that God desires for us. To fight a good fight, we must pursue and live out those virtues that are pleasing to the Lord.

                Fight the good fight. In verse 12, Paul specifically declares the theme of this passage as fighting the good fight of faith. As Paul encourages Timothy to be holy and purse the things of God, he also encourages him to stay true to his calling. One commentary says, “The servant of God must also fulfill the calling of ministry. The charge issued in 1:18 is repeated here. Paul has changed the metaphor, however, from ministry in terms of a military struggle to ministry in terms of an athletic contest (see also 2 Tim 4:7). Thus the need for perseverance, sustained effort and training dominate in this charge (compare 1 Cor 9:24–27; 2 Tim 2:5).”^[3] As believers in Christ living in a world that is increasingly hostile toward our faith, it is imperative that we stay faithful. The more we persevere in our holiness and in our work for the Kingdom, the greater impact we will have on the unbelieving world.

                Lay hold on eternal life. The thing that encourages us in fighting a good fight is the eternal life we have in Jesus. This life began the moment we accepted Jesus as our Savior. This life comes with a promise that one day we will live in the physical presence of Jesus in a perfect world free of sin and its curse. The prospect of Heaven is the greatest motivation for the believer in his or her quest for holiness. Think about it. Our future with Jesus is just as real as our struggles today. We will be with Him. We will share in His glory. We have eternal life, therefore, fight on!

                Keep His Commandments. The final imperative seen in Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is to keep the Commandments of the Lord. Fighting a good fight begins with obedience to the Word of God. We have been given a book called the Bible. This book is our personal guide for our Christian walk. It reveals God to us and gives us principles and promises by which we are to live. To be useful for the Kingdom, we must live in obedience. To fulfill our calling, we must be obedient.

                Paul encourages Timothy to keep His commandments until the coming of Jesus. The promise of eternal life is reiterated with a promise that Jesus is coming again! This promise leads Paul to break out in a doxology of praise in verses 15-16. Paul then finishes out his letter to Timothy in verses 20-21 with a final reminder to avoid false teaching and to stay true to what has been given to him. As we wait for the glorious return of Jesus, may we fight a good fight by living as God has intended for us to live in this world. Dear Christian, don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep your hand on the plow and your eye on the sky for Jesus is coming soon!

^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 235–236). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Php 4:8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

^[3] Towner, P. (1994). 1–2 Timothy & Titus (Vol. 14, 1 Ti 6:12–15). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.