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 Survey of the Letters of Paul:  1 Timothy 6:12  
  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
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1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
 
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Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

This section has six verses:

1 Timothy 6:11-16
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

We will begin with the Barclay commentary.

CHALLENGE TO TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 6:11–16

First the paraphrase of the verses:

But you, O man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called, now that you have witnessed a noble profession of your faith in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the sight of God, who makes all things alive, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who, in the days of Pontius Pilate, witnessed his noble confession, that you keep the commandment, that you should be without spot and without blame, until the day when our Lord Jesus Christ appears, that appearance which in his own good times the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, will show, he who alone possesses immortality, he who dwells in the light that no man can approach, he whom no man has seen or ever can see, to whom be honour and everlasting power. Amen.

THE letter comes to an end with a tremendous challenge to Timothy, a challenge all the greater because of the deliberate sonorous [high-flown; grandiloquent or lofty style] nobility of the words in which it is clothed.

Right at the outset, Timothy is challenged to excel. He is addressed as man of God. That is one of the great Old Testament titles. It is a title given to Moses. Deuteronomy 33:1 speaks of ‘Moses, the man of God.’ The title of Psalm 90 is ‘A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.’ It is a title of the prophets and the messengers of God. God’s messenger to Eli is a man of God (1 Samuel 2:27). Samuel is described as a man of God (1 Samuel 9:6). Shemaiah, God’s messenger to Rehoboam, is a man of God (1 Kings 12:22). John Bunyan in The Pilgrim’s Progress calls Great-Grace ‘God’s Champion’.

Here is a tide of honour. When the challenge is presented to Timothy, he is not reminded of his own weakness and sin, which might well have reduced him to pessimistic despair; rather, he is challenged by the honour given to him, of being God’s man. It is the Christian way, not to depress people by branding them as lost and helpless sinners, but rather to uplift them by summoning them to be what they have it in them to be. The Christian way is not to fling a humiliating past in someone’s face, but to set before that person the splendour of the potential future. The very fact that Timothy was addressed as ‘man of God’ would make him stand up straight and throw his head back as one who has received his commission from the King.

The virtues and noble qualities set before Timothy are not just heaped haphazardly together. There is an order in them. First, there comes righteousness, dikaiosune¯. This is defined as ‘giving both to other people and to God their due’. It is the most comprehensive of the virtues; the righteous are those who do their duty to God and to their neighbours.

Second, there comes a group of three virtues which look towards God. Godliness, eusebeia, is the reverence of the person who never ceases to be aware that all life is lived in the presence of God. Faith, pistis, here means fidelity, and is the virtue of the person who, through all the chances [opportunities] and the changes of life, down even to the gates of death, is loyal to God. Love, agape, is the virtue possessed by those who, even if they tried, could not forget what God has done for them nor the love of God to all people.

Third, there comes the virtue which looks to the conduct of life. It is hupomone¯. The Authorized Version translates this as patience; but hupomone¯ never means the spirit which sits quietly and simply puts up with things, letting the experiences of life flow like a tide over it. It is victorious endurance. ‘It is unswerving constancy to faith and piety in spite of adversity and suffering.’ It is the virtue which does not so much accept the experiences of life as conquer them.

Fourth, there comes the virtue which considers others. The Greek word is paupatheia. It is translated as gentleness, but is really untranslatable. It describes the spirit which never blazes into anger for its own wrongs but can be devastatingly angry about wrongs done to other people. It describes the spirit which knows how to forgive and yet knows how to wage the battle of righteousness. It describes the spirit which walks in humility and yet also in pride of its high calling from God. It describes the virtue which enables people to keep a true balance between concern and respect for others and self-esteem.

MEMORIES WHICH INSPIRE
As Timothy is challenged to the task of the future, he is inspired with the memories of the past.

(1) He is to remember his baptism and the vows he took there. In the circumstances of the early Church, baptism was inevitably adult baptism, for men and women were coming straight from the old religions to Christ. It was confession of faith and witness to all that the baptized person had taken Jesus Christ as Saviour, Master and Lord. The earliest of all Christian confessions was the simple creed: ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11). But it has been suggested that behind these words to Timothy lies a confession of faith which said: ‘I believe in God the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Christ Jesus who suffered under Pontius Pilate and will return to judge; I believe in the resurrection from the dead and in the [eternal life].’ It may well have been a creed like that to which Timothy gave his allegiance. So, first of all, he is reminded that he is a man who has given his promise. Christians are first and foremost men and women who have pledged themselves to Jesus Christ.

(2) He is to remember that he has made the same confession of his faith as Jesus did. When Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate said: ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ and Jesus answered: ‘You say so’ (Luke 23:3). Jesus had witnessed that he was a king, and Timothy had always witnessed to the lordship of Christ. When Christians confess their faith, they do what their Master has already done; when they suffer for their faith, they undergo what their Master has already undergone. When we are engaged on some great enterprise, we can say: ‘We are treading where the saints have trod’, but when we confess our faith before others, we are able to say even more; we can say: ‘I stand with Christ’; and surely this must lift up our hearts and inspire our lives.

(3) He is to remember that Christ comes again. He is to remember that his life and work must be made fit for him to see. Christians are not working to satisfy other people; they are working to satisfy Christ. The question a Christian must always ask is not: ‘Is this good enough to pass the judgment of others?’ but: ‘Is it good enough to win the approval of Christ?’

(4) Above all, he is to remember God. And what a memory that is! He is to remember the one who is King of every king and Lord of every lord; the one who possesses the gift of life eternal to give to men and women; the one whose holiness and majesty are such that no one can ever dare to look upon them. Christians must always remember God and say: ‘If God is for us, who is against us?’ (Romans 8:31). ~Barclay Commentary

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

This is clearly Paul speaking to Timothy but in reality it is God the Father speaking to each firstfruit ever called. This verse is not only a command and very specific admonition but one full of absolute encouragement and excitement. This is the perfect verse for any firstfruit caught up weary in well-doing [2 Thessalonians 3:13]. This verse screams for a sermon, so expect one in the near future. Just look at the issues here: Faith, the Kingdom of God, eternal life and your efforts in the Salvation Process.

Let us begin with the general commentaries. We read this one last week from the Matthew Henry Concise

It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be taken up with the things of God. There must be a conflict with corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown proposed for our encouragement. We are called to lay hold thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But who can give such a charge, that is not himself above the love of things that wealth can buy? The appearing of Christ is certain, but it is not for us to know the time. Mortal eyes cannot bear the brightness of the Divine glory. None can approach him except as he is made known unto sinners in and by Christ. ~Matthew Henry Concise

Now to the larger Matthew Henry commentary, breaking into the text that there covers verses 6-12.

Hence he takes occasion to caution Timothy, and to counsel him to keep in the way of God and his duty, and particularly to fulfil the trust reposed in him as a minister. He addresses himself to him as a man of God. Ministers are men of God, and ought to conduct themselves accordingly in every thing; they are men employed for God, devoted to his honour more immediately. The prophets under the Old Testament were called men of God.

1. He charges Timothy to take heed of the love of money, which had been so pernicious to many: Flee these things. It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be taken up with the things of God.

2. To arm him against the love of the world, he directs him to follow that which is good. Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness: righteousness in his conversation towards men, godliness towards God, faith and love as living principles, to support him and carry him on in the practice both of righteousness and godliness. Those that follow after righteousness and godliness, from a principle of faith and love, have need to put on patience and meekness - patience to bear both the rebukes of Providence and the reproaches of men, and meekness wherewith to instruct gainsayers and pass by the affronts and injuries that are done us. Observe, It is not enough that men of God flee these things, but they must follow after what is directly contrary thereto. Further, What excellent persons men of God are who follow after righteousness! They are the excellent of the earth, and, being acceptable to God, they should be approved of men.

3. He exhorts him to do the part of a soldier: Fight the good fight of faith. Note, Those who will get to [the Kingdom] must fight their way thither. There must be a conflict with corruption and temptations, and the opposition of the powers of darkness. Observe, It is a good fight, it is a good cause, and it will have a good issue. It is the fight of faith; we do not war after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. He exhorts him to lay hold on eternal life.

Quoted verse:
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Observe,

(1.) Eternal life is the crown proposed to us, for our encouragement to war, and to fight the good fight of faith, the good warfare.
(2.) This we must lay hold on, as those that are afraid of coming short of it and losing it. Lay hold, and take heed of losing your hold. Hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown, Revelation 3:11.
(3.) We are called to the fight, and to lay hold on eternal life.
(4.) The profession Timothy and all faithful ministers make before many witnesses is a good profession; for they profess and engage to fight the good fight of faith, and to lay hold on eternal life; their calling and their own profession oblige them to this. ~Matthew Henry

Quoted verse:
Revelation 3:11 ...the motto of the ICG
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Now to the specific commentaries:

This verse is handled in four parts:

1] Fight the good fight of faith.
2] Lay hold on eternal life.
3] Whereunto thou art also called.
4] And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.


1] Fight the good fight of faith

Fight the good fight of faith - The noble conflict in the cause of religion; see Ephesians 6:10-17; compare 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. The allusion is to the contests at the Grecian games.

Quoted verses:
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

1 Corinthians 9:26-27
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

It is very important at this point that we look at the commentary on verse 26.
 

Not as uncertainly - (οὐκ ἀδήλως ouk adēlōs). This word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It usually means, in the Classic writers, “obscurely.” Here it means that he did not run as not knowing to what object he aimed. “I do not run haphazardly; I do not exert myself for nothing; I know at what I aim, and I keep my eye fixed on the object; I have the goal and the crown in view.” Probably also the apostle intended to convey this idea, “I so live and act that I am “sure” of obtaining the crown. I make it a great and grand point of my life so to live that there may be no room for doubt or hesitancy about this rustler. I believe it may be obtained; and that by a proper course there may be a constant certainty of securing it; and I so live.” O how happy and blessed would it be if all Christians thus lived! How much doubt, and hesitancy, and despondency would it remove from many a Christian’s mind! And yet it is morally certain that if every Christian were to be only as anxious and careful as were the ancient Grecian wrestlers and racers in the games, they would have the undoubted assurance of gaining the prize. Doddridge and Macknight, however, render this “as not out of view;” or as not distinguished; meaning that the apostle was not “unseen,” but that he regarded himself as constantly in the view of the judge, the Lord Jesus Christ. I prefer the other interpretation, however, as best according with the connection and with the proper meaning of the word. [emphasis mine]

So fight I - οὗτω πυκτεύω houtō pukteuō. This word is applied to the “boxers,” or the pugilists, in the Grecian games. The exercise of boxing, or “fighting” with the fist, was a part of the entertainment with which the “enlightened” nations of Greece delighted to amuse themselves.

Not as one that beateth the air - The “phrase” here is taken from the habits of the pugilists or boxers, who were accustomed, before entering the lists, to exercise their limbs with the gauntlet, in order to acquire greater skill and dexterity. There was also, before the real contest commenced, a play with their fists and weapons, by way of show or bravado, which was called σκιᾷμαχία skiamachia, a mock-battle, or a fighting the air. The phrase also is applicable to a “missing the aim,” when a blow was struck in a real struggle, and when the adversary would elude the blow, so that it would be spent in the empty air. This last the idea which Paul means to present. He did not miss his aim; he did not exert himself and spend his strength for nothing. Every blow that he struck told; and he did not waste his energies on that which would produce no result. He did not strive with rash, ill-advised, or uncertain blows; but all his efforts were directed, with good account, to the grand purpose or subjugating his enemy - sin - and the corrupt desires of the flesh - and bringing everything into captivity to God.  Much may be learned from this.

Many an effort of Christians is merely beating the air. The energy is expended for nothing. There is a lack of wisdom, or skill, or perseverance; there is a failure of plan; or there is a mistake in regard to what is to be done, and what should be done. There is often among Christians very little “aim” or object; there is no “plan;” and the efforts are wasted, scattered, inefficient efforts; so that, at the close of life, many a man may say that he has spent his ministry or his Christian course mainly, or entirely, “in beating the air.” Besides, many set up a man of straw and fight that. They fancy error and heresy in others and oppose that. They become a “heresy-hunters;” or they oppose some irregularity in religion that, if left alone, would die of itself; or they fix all their attention upon some minor evil, and they devote their lives to the destruction of that alone. When death comes, they may have never struck a blow at one of the real and dangerous enemies of the gospel; and the simple record on the tombstone of many ministers and many private Christians might he, “Here lies one who spent his life in beating the air.” ~Barnes Notes
 

Note:  At this point in the Bible study I played a video of a modern-day athlete who, in 2008 was running a 600-meter race and fell down with just one lap to go.  She rises to not only continue the race but actually win it.  Heather, the runner shown in the video is the perfect metaphor to the firstfruits race in the quest for Salvation.  It also matches up with the Grecian game athletes that Paul is using in his discussion to Timothy.  See the video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsOBaV_93yQ

Fight the good fight of faith
- “Agonize the good agony.” Thou hast a contest to sustain in which thy honor, thy life, thy soul, are at stake. Live the Gospel, and defend the cause of God. Unmask hypocrites, expel the profligate, purge and build up the Church, live in the spirit of thy religion, and give thyself wholly to this work. ~Adam Clarke  [emphasis mine]

2] Lay hold on eternal life

Lay hold on eternal life - As the crown of victory that is held out to you. Seize this as eagerly as the competitors at the Grecian games laid hold on the prize; see 1 Corinthians 9:25. ~Barnes Notes

Quoted verse:
1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Lay hold on eternal life - All this is in allusion to the exercises in the public Grecian games: Fight, conquer, and seize upon the prize; carry off the crown of eternal life! ~Adam Clarke

Lay hold on eternal life - as Timothy for his encouragement is here bid to do. Eternal life is the prize of the high calling of God, which is held up, and held forth to those who are fighting the Lord's battles; and this they should look unto as the recompense of reward; and this they may lay hold upon, even now by faith, believing their interest in it, their right unto it, and that they shall enjoy it; of which they may be the more assured, because of their effectual calling: ~John Gill

3] Whereunto thou art also called

Whereunto thou art also called - That is, by the Spirit of God, and by the very nature of your profession. God does not “call” his people that they may become rich; he does not convert them in order that they may devote themselves to the business of gain. They are “called” to a higher and nobler work. Yet how many professing Christians there are who seem to live as if God had “called” them to the special business of making money, and who devote themselves to it with a zeal and assiduity that would do honor to such a calling, if this had been the grand object which God had in view in converting them! ~Barnes Notes

Whereunto thou art also called - not barely by the external ministration of the Gospel, in which sense many are called, but few chosen and saved [ultimately]; but internally, by the special grace and power of the Spirit of God; and such who are so called, are not only called to grace, but to eternal glory; and the God of all grace, who has called unto it, of his sovereign good will and pleasure, is faithful, and will bestow it. The word "also" is left out in the Alexandrian copy, and in the Vulgate Latin, and in all the Oriental versions; but it seems to be emphatic, and is used to strengthen Timothy's faith, as to the enjoyment of eternal life; since it was not only the reward of grace, following upon the good fight of faith, but was that also to which he was called by the grace of God: ~John Gill

4] And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Hast professed a good profession. - When called to eternal life. "This refers probably to his baptism, when, as we know from very early times, a public profession of faith was made."--Speaker's Commentary. ~People's New Testament

And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses - both before the brethren at Lystra, at his baptism and admission into the church [Body of Christ], before whom he gave an account of his faith, and made a profession of it; and who, upon this, and his agreeable life and conversation, gave a good report of him to the Apostle Paul, and before the apostle, and the rest of the elders, when they laid their hands on him, whereby an extraordinary gift was conveyed unto him, 1 Timothy 4:14 [see Lesson] or it may be before the men of the world, some violent persecutors, before whom he bravely, and with great intrepidity [resolutely fearless; dauntless], professed his faith in Christ Jesus; and which he continued constantly to do, in every place wherever he came; and which being done so often, and so publicly, is a reason why he should keep on till the battle was over. ~John Gill

 



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