FINAL WATCHWORDS. 1st Timothy 6:11-21 A common teaching method is to tell the audience what you will say, then say it, and finally recap what you said. Through review and reinforcement, the importance of a matter is clearly impressed on people. There was no doubt as to whom this six-fold charge was being given. Timothy was the man of God responsible for passing on the truths he "had heard among many witnesses" and making them clear to the church at Ephesus. He was not a man with a minor relationship with the apostle, the church, or his Lord. He was God's man, for God's work, in God's house, responsible for doing God's will. Christianity is not a passive religion, as many people think, nor is it a passive lifestyle where everyone waits for God to act for us.
Some very strong verbs describe God's intention for "the man of God" to do in his service. Faith is active in our preparation for service. This is our training time to develop our spiritual strength and understanding. Hard work and willing sacrifice are expected of those who know what is right. They are responsible for going out and doing what they know. To "flee" what we know is wrong is an honorable flight. He was never to let the love of money, covetousness, and discontent catch up with him. He was always to be way out in front of those things that would seek to catch him. Other things he was never to let out of his sight.
Those things we are to "follow after" as in a glorious pursuit. Righteousness in a practical way is possible because we have been given the righteousness of Christ positionally. We have a righteous standing before God and are to live that out continually. Discipline is required because the servant is to "fight." The fight is a good fight of faith, for which we are strengthened for what lies ahead. We know what is right and what is wrong when decisions have to be made as participants in the work, not just spectators.
Obedience is also necessary when we participate in the work of the Lord. We should engage in that work according to His desires and see it through. To "lay hold" of this work is not based on our personal preferences but on what aligns with advancing the message of eternal life. Contributing to the calling and understanding the goals we aim to achieve in the work is a valuable treasure.
Godliness is a defining characteristic of a man of God. We must cherish it as a treasure by maintaining the right attitude toward God with respect and reverence. This leads to a continual trust in God, assured that we can fulfill what He has called us to do. When godliness and righteousness toward God are maintained, faith in Him, driven by love, empowers us to do His work with patience and self-control. Meekness enables us to use necessary strength even under pressure to compromise.