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Fight the good fight of the Faith.1 Lay hold of the everlasting Life to which you were called2 and confessed the good confession before many witnesses.3
| 1 | Fight the good fight of the Faith: Or, MON: keep contending in the noble contest; WEY: struggle your hardest. The Greek is AGONIZOU TON KALON AGONA, or “agonize the fine agony.” Compare AGONIA in Luke 13:24 and Luke 22:44. |
| 2 | Lay hold of the everlasting Life to which you were called: Or, take hold, seize, keep you grip, hold tightly, keep a grip. |
| 3 | Confessed the good confession before many witnesses: Or, KJV: professed a good profession. This is a theme Paul continues with the example of Jesus. It seems likely this refers to Timothy’s baptism where he publicly announced his dedication or consecration to Nazarene discipleship in the name of Jesus This is something of an insight into baptism and the early Church. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 Timothy 6:12 as the theme verse of chapter six – Agonize the Fine Agony. The beginning of chapter six is really a continuation of chapter five with counsel to Christian slaves and their masters. [1, 2] Part of “fighting the good fight” involves avoiding “different doctrine.” [3-6] Paul warns of those who teach such doctrine that is not in agreement with the “healthy words of our Master.” Such persons are characterized by conceit and controversy. From such arrogant and adversarial persons come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction. Such have become bereft of the Truth and think they can make material gain out of godliness.
Paul turns to the danger of riches. [7-10] Materialism is part of the struggle in fighting the good fight. Christians ought to learn to be satisfied with “sustenance and covering.” Those Christians who are determined to become rich will only inflict themselves with many sorrows and possible destruction. The love of money results in every kind of personal harm and such cravings can mislead one from the Faith.
Christian men and women of God ought to take flight from such love of money. [11-16] Instead they ought to pure and focus on righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and meekness. All of this is involved in fighting the good fight of the Faith. Paul puts Timothy under divine command to “keep the commandment spotlessly and without reproach.”
Timothy is to “command the rich” not to be high-minded and trust in their riches. [17-19] Rather rich Christians ought to go good, generous, willing to share and be rich in good works. Only by this will they “save for themselves a good foundation.” Timothy is exhorted to “guard your trust.” [20, 21] He should turn away from “empty discussions” and theories of False-Knowledge.
Abba our Father bless those who fight the good fight.
[2 August 2002]
