Faithful Before the King

Paul calls Timothy a man of God and tells him to flee these things. The command follows the warning about money, but it reaches beyond a single temptation. Timothy must run from the pride, quarrels, greed, and false priorities that can grow around religious work.

He is to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fleeing and pursuing belong together. If we only stop a bad habit without moving toward a better love, the empty space will not remain empty for long.

Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of eternal life, to which he was called and about which he made a good confession before many witnesses. The image is active, but it is not a call to attack people. It is perseverance in the faith Timothy has publicly confessed.

Paul charges him in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession before Pontius Pilate, to keep the command without stain or reproach until Christ appears. Obedience is lived before the God who gives life, not before the changing judgment of a crowd.

Christ's appearing will be revealed by God at the proper time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. To Him belong honor and eternal might.