1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
In continuing the article I started last week on “Christian Duties,” I want to present the next word in verse eleven of 1 Timothy 6. The first part of the verse says “Flee,” meaning there are some things that the Christian should run from. For instance, 2 Timothy 2:22 says “Flee also youthful lusts.” I’m sure I don’t have to elaborate much on that except to say that fornication (sexual is outside of marriage) is one of the main lusts of youth. The scriptures tell us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “abstain from all appearance of evil.” The best way to do that is, if you’re not sure if it’s wrong, avoid it! And if the scripture says its sin, absolutely abstain from it.
The next word in verse eleven is “Follow.” “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
We have all the instruction we need in living the Christian life, given to us in the pages of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 gives us the authority and profitability of the scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, (here is the authority) and is profitable for doctrine, (what we are to believe) for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; (how we are to live) 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” It will furnish us all the knowledge we need to live a life that will be pleasing to our Lord.
Let’s notice what the scripture says to follow after. First is Righteousness, find out what is right and do it. Then, Godliness, live in such a way that God can be seen in your life; Faith, Romans 1:17 ”The just shall live by faith.” Total dependence and confidence in God. Love, “In this way shall men know you are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” Patience, is calmness in the midst of hindrances or adversity. Meekness, is having humility; gentleness; or strength under control. Contentment, is being satisfied and at peace with your circumstances, regardless of what life throws at you. 1 Timothy 6:8 puts it like this, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
These duties can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, 23, 25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
To be continued next week with the next word, “Fight.”