Paul leaves his final advice to Timothy, who is the young pastor at the church of Ephesus. He has used this letter primarily as a guideline for Timothy to conduct the church with decency and godliness. In the first and fourth chapters, Paul warned Timothy about the false teachers who would try to enter the church and destroy the members with their cunningness. In chapter 2, Paul wrote concerning the importance of prayer as well as the role of men/women in the church. Chapter 3 is dedicated to revealing the qualifications of a pastor and a deacon. The fifth chapter addressed matters of respect toward the widows, elders, and slaves. Finally, Paul spent the first part of chapter 6 discussing the dangers of loving money and its’ ability to destroy our faith. Keeping all these instructions in mind, Paul writes to Timothy, “O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (6:11). Paul’s advice is clear – stay away from the world’s philosophy in order to follow after godliness. Paul continues to instruct Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (6:12). Being a Christian brings us into direct conflict with the enemy – Satan and his evil system of values. Timothy must have courage to stand against these forces of evil and live as a light in a dark world. He was not to be characterized by the same attitudes and actions as the world – he was to be different until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ (6:14-16)! Then, returning to the theme of money Paul commands those who are rich “not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God…do good, that they be rich in good works, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation” (6:17-19). In summary of all that Paul had said, Timothy was to guard the truth and avoid any form of false teachings, which ultimately leads to a sinful lifestyle (6:20-21). If you are a young adult, you should especially take Paul’s advice to Timothy to heart because the church needs people to stand for the truth and not compromise. It is easy to be like everyone else…it is easy to act like everyone else; however, God calls His followers to live with integrity, with character, and with passion. Be distinct from the lost world around you and do not let them tell you how to live. Let us be reminded of what Paul wrote to Timothy concerning his young leadership: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity…for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12, 16b).
Dear God, make me a leader with character and integrity that others may be drawn to You by the way I live my life!
