Morning Moments

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (KJV)
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Though not used in the text, the word separation makes an interesting point to ponder in the light of this verse. One may separate from or one may separate unto. In the same manner, one may run from or one may run to. In verse 11, Paul instructs Timothy to run from the false teachers and their false teaching which are not consistent with sound doctrine.

They are those dangers covered in the preceding verses and run to or pursue righteousness, which in a practical sense means living right. In the pursuit of right living, one must pursue godliness, which is practical piety or piety toward God.

Paul always chooses his words very carefully. One cannot live right who does not believe right and one cannot believe right without faith, which is the gift of God that enables us to love in a manner that is characteristic of God, and which only can be done as we exercise faith that comes from God and expressed toward man in patience which is a continuing calmness in waiting – a lack of anxiety and a load of praying. It is this patience which comes through trials, testing, and tribulations that develops meekness which is a gentleness, humility, and mildness.

By the way, THIS is the Bundle of Joy that frees us from worry. It is only live out as it is lived in. It only comes from fleeing and following. What a way to approach the conclusion of this letter.
Tomorrow, God willing, we shall discuss “fighting”.

Blessings!