Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 NABRE
Paul is closing out his letter to his disciple Timothy, who has run into a difficult situation in the community, mostly from false teachers preaching false doctrine, myth and speculations. These teachers are making inroads. Paul is bucking up Timothy, to encourage him and remind him of his faith history. Paul calls him “Man of God” a title used in the old covenant for someone who holds a high office. Moses and David were called man of God, but the title was used more for the prophets responsible to bring hard truths to the people. Paul uses it to let Timothy know he has a prophetic authority when it comes to the people’s needs. Paul indicates to Timothy he is in a fight telling him to “complete well for the faith.” It is beyond a disagreement with the false teachers, it is a fight for what is right. Timothy has committed himself previously to Christ and Paul reminds him, saying “lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witness.” In a sense he is saying don’t lose a grip on eternal life. It is a reminder of Timothy’s profession for Christ most likely at his public baptism. Timothy still has the prayers of those witnesses, and he is in the mind of Christ. Paul is doing all he can to encourage Timothy to fight on and not be discouraged.
We might think at times the odds are against us when we are trying to live the message of Jesus. It is not a road that is easy to pursue. But, we too need to compete for the faith and remember our commitment to eternal life.
Do you live a life of witness for Christ? Do you have moments of confrontation that is difficult to defend Christ?
We might think at times the odds are against us when we are trying to live the message of Jesus. It is not a road that is easy to pursue. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity #dailybibleverse@youversion #BeAnEncourager #faith#compete #Paul #everybodyalways#god #jesuschrist #jesussaves#godisgood #dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer#goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways