FLEE – FOLLOW – FIGHT
I TIM 6:6-12
Two weeks ago we talked about Mat 6:27-54
We can not add even one cubic of height from worry.
This text also says about the same thing:
1 Tim. 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Tim. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Tim. 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we
can carry nothing out.
Another sobering warning for us who live in America:
1 Tim. 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
And then the very well know passage:
1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
But now the writer says to us:
1 Tim. 6:11 But thou, “O man of God”:
So Paul says to Timothy and to all those faithful to God.
FLEE – FOLLOW – FIGHT
1 Tim. 6:11-12
But thou, “O man of God”, FLEE these things; and FOLLOW after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.
FLEE: These things – what things ?
Love of money – Worry – Godlessness – Covetousness – Faithlessness
Temptation – Sorrow – Youthful Lust - Idolatry
If we do not “Flee” these things – we will fall into a snare.
Be entrapped like an animal.
Filled with many sorrows.
2 Tim. 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.
So Paul encourages faithful “Men of God” to FLEE
Then Paul says:
FOLLOW: “Pursue an object in an effort to gain it”.
Righteousness – Godliness – Faith – Love – Patience – Meekness
Righteousness:Dealing with our fellow man.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation: but sinis a reproach to any people.
Godliness:Our relationship with God.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Faith: The root of both righteousness and Godliness.
Love: That by which faith works.
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by “love”.
Patience: Which is needed as we pursue the other graces.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with “patience” the race that is set before us.
Meekness: Toward those who oppose us.
Proverbs 24:19 Fret not yourself because of evil men, neither be you envious at the wicked.
Peace: End result of our pursuit.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men.
As we FOLLOW these graces, we shall find ourselves in company with wonderful people.
Christians seems to be able to accomplish the first two charges:
FLEE these things and FOLLOW after:
Even though we fall along the way, most Christians do a good job of:
FLEEING and FOLLOWING
BUT: The final charge I have great concern about.
FIGHT: Yes we FLEE and FOLLOW but do we FIGHT ?
2 Tim. 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight”, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Our “Enemy” is three fold:
World:1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Flesh:Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Devil:1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, who walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
FIGHTING can only rid ourselves of these three evils.
This is a contest to the bitter end – to “Eternal Life” or “Eternal Hell”
FLEE - SIN FOLLOW - CHRIST FIGHT - FAITHFULLY
First you must FLEE SIN – Repent
Second you must FOLLOW CHRIST - in Baptism
Third you must FIGHT FAITHFULLY - Rev. 2:10 Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
FLEE FOLLOW FIGHT