1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
Fight the good fight
The phrase "Fight the good fight" is a call to spiritual warfare, using the Greek word "ἀγωνίζου" (agonizou), which implies a struggle or contest. This term is reminiscent of athletic competitions in ancient Greece, where athletes would exert themselves to the utmost to win the prize. In a Christian context, this fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). It is a call to perseverance, discipline, and dedication in living out one's faith amidst trials and temptations. Historically, this reflects the early Christian experience of persecution and the need for steadfastness in the face of opposition.

of the faith
"Of the faith" refers to the Christian faith, the body of beliefs and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Greek word "πίστεως" (pisteos) denotes not just belief but a deep-seated trust and reliance on God. This faith is the foundation upon which the Christian life is built, and it is what believers are called to defend and uphold. The historical context of this phrase underscores the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining doctrinal purity and resisting false teachings.

Take hold of
"Take hold of" is translated from the Greek word "ἐπιλαβοῦ" (epilabou), which means to seize or grasp firmly. This is an active, intentional action, suggesting that eternal life is not something passively received but actively pursued. It implies a sense of urgency and determination in living out one's salvation. Theologically, it reflects the concept of "already but not yet," where believers are called to live in the reality of eternal life now, even as they await its full realization in the future.

the eternal life
"The eternal life" is a central promise of the Christian faith, referring to the life that is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from earthly existence. The Greek term "ζωῆς αἰωνίου" (zoes aioniou) emphasizes not just unending life but a life characterized by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This life begins at the moment of faith and continues beyond physical death. In the historical context, this promise offered hope and assurance to believers facing persecution and martyrdom.

to which you were called
"To which you were called" highlights the divine initiative in salvation. The Greek word "ἐκλήθης" (ekletheis) indicates a calling or invitation from God, underscoring the belief that salvation is not based on human effort but on God's grace and purpose. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are summoned to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of being set apart for God's purposes in a hostile world.

when you made the good confession
"When you made the good confession" refers to the public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. The Greek term "ὡμολόγησας" (homologesas) means to confess or acknowledge openly. This confession is both a personal commitment and a public testimony, often associated with baptism in the early church. It signifies a break from the past and a new allegiance to Christ. Historically, this confession could lead to persecution, making it a bold and courageous act.

before many witnesses
"Before many witnesses" emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The Greek word "μαρτύρων" (marturon) can mean both witnesses and martyrs, highlighting the role of the community in supporting and holding accountable those who profess faith. This public aspect of confession underscores the importance of the church as a body of believers who encourage and strengthen one another. Historically, this reflects the early church's practice of gathering for worship, teaching, and mutual support in the face of external pressures.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of the Apostle Paul, Timothy is the recipient of this letter. He is tasked with leading the church in Ephesus and is encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith and duties.

2. Paul
The Apostle Paul is the author of this epistle. He writes to Timothy to provide guidance, encouragement, and instruction in pastoral leadership and personal conduct.

3. Ephesus
The city where Timothy is serving as a church leader. Ephesus was a major center of commerce and culture in the Roman Empire, known for its diverse population and religious practices.

4. The Good Confession
This refers to Timothy's public declaration of faith, possibly at his baptism or ordination, where he professed his belief in Christ before many witnesses.

5. Eternal Life
The ultimate promise and hope for believers, eternal life is both a present possession and a future hope, secured through faith in Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Nature of the Christian Life as a Battle
The Christian life is depicted as a "fight," indicating that it involves struggle, effort, and perseverance. Believers are called to be vigilant and active in their faith journey.

The Importance of Perseverance
Just as athletes train and compete with dedication, Christians are to persist in their faith, despite challenges and opposition, holding firmly to their beliefs.

The Significance of Public Confession
Timothy's "good confession" serves as a reminder of the importance of publicly professing one's faith. This act strengthens personal commitment and serves as a witness to others.

The Assurance of Eternal Life
Believers are encouraged to "take hold" of eternal life, emphasizing that it is both a present reality and a future promise. This assurance provides hope and motivation in the Christian walk.

The Role of Community in Faith
The mention of "many witnesses" highlights the role of the Christian community in supporting and affirming one's faith journey. Fellowship with other believers is crucial for encouragement and accountability.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "fight the good fight of the faith" in your daily life, and how can you apply this in practical ways?

2. Reflect on a time when you made a "good confession" of your faith. How did it impact your relationship with God and others?

3. How can the assurance of eternal life influence your decisions and priorities today?

4. In what ways can you engage with your Christian community to strengthen your faith and the faith of others?

5. Consider the metaphor of an athlete in training. What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your life to help you persevere in your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Paul uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, emphasizing discipline and perseverance, similar to the "fight" mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:12.

2 Timothy 4:7
Paul reflects on his own life, stating he has "fought the good fight," showing continuity in his message to Timothy about perseverance in faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Encourages believers to run the race with endurance, fixing their eyes on Jesus, which parallels the call to "fight the good fight" and "take hold of eternal life."

Philippians 3:12-14
Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling, which aligns with the exhortation to "take hold of the eternal life."
Eternal Life Within Present GraspC. H. Spurgeon.1 Timothy 6:12
Man's Great DutyT. Guthrie, D. D.1 Timothy 6:12
One Witness, Many ConfessorsAlexander Maclaren1 Timothy 6:12
The Christian WarfareW. Harrison, M. A.1 Timothy 6:12
The Christian Warfare; Or, the Good Fight of FaithT. Boston, D. D.1 Timothy 6:12
The FightBp. Ryle.1 Timothy 6:12
The Good FightW. C. Smith, D. D.1 Timothy 6:12
The Good FightHomilist1 Timothy 6:12
The Good Fight and its ResultsT. Croskery 1 Timothy 6:12
The Problem of LifeH. W. Beecher.1 Timothy 6:12
The Christian GladiatorR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 6:11-16
People
Paul, Philemon, Pilate, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Age-during, Ages, Confess, Confessed, Confession, Conflict, Earnestly, Eternal, Exert, Faith, Fight, Fighting, Hast, Hold, Honourable, Lay, Laying, Marked, Noble, Presence, Profess, Professed, Profession, Sight, Strength, Strife, Strive, Striving, Struggle, Wast, Whereunto, Witness, Witnesses
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Timothy 6:12

     6620   calling
     6644   eternal life
     6647   eternal life, experience
     8028   faith, body of beliefs
     8110   athletics
     8162   spiritual vitality
     8407   confession, of Christ
     8422   equipping, spiritual
     8485   spiritual warfare, conflict

1 Timothy 6:11-12

     5714   men
     6251   temptation, resisting
     8349   spiritual growth, means of

1 Timothy 6:11-14

     7944   ministry, qualifications

Library
The Conduct that Secures the Real Life
'Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.'--1 TIM. vi. 19. In the first flush of the sense of brotherhood, the Church of Jerusalem tried the experiment of having all things in common. It was not a success, it was soon abandoned, it never spread. In the later history of the Church, and especially in these last Pauline letters, we see clearly that distinctions of pecuniary position were very definitely marked amongst the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

One Witness, Many Confessors
'Thou . . . hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, 14. That thou keep this commandment. . . .'--1 TIM. vi. 12-14. You will observe that 'a good confession,' or rather 'the good confession,' is said here to have been made both by Timothy and by Christ. But you will observe also that whilst the subject-matter is the same, the action
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

August the Thirty-First the Real Gains and Losses
"Godliness with contentment is great gain." --1 TIMOTHY vi. 6-16. And so I must go into my heart if I would make a true estimate of my gains and losses. The calculation is not to be made in my bank-books, or as I stride over my broad acres, or inspect my well-filled barns. These are the mere outsides of things, and do not enter into the real balance-sheet of my life. We can no more estimate the success of a life by methods like these than we can adjudge an oil-painting by the sense of smell. What
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Fighting Holiness
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.' (1 Timothy vi. 12.) My object, in announcing 'Fighting Holiness' as my subject, is to make it quite clear that a Full Salvation does not mean a hot-house emotionalism or glass-case sanctity, but a vigorous, daring, aggressive religion, on the lines of the Saviour's words, 'The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force'. If this text, 'Fight the good fight of faith', means anything at all, it means you must
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of the Holy Scripture, So Far as Every Christian must Competently Know, and Necessarily Believe, that Will be Saves.
Although no creature can define what God is, because he is incomprehensible (Psal. cxliii. 3) and dwelling in inaccessible light (1 Tim. vi. 16); yet it has pleased his majesty to reveal himself to us in his word, so far as our weak capacity can best conceive him. Thus: God is that one spiritual and infinitely perfect essence, whose being is of himself eternally (Deut. i. 4; iv. 35; xxxii. 39; vi. 4; Isa. xlv. 5-8; 1 Cor. viii. 4; Eph. iv. 5, 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; John iv. 24; 2 Cor. iii. 17; 1 Kings
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Final Settlement of the Church by St. John
A.D. 67-100 It seems probable that most of the Apostles had entered into rest before the Destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70, and that St. John the Divine was the only one of the Apostolic body who long survived that event. [Sidenote: St. Peter began to found the Church, St. John completed its foundation.] To St. Peter, one of the "pillars" of the Church, it had been given to begin the great work of laying the foundation of the Mystical Temple of God; to St. John, the other of the two, was allotted
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was called, while he was a presbyter, on the subject of the calamity that had befallen the city in consequence of the tumult connected with the overthrow of the Statues of the Emperor Theodosius, the Great and Pious. And on the saying of the Apostle, "Charge them that are rich that they be not high-minded," 1 Timothy vi. 17. And against covetousness. 1. What shall I say, or what shall I speak of? The present season is one for tears, and not for words; for
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Exposition of St. Paul's Words. --1 Tim. vi. 20.
Exposition of St. Paul's Words.--1 Tim. vi. 20. [51.] Such being the case, when I think over these things, and revolve them in my mind again and again, I cannot sufficiently wonder at the madness of certain men, at the impiety of their blinded understanding, at their lust of error, such that, not content with the rule of faith delivered once for all, and received from the times of old, they are every day seeking one novelty after another, and are constantly longing to add, change, take away, in religion,
Vincent of Lérins—The COMMONITORY OF Vincent of Lérins

A More Particular Exposition of 1 Tim. ...
A more particular Exposition of 1 Tim. vi. 20. [53.] But it is worth while to expound the whole of that passage of the apostle more fully, "O Timothy, keep the deposit, avoiding profane novelties of words." "O!" The exclamation implies fore-knowledge as well as charity. For he mourned in anticipation over the errors which he foresaw. Who is the Timothy of to-day, but either generally the Universal Church, or in particular, the whole body of The Prelacy, whom it behoves either themselves to possess
Vincent of Lérins—The COMMONITORY OF Vincent of Lérins

Continuation of the Exposition of 1 Tim. ...
Continuation of the Exposition of 1 Tim. vi. 20. [60.] But let us return to the apostle. "O Timothy," he says, "Guard the deposit, shunning profane novelties of words." "Shun them as you would a viper, as you would a scorpion, as you would a basilisk, lest they smite you not only with their touch, but even with their eyes and breath." What is "to shun"? Not even to eat [502] with a person of this sort. What is "shun"? "If anyone," says St. John, "come to you and bring not this doctrine. What doctrine?
Vincent of Lérins—The COMMONITORY OF Vincent of Lérins

The Light of Glory.
Having, in the foregoing chapters, endeavored to form an idea of heaven's happiness, we must now endeavor to understand something of the different degrees in which each one of the blessed enjoys that unspeakable beatitude. It is an article of faith that every one in heaven, except baptized infants, is rewarded according to his own personal merits, acquired in this life by the assistance of God's grace. Baptized children, who die before they reach the age of discretion, are admitted into heaven, in
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Wherefore Even they which Having Relinquished or Distributed their Former...
33. Wherefore even they which having relinquished or distributed their former, whether ample or in any sort opulent, means, have chosen with pious and wholesome humility to be numbered among the poor of Christ; if they be so strong in body and free from ecclesiastical occupations, (albeit, bringing as they do so great a proof of their purpose, and conferring from their former havings, either very much, or not a little, upon the indigence of the same society, the common fund itself and brotherly charity
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

How Servants and Masters are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 6). Differently to be admonished are servants and masters. Servants, to wit, that they ever keep in view the humility of their condition; but masters, that they lose not recollection of their nature, in which they are constituted on an equality with servants. Servants are to be admonished that they despise not their masters, lest they offend God, if by behaving themselves proudly they gainsay His ordinance: masters, too, are to be admonished, that they are proud against God with respect
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. O "seekest thou great things for thyself," says God to Baruch, (Jer. xlv. 5) "seek them not." How then doth he command us in the text to seek a kingdom? Is not this a great thing? Certainly it is greater than those great things he would not have Baruch to seek after, and yet he charges us to seek after it. In every kind of creatures there is some difference, some greater, some lesser, some higher, some lower; so there are some men far above
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Letter Xlvii to the Brother of William, a Monk of Clairvaux.
To the Brother of William, a Monk of Clairvaux. [74] Bernard, after having made a striking commendation of religious poverty, reproaches in him an affection too great for worldly things, to the detriment of the poor and of his own soul, so that he preferred to yield them up only to death, rather than for the love of Christ. 1. Although you are unknown to me by face, and although distant from me in body, yet you are my friend, and this friendship between us makes you to be present and familiar to
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"For to be Carnally Minded is Death; but to be Spiritually Minded is Life and Peace. "
Rom. viii. 6.--"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." It is true, this time is short, and so short that scarce can similitudes or comparisons be had to shadow it out unto us. It is a dream, a moment, a vapour, a flood, a flower, and whatsoever can be more fading or perishing; and therefore it is not in itself very considerable, yet in another respect it is of all things the most precious, and worthy of the deepest attention and most serious consideration;
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100)
The beginning of the Christian Church is reckoned from the great day on which the Holy Ghost came down, according as our Lord had promised to His Apostles. At that time, "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven," were gathered together at Jerusalem, to keep the Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks), which was one of the three holy seasons at which God required His people to appear before Him in the place which He had chosen (Deuteronomy xvi. 16). Many of these devout men there converted
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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