FLEE, FIGHT, FOLLOW, FOCUS

(1 Tim. 6:11-16)

By Gary Ogden and reworked by David Riggs

Intro.
   A. The Bible was written for everybody, but occasionally there are
      some specific instructions for those who could be described as
      "men of God." Timothy was such a man. He was a Christian, so
      that made him a child of God. He was also a preacher and they
      along with the prophets of the O.T., are frequently called "men
      of God."
   B. The truth is, that anyone who is devoted to serving God can be
      called "a man of God" or "a woman of God." These are the
      people for whom the Bible was really written and they seek to  
      put it's principles into practice so that they might be        
      "completely furnished unto every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17
   C. In our passage, some instructions are given to the preacher
      Timothy and all others who would seek to please God and they
      virtually sum up the Christian experience. To them we now draw
      your attention:

I. SOME THINGS TO FLEE. (v.11). "Flee these things."
   A. "Flee" here means "to be a fugitive, to run away from"; it is  
      the opposite of "attracted to, embrace, or pursue."
   B. What are "these things" Paul has in mind? He has just been
      talking about:
      1. Teachers of a "different doctrine" (6:3-5).
      2. Desiring to be rich; love of money (6:9,10).
      3. There are other passages which teach us to "flee."
         a. Timothy was to flee youthful lusts. 2 Tim. 2:22
         b. We are to flee fornication. 1 Cor. 6:18
            (1) We must "flee" from fornication in our minds.
                Matt. 5:27-28
         c. We are to flee idolatry.  1 Cor. 10:14
            (1) The prophets often condemned the Israelites'
                idolatry. Amos 8:14; Isa. 44:15-17
      4. Sometimes, the most courageous thing you will do will be to
         run from sin!
         a. Remember Joseph. Gen. 39:7-12

II. SOME THINGS TO FOLLOW.  (v.11)
   A. "Follow" here means "to pursue diligently; to earnestly        
      endeavor to acquire." It is not a lacadaisical following after.
      It is "getting serious" about living the Christian life.
   B. Paul instructs Timothy and all men and women of God to follow
      after:
      1. Righteousness - The Christian is ever concerned about what
         is the right thing to do; in regard to God and fellowmen. 1
         John 3:7
      2. Godliness - This is putting God at the center of our        
         thoughts and actions.
         a. It's how we want to live our lives (2:1-3).
         b. It's how women of God want to dress and live (2:9-10).
         c. It's something we exercise ourselves in (4:7-8).
         d. Coupled with contentment, it is great gain (6:6).
      3. Faith - Heb.11:6
         a. Faith that works through love. Gal.5:6
         b. Faith that holds on through thick and thin.
      4. Love - For God, Christ, Truth, Fellow Christian, and the
         Lost. 1 Cor. 13:1-8a
      5. Patience - If you don't diligently pursue persistence and   
         steadfastness, it will escape you. 
         a. There can be no quitting when we begin the Christian
            Race. Heb.12:1
      6. Meekness ("gentleness") - Jesus was meek ("not quick to
         retaliate in face of provocation") and gentle. What a noble
         trait for us to pursue. Some of us might have to run harder 
         to catch this one!

III. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH (6:12)
   A. This "fight" is like the athletic contest, wrestling, boxing,  
      etc.
      1. Paul said he fought not as one beating the air. 1 Cor. 9:26
   B. We are in a life and death struggle with Satan. Eph. 6:10-17
      1. We use spiritual weapons in spiritual warfare. 2 Cor.
         10:3-5
   C. We are to fight to uphold, defend, and proclaim the faith. Jude
      3
      1. Let us contend earnestly for the faith with love for the    

         Lord and the souls of men and women.
      2. There are some kinds of fighting that are wrong.
         a. 1 Tim. 6:4,5; 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 2:23; Titus 3:9-11
            (1) Teachers in their Bible classes should not be
                asking questions which cannot be answered.
            (2) Always asking or dealing with questions which fall
                in the realm of speculation or opinion causes
                contention.
            (3) We need things which edify, not things which
                discourage us.

IV. FOCUS (6:12 - "Lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto you were
    called") This is the reward for fighting the good fight of the   
    faith, fleeing worldliness, and following godliness.
   A. It is easy to forget what being a Christian is all about. It's 
      about spending eternity with God and all the people of God. 
      1. It's why we make the "good confession" (6:12).
      2. It's why we are baptized into Christ.
      3. It's why we strive to be faithful to the end. Rev. 2:10
      4. It's why we keep the Lord's commandments until He comes
         (6:14).
   B. Jesus made the good confession before Pilate. John 18:33-37
      1. Jesus is the object of our confession. Rom. 10:9; Heb. 3:1
      2. Though we can't literally "see" Him who dwells in light
         unapproachable, with the eye of faith we keep him directly  
         in our line of vision. Heb. 12:2
         a. He is to be revered and respected. Rev. 19:15-16
   C. We must keep ourselves focused on the goal. Phil. 3:14
      1. Let us "lay hold" on the hope of heaven, and not turn loose
         of it for anything or anybody.

Concl.
   A. All of these things (Flee, Follow, Fight, Focus) point to the
      seriousness of our life in Christ.
      1. Are you serious about being a Christian?
      2. Are you a Christian? Have you made the good confession in
         the sight of witnesses, like Timothy and Christ? Why not
         now?
   B. Tell the Lord you're ready to flee the things of the world,    
      ready to follow after righteousness, godliness, etc., ready to 
      fight the good fight of faith, and set your goal on going to   
      heaven.