CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
1 Timothy 6:11. Flee these things; and follow after.—We have a vivid view of the fear on the one side, and the eagerness of desire on the other.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Pursuit of the True Riches.
I. Pursuit of the true riches is alone worthy of the man of God.—“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after” (1 Timothy 6:11). God, and not worldly riches, is the sole object of the good man’s desires. He has got a glimpse of the other side of earthly things. He sees their fleeting and evanescent character, and their incapacity to satisfy the soul. He soars after higher and Diviner things. He cannot rest in the material, but finds his pleasure in seeking those things that are above. His conception of God lifts him above everything that has limits. He sees another world shining with the lustre of unfading riches.
II. The true riches are spiritual.—“Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11). No longer a man of the world, the good man finds his enjoyment and wealth in spiritual realities. He covets the grace which enables him to act righteously towards God and man, to possess the faith that brings the distant near and makes the unseen visible, a love that works in him a sublime patience in the midst of the greatest trials, and a courageous meekness that is the marvel and despair of his bitterest opponents. The true riches of a man are within him.
III. Pursuit of the true riches involves an earnest conflict for the truth.—
1. Conflict for the truth is demanded by the profession of it already made. “And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). Having entered into the conflict, the Christian soldier must comport himself with resolute courage. Having won so many victories already, he is urged on to fresh conquests. The consciousness that he is engaged in a good fight nerves him with strength and determination. The least relapse into unwatchfulness and ease will be fatal to final victory. The highest prizes of the Christian life are not gained without strenuous and persevering effort.
2. The final reward of the conflict is in the future. “Lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called” (1 Timothy 6:12). The Christian soldier is battling not only for time, but eternity—not only for the present life, but for life eternal. The prize, though in the future, is not uncertain; it is not a phantom hanging in the air, but a substantial reality to be laid hold on and firmly grasped. Even now by faith he has the substance of the thing hoped for, and after which he strives with increasing earnestness. By-and-by he will wear the victor’s crown.
Lessons.—
1. Religion is a conflict.
2. It is a good fight in itself and its issues.
3. The victor will be enriched with eternal glory.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
1 Timothy 6:11. Patience—
I. Secures the possession of our souls in every circumstance that tends to discompose our minds.
II. Prevents hasty and rash conclusions.
III. Will fortify against unlawful methods for accomplishing our deliverance.
IV. Disposes the soul to perseverance in the way of duty.—Pulpit Assistant.
1 Timothy 6:12. The Good Fight of Faith.
I. In what does the fight of faith consist?—
1. Faith conflicts with the misgivings arising from the accusations of an enlightened conscience.
2. Has to contend against the depravity of our nature.
3. Has to contend with the world.
4. Has to combat with spiritual wickedness.
II. How is the faith of the Christian to be strengthened for this fight?—
1. By entertaining worthy conceptions of God, on whose testimony it rests.
2. By cultivating an acquaintance with the truths it embraces.
3. By a consideration of the instances in which it has not been disappointed.
4. Seek an increase of faith by prayer.
III. What inducement have we to fight?—
1. The command of God.
2. The weapons of the fight.
3. The enemies encountered in the fight.
4. The certainty of success in the fight.—Stewart.
The Battle of Life.
I. Faith believes in self-conquest.
II. In the victory of Jesus Christ over every foe hostile to righteousness.
Eternal Life
I. The object.—“Eternal life.”
1. It is the highest form of life.
2. It consists in the perfect development of spiritual life.
3. It is to be enjoyed in heaven.
II. The exhortation.—“Lay hold.”
1. By embracing the gospel in which it is revealed.
2. By union with Christ in whom it is centred.
3. By cherishing the principles in which it is embodied.
4. By vigorous use of all appointed means.—G. Brooks.