1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
‘Flee these things’ – Christians must flee from things that can lead to stumbling. Escape for your life for no man is out of reach of these things. How many have been ruined by the love of money alone?
‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow: [1] Righteousness. It always means doing what is right. Fourteen facts about righteousness: Revealed in the gospel (Rom. 1:17). Not commended by unrighteousness (Rom. 3:5). Manifested apart from the law (Rom. 3:21). Witnessed by the law and prophets. Freely given to all alike (Rom. 3:22-25). Imputed by faith without works or law (Rom. 3:22; 4:3, 5, 13, 22). It is God’s righteousness in remitting sins through Christ (Rom. 3:25; 1Jn. 1:9). It is Christ’s righteousness because He did all that was required of God to redeem people (Rom. 5:18; 2Cor. 1:1-24). The medium of grace reigns (Rom. 5:21). A requirement of saints (Rom. 6:13-20). It produces life (Rom. 8:10). The law required it, but could not give it (Rom. 8:4; 9:31-32; 10:4-6). Produced by Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Conditions of receiving it (Rom. 3:22; 4:1-5:11; 6:13-19; 8:1-10; 10:9-10). [2] Godliness [Greek: eusebeia] reverence toward God; piety; religion. Translated as “godliness” (3:16; 2:2; 4:7-8; 6:3-11; 2Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:3-7; 3:11) and “holiness” (Acts 3:12).
There are seven facts of the mystery of Godliness: Great – divine fullness (3:16; John 1:16-17; Eph. 3:19; Col. 1:19; 2:9). God was manifest in the flesh – the incarnation (3:16; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-39; John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:5-6; 2:6-18). Justified in the Spirit – divine vindication (3:16; Acts 2:22-28, 36; 3:14-18; Rom. 1:3-4; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-24; 2:14-17; Heb. 1:3-9; 2:5-18; 1Pet. 3:22). Seen of angels – divine revelation (3:16; 2Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:9-10; 1Pet. 1:10-12). The Greek word optanomai means to discern clearly; to gaze upon with wide-open eyes as something remarkable. Before this, angels had little knowledge of the necessity or reasons for and nature of human salvation (1Pet. 1:10-12). Now it is no longer a mystery to them or men. Preached unto the Gentiles – divine inclusion (3:16; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 3:11).
To be continued…
Living the Word 