1 Timothy 6:11-16 · 2 Timothy 3:14-4:8 · Titus 2:11-14

The Pastorals: Fight the Good Fight

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1 Timothy 6:11-16 · Titus 2:11-14 · 10 verses

1 Timothy 6:11-16

11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; confession: or, profession

14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Titus 2:11-14

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, hath...: or, to all men, hath appeared

12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; glorious...: Gr. the appearance of the glory of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ

14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are the “pastoral epistles” — Paul's letters to two younger ministers, instructing them how to lead local churches. They cover the qualifications of elders and deacons, sound doctrine, the conduct of believers in households and society, and the personal disciplines of a faithful minister. The letters are also Paul's last. In 2 Timothy he writes from a second imprisonment, knowing that the time of his departure is at hand. He urges Timothy: 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. The letters end the working life of the apostle to the Gentiles. The crown is in view.