In what ways can we "take hold of that which is truly life"? Setting the Scene “...treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:19 The words come at the end of Paul’s counsel to believers who enjoy material means (vv. 17-18). The Lord wants every disciple—wealthy or not—to seize (“take hold of”) something far richer than money: genuine, lasting, God-given life. What Scripture Means by “Truly Life” • John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” • John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” • 1 John 5:11-12 – “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” Real life is intimate, unending fellowship with the Father through the Son, experienced now and perfected in eternity. Practical Ways to Take Hold of This Life Anchor your hope in God, not goods • 1 Timothy 6:17 – “not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.” • Hebrews 13:5 – “Be content with what you have, for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Practice purposeful generosity • 1 Timothy 6:18 – “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share.” • Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving loosens earthly grip and tightens our grasp on eternity. Pursue godliness with contentment • 1 Timothy 6:6 – “godliness with contentment is great gain.” • Psalm 73:25-26 – “Whom have I in heaven but You?... God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Saturate your mind with Scripture • Psalm 119:50 – “Your promise revives me.” • John 8:31-32 – “If you remain in My word… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Keep eternity in clear view • Matthew 6:19-21 – store treasure in heaven. • Colossians 3:1-4 – “Set your hearts on things above… your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Serve with the gifts God supplies • 1 Peter 4:10-11 – use gifts “as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” • Galatians 6:9-10 – keep sowing good; harvest is certain. Guard sound doctrine • 1 Timothy 6:3-4 – truth protects against pride and ruin. Staying true to apostolic teaching keeps us holding the real, not the counterfeit. Walk in daily obedience and repentance • Luke 9:23 – “take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • 1 John 1:9 – confession restores unhindered fellowship. Cultivate kingdom relationships • Philippians 2:1-4 – value others above self. Shared life with believers sharpens focus on what lasts. Why These Practices Matter • They “treasure up… a firm foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:19). • They display where our heart truly rests (Matthew 6:21). • They align us with Christ, “who is your life” (Colossians 3:4). Summary Thoughts Taking hold of what is truly life is not passive. As we trust Christ, give freely, cherish truth, and fix our eyes on eternity, we grip the life He purchased—life that thrills now and endures forever. |
    |