How can we encourage others to uphold the commandment in 1 Timothy 6:14? The Command Set Before Us “to keep this commandment without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:14) What the Command Encompasses • Culminates everything in 6:11-13—fleeing sin, pursuing righteousness, fighting the good fight, laying hold of eternal life • Requires purity (“without spot”), integrity (“without blame”), and perseverance (“until the appearing”) • Anchored in the character of “God, who gives life to all things” and in Christ’s public confession (6:13) Why Encouragement Matters • Hebrews 10:24 – “let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” • Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” • Our faithfulness affects others’ resolve (Philippians 1:14) Ways to Encourage Others to Uphold the Commandment Live It Out Before Them • 1 Peter 5:3: “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples” • Authentic obedience sparks imitation more than words alone Speak Scripture Regularly • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another” • Share 1 Timothy 6:11-14 aloud; memorize together; text verses as reminders Highlight the Nearness of Christ’s Appearing • Titus 2:13: “while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” • Linking obedience to His imminent return fuels urgency and joy Celebrate Progress • Philippians 1:3-6—Paul thanks God for believers’ growth • Affirm visible steps of faithfulness; small victories strengthen perseverance Create Accountability Structures • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10—“two are better than one… for if either falls, one can lift up the other” • Pair up for weekly check-ins; ask about specific temptations, victories, and goals Offer Loving Correction • Galatians 6:1—“restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” • Address sin promptly, biblically, and with grace to keep lives “without spot” Serve Together • 1 Corinthians 15:58—“be steadfast… always abounding in the work of the Lord” • Shared ministry deepens commitment and keeps the focus on eternal fruit Pray Continually for Them • James 5:16—“pray for one another so that you may be healed” • Private intercession invites God’s sustaining power in their pursuit of purity Guardrails Against Stain and Reproach • Maintain doctrinal clarity (2 Timothy 1:13) • Avoid false riches and quarrels (1 Timothy 6:9-10, 20) • Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9) Keeping the Finish Line in View • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 links finishing the race with receiving “the crown of righteousness… to all who long for His appearing” • Continually remind one another: every act of steadfast obedience today will be honored by Christ Himself tomorrow |
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