What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 6:11? But you, O man of God Paul turns directly to Timothy with a family nickname that echoes Old Testament prophets (2 Timothy 3:17; Deuteronomy 33:1). By calling him “man of God,” the Spirit reminds every believer of a high, set-apart identity. We are not defined by culture, profession, or past, but by belonging to God—an identity that carries both privilege and responsibility. flee from these things The “these things” are the greed, quarrels, envy, and craving for money just denounced (1 Timothy 6:3-10). The command is urgent and active: run, don’t negotiate (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14). • Fleeing is an act of worship—choosing God over idols. • It is ongoing; every new temptation calls for fresh flight (2 Timothy 2:22). • Distance matters: Lot’s wife looked back and lost (Genesis 19:26), while Joseph ran and was preserved (Genesis 39:12). and pursue righteousness Running from evil is half the story; chasing good is the other. Righteousness is practical obedience that lines up with God’s standards (Matthew 6:33). • It shows in just business dealings, truthful speech, and integrity when no one is watching (Proverbs 15:9). • Pursuit implies deliberate effort—planning, training, and adjusting life to keep up the chase (2 Timothy 2:22). godliness More than outward morality, godliness is a life saturated with awe for the Lord (1 Timothy 4:7-8). It refuses compartmentalized religion and lets reverence shape every hour (Titus 2:12; 2 Peter 1:3-7). faith Faith is trusting God’s character, promises, and power (Hebrews 11:6). • It turns doctrine into dependence (Galatians 2:20). • It walks by conviction, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). • It overcomes the world because it anchors in the Victor (1 John 5:4). love Love is the chief evidence of new life (John 13:35). • It seeks another’s highest good at personal cost (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). • It binds every other virtue together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14). • It flows from experiencing God’s own love first (1 John 4:9-11). perseverance Also translated “steadfastness,” this is rugged endurance under pressure (James 1:2-4). • Trials become training ground for hope (Romans 5:3-4). • The race is run with eyes fixed on Jesus, who finished first (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Faithfulness to the end receives the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). and gentleness Power under control, treating others with Christlike tenderness (Philippians 4:5). • It responds to opposition with patient instruction, aiming for repentance (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • It restores the fallen without crushing them (Galatians 6:1). • It mirrors the heart of the Savior who is “gentle and humble” (Matthew 11:29). summary 1 Timothy 6:11 sketches the lifestyle of one who knows he belongs to God. Turn decisively from sin, run hard after the virtues Christ embodied, and keep going with steady, gentle courage. In a world chasing wealth and self-promotion, the “man of God” stands out by fleeing corruption and pursuing a Christ-shaped character that blesses everyone it touches. |
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