Follow after righteousness!
V23 n31
1 Timothy 6:11, But thou, O man of God, flee (1Tim 6:6-10) these things; KJV
2 Timothy 2:22, Flee also youthful lusts: KJV
In following the Lord Jesus Christ, one seldom thinks or considers that they must be fleeing or escaping someone or something else, in order to pursue or follow the Lord. Yet, in following after Christ, one must learn to flee or leave behind their former lifestyle, in order to pursue or fulfill those things that the Bible asks of us. One must flee or escape from their old habits and ways of doing things. As we can see in the above verses, Paul give a person a clear example of some of the things that one must flee or escape from, or else they will drag a person down, and possibly even into eternal ruin. One must learn to forget those things that are behind; (Isa 43:25, Phil 3:13-14, 1John 1:9), forget the way you used to do things, and begin to follow God’s instructions. (2Tim 2:15, 2Tim 3:16-17, Pro 3:5-8).
Our old way or nature of doing things, was based in and on the world’s examples and standards, so it is understandable, as well as of no great surprise as to why one was kept in such bondage. The world often tries to justify itself and it’s way of doing things, by the number of people that it has involved. Yet the Word constantly and consistently tells us that that it is the few that are obedient that will inherit everlasting life. If one looks at the account in Genesis, was it the majority of people that made it aboard the ark and was brought to safety, or was it those few that held fast the Word of God, regardless of what everyone else was doing or saying?
Matthew 7:13-14, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. KJV
Paul tells Timothy to flee these things, the old habits and ways of doing things that will lead a person to eternal destruction; come out from amoung them and their way and standard of doing things, and begin to follow or pursue a right standing with God, in accordance with His instructions, established by His law of faith. As a person begins sincerely seeking or pursues a right standing or relationship with God, they will then follow after or pursue only those things which are pleasing to the Father. (John 8:29, 2Pet 1:17).
The Bible clearly tells us that we cannot serve God and mammon. (Matt 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) [Definition for mammon: 3126 mammonas- 1) mammon 2) treasure 3) riches (where it is personified and opposed to God). A person will love the one, and pursue and follow after that which holds their attention most, and they will flee from or despise the other. Yet, how often does one really think of it in this way or manner? Most people think there is room for compromise. They think there is a way that they can deal or negotiate with God, thinking that they can have the best of both worlds.
Here the word gives the idea of two masters of distinct or opposite character and interests, like God and Mammon. [Hold to] [anthexetai (grk 472)]. The preposition [anti] (grk 473), "against," indicates holding to the one master as against the other. He who is for God must be against Mammon. (from Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament)
Our blessed Lord shows here the utter impossibility of loving the world and loving God at the same time; or, in other words, that a man of the world cannot be a truly religious character. He who gives his heart to the world robs God of it, and, in snatching at the shadow of earthly good, loses substantial and eternal blessedness. How dangerous is it to set our hearts upon riches, seeing it is so easy to make them our God! (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
1 Timothy 6:11, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. KJV
What exactly is it that you are following after? I was pondering the other day, when it was that I last heard a young person say or relate that they wanted to grow up and be just like Jesus Christ or Paul the Apostle. Can you tell me why this is, that so few want to pattern their life after Jesus Christ, even though the Lord tells us that we should pick up our cross and follow Him? What kind of example have we been setting for our children?
To pursue or follow after righteousness, this is what
should be the goal of every person while they are here on this earth. Fleeing
from those things which held us prisoners, and kept a person in bondage or
slavery to this present evil world. Rather, follow after, pursue that right
relationship with the Father which can only come about by and through Christ
Jesus, (1 Tim 2:5,our only mediator with Him).
2 Timothy 2:22, Flee
also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them
that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. KJV
Depart, flee from the youthful lusts of both the physical and spiritual realm, and chase after, pursue or follow after righteousness, faith, charity (love), peace with them that call on God out of a pure heart. Follow after or pursue that right standing relationship with Father through Christ Jesus, according to the Word that He delivered to us, which allows the love of the Father to be revealed to us, and which will cause His peace to be settled in our hearts.
As Paul said, to be followers of Him, as he followed the example of Christ! What is it that you are pursuing this day?
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
From Australia
Larry Gazelka
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