Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:11-16, 20; Proverbs 3:5-6; Joshua 24:15; 2 Timothy 3:17; Philippians 2:12

Intro: Welcome. This morning connects deeply with trusting God when things don't make sense (Proverbs 3:5-6). Like Paul's letter to Timothy, sometimes we need less technical instruction and more of a "halftime speech" – an exhortation for when things get tough. This closing charge in 1 Timothy is exactly that. Paul, a spiritual father, gives his son Timothy (and us) a passionate call to live faithfully in difficult circumstances.

Key Points:

1. The Charge to the "Man of God" (v. 11):
   • Set Apart: "But as for you..." Paul contrasts Timothy with the false teachers (chasing money, promoting false doctrine). We are called to be different.
   • Secure Identity: "...O man of God." This title links Timothy to OT leaders (Moses, David, Elijah). It affirms his God-given identity and capability. This applies to all believers in Christ (2 Tim 3:17) – you have what it takes because of who you are in Him.
2. The Strategy ("What, How, Finish"):
   • WHAT (v. 11):
     • Flee: Run away from the specific dangers mentioned – the love of money, quarreling, false teaching (also elsewhere: sexual sin, idolatry, youthful lusts).
     • Pursue: Run intentionally towards righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness (patience in hardship), and gentleness (patience with difficult people). Don't just stop bad habits; replace them with godly ones.
   • HOW (v. 12, 20):
     • Fight (v. 12): "Fight the good fight of the faith." This primarily refers to contending for the true Gospel, the sound doctrine handed down. It takes grit, determination, and endurance, like an athlete competing with guts. This fight is often internal – striving to maintain those virtues (love, gentleness etc.) even while contending.
     • Take Hold (v. 12): Grasp firmly the eternal life to which God called you. This implies active participation and effort on our part, working out the salvation God worked in (Phil 2:12). Small groups (like PACS) help us do this together.
     • Guard (v. 20): Protect the "deposit" – the precious truth of the Gospel entrusted to us. Keep it pure, unchanged, like guarding a valuable item for a friend. Don't get creative with the core message.
   • FINISH (v. 13-16):
     • Keep the Commandment (v. 14): Live out this charge unstained and above reproach. Right doctrine must be matched by right living – "re-presenting" the Gospel well through our conduct.
     • Until He Appears (v. 14): Endure in this fight and pursuit until Jesus returns. It's a marathon, not a sprint, requiring steadfastness. God will bring Christ back "at the proper time" (v. 15).
3. The Response: Worship (v. 15-16): Thinking rightly about God (sound doctrine) inevitably leads to worship. Paul bursts into praise, declaring God as the blessed Sovereign, King of kings, Lord of lords, immortal, dwelling in unapproachable light, worthy of all honor and dominion. Seeing God rightly always leads to worship.

Conclusion: Paul's charge to Timothy is our charge today. In a world often hostile to truth, we are called to flee sin, pursue godly virtues, fight for the true faith with endurance, actively take hold of our salvation, and guard the Gospel message faithfully. This requires grit and dependence on God.

Call to Action:

1. Identify: What specific things do you need to actively flee from? What specific virtues (righteousness, godliness

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