O Man of God… 1 Timothy 6:11-16

11 “ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 1) “Man of God” Reference- Only used of Timothy in NT. Used 70 times OT. 2) “These things”-false teachings, pride, envy, strife, corrupt minds (vs. 5-6), love of money, and greediness (vs. 7-10).

Timothy is then instructed what to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. (This describes attributes Timothy should demonstrate) 12 “ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“Fight the Good Fight”- (Attitude) “Lay hold on eternal life”- (Purpose) “Fight the Good Fight”- Agonizing battle Grecian (Olympic) games- Physical competitions in various contests. Many were disqualified or surrendered. The winner received a prize/ crown. Started in 776 B.C. in honor of Zeus. The athletes had to “qualify”. Races, chariot racing, feats of strength, etc.

25 “ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Applications:1) Enlisting 2) Qualify 3) Training 4) Disqualification 5) Spectators 6) Praise & Prize

13 “ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Timothy 6:13-16

Oral Confession in the NT A Man was identified by:  Where he was from (Jesus of Nazareth)  His party affiliation (Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes)  Who was he a disciple of (1 Corinthians 1:11-12)

Antioch, the capital of the Roman province of Syria was the location where "Christian" was first associated with early believers. "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26).The term is identified with the idea of being a follower of Jesus Christ. In classical times the followers of a leader would identify themselves by a descriptive extension to their leader's name (ianus). Pompey's troops were called Pompeiani, and Caesar's were referred to as, Caesariani or Kaisaianoi.

The names showed 1) deep devotion 2) complete allegiance 3) willingness to die for that particular leader. 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32 vs. 14- “keep this commandment without spot…” Timothy was sure to face certain peril in openly professing his faith. Ultimate test to be a man of God!

O Man of God… A)Godly, Loving, and Righteous B)Walk away from desire for money, power, and materialism. C)Relentless approach in service to God. D)Testimony before others even in the face of possible persecution.

Confession of Faith Distinction between confession of faith and confession of sins. We are commanded to confess sins to each other (James 5:16) and to Christ (1 John 1:9). 10 “ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:10, 11

“Unto” is translated from Greek preposition eis. Eis (ε ἰ ς)- to or into (indicating the point reached or entered, of place, time, fig. purpose, result) Romans 10:10 implies “with the mouth he confesses, resulting FROM salvation." An oral confession that a man is a sinner or that Jesus is Savior does NOT bring salvation. Salvation leads to an Oral confession!

Barnes Commentary on Romans 10:10- “This profession is to be made in all the proper ways of religious duty; by an avowal of our sentiments; by declaring on all proper occasions our belief of the truth; and by an unwavering adherence to them in all persecutions, oppositions, and trials.”

Clark’s Commentary on Romans 10:10- “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. He who believes aright in Christ Jesus will receive such a full conviction of the truth, and such an evidence of his redemption, that his mouth will boldly confess his obligation to his Redeemer, and the blessed persuasion he has of the remission of all his sins through the blood of the cross.”

Baker’s Dictionary of Bible Theology on Romans 10:10- Paul here makes "confessing with the mouth" parallel to "believing in the heart" as a means of salvation. He does not mean by this that public confession is a means of salvation in the way that faith is, for his choice of wording is dictated by the allusion to the heart and the mouth in his earlier quotation of Deuteronomy 30:14 (v. 8). But the text does highlight the fact that genuine faith has its natural result in a public confession of adherence to Christ.

“15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15, 16

Potentate- means power and sovereign. Paul is cautioning Timothy of possible affliction when he proclaims his faith but reminds that Christ will have the final voice! King of kings and Lord of lords- 14 “ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14