1 Timothy 6:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

NIV: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

NASB: But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

CSB: But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

NLT: But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

KJV: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

NKJV: But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Prior verses focused on those who teach false doctrines or are consumed with greed. Here, Paul transitions into this letter's final commands towards Timothy. Paul's words are very personal and very direct. The phrase "man of God" was also used of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets in the Old Testament (1 Kings 12:22). However, in the New Testament, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. That's high praise, indeed! In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:17. The concept applies to all people who seek to follow God's will, but the phrase itself seems to be used by Paul with special significance to Timothy.

Timothy is not told to merely avoid the love of money and the actions of the false teachers, as explained in 1 Timothy 6:3–10. Rather, He is told to "flee" from them. A very literal application of this advice was used by Joseph, who literally ran away from a married woman who was attempting to seduce him (Genesis 39:7–12). Like Joseph, Timothy is to use whatever means necessary to avoid these pitfalls.

In contrast to the character flaws of false teachers, Paul commends six positive traits which Timothy is meant to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness (meaning endurance), and gentleness. Many of these traits resemble those characteristic of all believers as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23.

First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.