The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Timothy

  • Fight the Good Fight of Faith

    “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

    Christians tend to believe that to fight the good fight of faith means to persevere through difficulties in life such as frustrations in our daily lives, illnesses we do not understand, job losses, deaths or many other such trials that occur. Although these are good times to persevere, consider the “good fight of faith” of which it is referring to in the following verse. “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 means “the task of faith in persevering amid temptation and opposition.”
    • Fight means“contest for victory or mastery; the evangelical contest against the enemies of man’s salvation.”
    • Faith means “a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: namely, Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel.”

    Note the importance of “persevering amid temptation and opposition.” Persevering is important. However, it is important to recognize what it is that we are to persevere in: Faith. Christian faith (a firm belief in Jesus and His Gospel) that changes our lives. We have become a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With this new life, we find there is a new battle before us.

    First we must have Christ-like behavior; faith: “the transformation of man’s character and way of life”. Often, we are our own worst enemies. We do not put away the old life, and all of the things that went with that old life, to fully commit to this new life in Christ. Often Paul taught Believers to put off the old man and put on the new. “9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). (See also Ephesians 4:20-32.) It is a daily battle, yet as you remain faithful to the new life in Christ, the daily fight can become easier to win. But it takes perseverance and faithfulness. This reminds me of the following verse. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This verse does not mean that you “work” for your salvation. The words work out means “to accomplish; finish; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that they already have through faith in Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how they live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. It is the actualization of what one already possesses! Those who are growing in their spiritual lives, fighting the good fight of the faith, do not need someone “watching” them to be sure they are living a right life before Christ. Maturing Christians choose to do right no matter who is there, knowing that God sees all. Why is this so important? Christians need to live Christ-like for their own benefit and to encourage non-believers to want what Believers have through Christ. How are we able to do this? “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). Christians are to remember that it is up to us to allow God to work in us. This is part of our fighting of the faith.

    We also must live a Christ-like life before the world. Christians are to “lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (see 1 Timothy 6:12). For Christians, this eternal life begins the day we give our hearts and lives to Jesus. We are to “lay hold” on this truth. We choose to walk this new life in Christ. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). As we walk in this new life in Christ, we are an example to all who see us. As good as it is to walk, fighting the good fight of faith, in this Christ-like life, we are also to profess this new life to others as we live it. “5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5-6). What good does it do to live a life and not tell anyone else how to have what we now possess?

    Each person who is saved (been called by God) is to persevere (with a fight) in that Christian life – for that life has been transformed by a confidence and belief in Jesus and His Gospel. It takes much work. There are many enemies. Do not be your own worst enemy. Fight the good fight of faith.

    Have you made the decision to fight daily to appropriate the Christian faith into every aspect of your being?

  • Lesson 2: Be Faithful: 2 Timothy

    Key Verse

    Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

    —2 Timothy 2:3

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. As you read it, keep in mind the Key Verse from our last lesson (“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). As we learned in our last lesson to fight the good fight of faith, in this lesson we will learn to endure hardness as a good soldier. Use the following definitions to help in the understanding:

    • Endure hardness means “to sustain afflictions; endure.”
    • Good means “good in a moral sense; virtuous; in reference to the performance of duty.”
    • Soldier means “a Christian minister.”

    In this lesson, we will learn that each Christian is to learn how to live just like this.

    Emphasis: Just as God had a plan for Timothy’s life, He has a plan (a job) for each Christian to accomplish with his or her life. It was not easy for Timothy or Paul – for they suffered persecution. Nevertheless, Christians are to endure as a good soldier, fighting the fight of faith, faithfully, until they complete their life here on earth.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 Timothy is the second of the letters Paul wrote that we group together as “Four Letters of Instruction to Pastors.” In this lesson, we learn a little more about Timothy, and how he came to become a Christian. Timothy had a Gentile father and Jewish mother. He had been taught about Jesus from his childhood by his grandmother and mother, and Paul led him to the Lord. Timothy joined Paul on some of his missionary journeys and was a very close friend of Paul’s.

    Paul wrote the letter to Timothy while Paul was in prison. It was a letter of encouragement – for although Paul was in prison, Timothy was never to forget the faith instilled within him from childhood, nor to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. To help Timothy understand the difficulty and determination needed, Paul gave him some picture examples: a faithful teacher; endure hardness as a good soldier; a workman; a servant of the Lord; a student of God’s Word; a patient preacher under trying circumstances.

    Not only did Paul teach picture examples, he gave many warnings: he would suffer afflictions, many (if not all) would forsake, and evil men would wax worse and worse – deceiving many.

    However, through it all, Timothy was to remain faithful – just as Paul had.

    Each Christian today, is to remain faithful, enduring hardness as a soldier of Jesus Christ.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made Bible Markers with the scratch off book marks. Each wrote or drew a different message to help them remember.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is avaliable through Amazon.

  • Exercise

    “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
    1 Timothy 4:8

    Paul wrote a letter to Timothy helping him understand better the Christian life. Not only was he to know the truth’s of God’s Word, but he was to live them out in his life. His life was to be an example for anyone whom he met of a Christ-like life. It would not always be easy, but Timothy was to remain faithful.

    Paul wanted Timothy to understand these things – for he was in a warfare. “18. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19. Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). Warfare means “military service; dangers; trials; a warfare; hardships.” Paul wanted Timothy to understand that it would not be easy, but that it would take much work – as a soldier in a battle having to deal with trials, hardships, and dangers.

    • Faith means “good faith; faithfulness; sincerity.” 
    • Conscience means “the testimony of the Spirit in man’s heart concerning his obligation to God; i.e.: good conscience means ‘conscious of integrity.’” 
    • Put away means “to thrust away from oneself; repel; reject; cast off.”

    Paul drew attention to the fact that “some” had not warred a good warfare but had put away the faith – not remaining faithful or sincere. Timothy had to be sure that not only was he to be careful in his teachings (making sure he was true to God’s Word), but that he was to never forsake the truths of God’s Word (as some obviously had), living a contrary lifestyle. When one declares that he is a Christian, telling others about Jesus becoming a vocal witness, and then turns and rejects the truths of God’s Word living a life contrary to what it teaches, then they have “made shipwreck.” For it would have been better if they had never declared they were a Christian. It does much damage to the body of Christ.

    To live a right Christian life is a warfare – a daily battle that must be won.

    Part of living a right Christian life is to know what the Bible teaches. More importantly, a Christian is to be able to defend the truths of God’s Word. Paul warned that there would be those who would depart from the faith. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). Here we find a warning that in the “latter times” some would “depart from the faith.” Depart means “of ones who stood away from God, never having belonged to Him; they stood away from believing; those who refuse to believe, who stand aloof, alone.” Instead of believing in Jesus and the truths of God’s Word, they will choose to believe in false teaching. These false teachings are to be refused. But more than that, right things (good doctrine) are to be taught. “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6). Christians are to constantly know and remember the truths of God’s Word so that when false teaching is heard; “thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ.” For that Christian will recognize and reject the false teaching. 

    What Christians are to do in preparation? “7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

    • Exercise means “to train in godliness.” 
    • Godliness means “… reverence and love of God’s character and the exercise of these affections in obedience to His will and devotion to His service is the principal and foundational part. When applied to the Christian life, it symbolizes a life that is acceptable to Christ. This involves both the attitude of the believer toward Christ who saved him and a manner of life. “Exercise thyself rather to godliness” does not come automatically, but is something into which one must put forth much effort. It is contrasted to physical exercise for it has a far greater and wider usefulness while physical exercise has limited usefulness.”

    Paul wrote what must be done to accomplish this. “12. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:12-13). Paul encouraged Timothy to continue – and not to let anyone undermine the work God had for him – even when people said he was too young to do the work God had for him. Anyone can live for and serve God – no matter what the age. Timothy was not only to tell others about Jesus, teaching the truths of God’s Word, he must live them as well. That goes for every Christian. Remember that each Christian is to live a life so that any who see them will recognize Jesus. Christians who are faithful to the truths of God’s Word, especially in lifestyle, are imperative.

    Do you exercise yourself unto godliness, living out the truths of God’s Word?

  • Mercy, Grace, Faith, and Love

    “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
    1 Timothy 1:15

    Paul wrote to Timothy, who was a leader at the church in Ephesus, giving him instructions and warnings. Some people had already begun not only to turn from God’s Word, but were leading others away from God’s Word as well. Those people were talking foolishly, babbling (called “vain jangling”), and yet they wanted to be teachers of God’s Law (see 1 Timothy 1:6-7). They had no idea what God’s Law was, what it meant, or what they really believed themselves. Paul warned that it was wrong to let people such as this become teachers. Because they did not know or understand God’s Law, they could not possibly convey the importance of why God had given the Law. “8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, 10. … and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:8-11). We are to understand that the Law was given to reveal the sin in mankind so that they could recognize the glorious Gospel message (see Romans 3:20). Gospel means “the Gospel plan of salvation, its doctrines, declarations, precepts, promises; the Gospel of God of which God is the Author through Christ.” People who did not understand that God’s Law was given to reveal sin, thereby making known the need for salvation, could not be trusted as teachers of something they not only did not understand, but also had not experienced for themselves. These people have not received the gift of salvation offered, by grace, which frees one from the confines of the Law.  

    Paul never forgot from whence he had come. He understood and remembered that he was a sinful man whose sin was revealed by that Law. He was thankful that he had been forgiven and placed into the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel message. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Just because one breaks God’s Law does not mean they will be condemned. Paul had once done it “ignorantly in unbelief.” Understand what he recognized.

    • Paul understood that he had obtained mercy. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).
    • He recognized the abundant grace that God bestowed upon him. “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).
    • God then extended the gift of faith, which must be received. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
    • Finally, Paul understood the love with which God loved him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

    Read what Paul then understood: “15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:15-16). There was a specific time in Paul’s life when he recognized that Jesus had come “to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Note that Paul recognized that he was a sinner, but that he had obtained mercy from Jesus. After Paul received the gift of salvation by faith, he then understood that he was to be a “pattern.” Pattern means “a pattern or example.” Paul believed that if Jesus could save him, a chief sinner (remember he was complicit with murder; see Acts 7:58), Jesus could save anyone who would believe in Him by faith. It is this kind of person who can be entrusted to teach God’s Word. Teachers of God’s Word must remember they have been entrusted with the truth of the Gospel message. The salvation message cannot change. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead. … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:10, 12).  

    Has your life become a pattern, revealing the mercy, grace, faith, and love bestowed upon you through salvation by Jesus?

  • Examples for Believers

    “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
    1 Timothy 4:12

    We can remember back to some of Jesus’ Disciples. They recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They understood the importance of just who Jesus is. They realized the importance of recording the life of Jesus. They had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed them.

    Read what John understood about the Word of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). He understood the Word of God was Jesus, who was made flesh (a human), which dwelt among them. The disciples learned from Jesus. Read why John wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John saw Jesus, recognized the truth He taught, and because of this, John followed Jesus.

     The followers of Jesus learned much from Him. They not only learned from Him, they then lived those things out in their lives. They began to teach others about Jesus. Paul became one who not only believed in Jesus, but he spent his life telling others about Jesus. One particular young man was Timothy. Paul gave Timothy some encouraging words by which many have been encouraged through the years. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Although Timothy was young, Paul encouraged him to be faithful. He was to be an example to all in every aspect of his Christian life.

    John knew Jesus and recorded things we must read to learn and grow in Him. Paul was another one who recorded many things we need to know about living a faithful Christian life. It is important to recognize those who know Jesus. This is part of learning how to understand and use the Word of God correctly. Christians are to recognize teachers today who know Jesus and share what they have learned from the Bible. There are many teachers in the world. We are to listen to the ones who truly know Jesus (are faithful Christians who believe the Bible is God’s Word), who teach the truth of Jesus, and live those principles out in their lives. “7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation … 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). If they teach, living those truths of the Bible out in their lives, follow them.

    Do you recognize true teachers of God’s Word, and do you submit to their teachings?

  • The Time Will Come, and May Already Be…

    Paul wrote encouraging words to Timothy, for he was to never forget the faith instilled within him or to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. But he also wrote Timothy words of warning that are relevant – especially today!

    Paul told Timothy to “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). The word sound here means “sound doctrine; as in true, pure, uncorrupted.” Timothy was encouraged to hold on tightly, or possess, the pure doctrine that Paul had taught him. The same sound doctrine that we have recorded in God’s Word, the Bible. But in order to know what that sound doctrine is, we must read and study God’s Word. That is why Paul taught Timothy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It was important that Timothy understood that he had to not only study the Bible, but he must “rightly” divide the word of truth. One must compare Scripture with Scripture. He had to understand and know the true doctrines written within the Bible in order to recognize false teaching and stay away from it.

    Paul warned, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). He wanted Timothy to understand that times would become difficult and dangerous. Paul went on to warn: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Times would come when things would look and sound good, having the form of something real, but it would deny the power that would make it real – faith in Jesus. By having a form of something real or true, many could be deceived or tricked into believing they had something real. Most people (or churches) are prepared for an attack on them from the outside. But when it comes from within, people are surprised – caught off guard. There is something to be said about “conquering from within.” We are prepared for the enemy outside of the camp, but woefully unprepared when the enemy comes from within. False doctrine is often able to creep in unaware until it is too late. True doctrine must be known in order to defend it against false doctrine. The only way to know the difference is to study God’s Word and know it.

    “3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things …” (2 Timothy 4:3-5a). Today it is too easy to listen to teachers (or preachers) tell us what good people we are and what good things we are doing for the kingdom of God. They sound so nice and make us feel so good about ourselves. But words like these turn ears away from the truth of God’s Word; for there is nothing good in mankind – unless one has given their heart and life to Jesus, living according to the Bible and its teachings. Any other teaching is a fable – fiction, not real. Knowing this would happen, Paul warned Timothy to “watch” in all things. He was to be ready by knowing the Bible and its true teachings.

    Do you hold fast to true doctrine?

    Have you studied to show yourself approved and not ashamed?

    Do you endure sound doctrine or have itching ears?

    Be sure to watch!

  • How to Prepare for Living a Christian Life

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”

    (2 Timothy 2:15)

    Timothy was a great Christian and Paul’s faithful friend. Although Timothy’s mother and grandmother had taught him about Jesus, Paul had led Timothy to Jesus (taught him how to be saved) and watched him grow in his Christian faith.

    Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to Timothy. After reminding him of his salvation, he encouraged him to step up to the task God had placed before him. Timothy was to not be ashamed of the Gospel message, but to be willing to stand up faithfully and teach the truths of that Gospel. And to even be proud if he suffered “afflictions of the gospel” (see 2 Timothy 1:8-10).

    Paul had taught him the importance of sound doctrine. “13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). See the following definitions to help you understand what Paul was telling Timothy:

    • Form: “a sketch, or concise, representation or form”
    • Sound: “sound doctrine, i.e.: true; pure; uncorrupted”

    Paul wanted Timothy to understand the importance of holding on to the sound doctrine – true, pure, uncorrupted – that he had been taught (that is now recorded in God’s Word for us to read). Paul followed this with a warning that there would be some who would turn away from him when he stood for the truths in God’s Word –  for Paul had already seen a departure from the faith, leaving him to stand alone in Asia (see 2 Timothy 1:15). Paul had already warned him this would happen (see 1 Timothy 4:1). But Paul also encouraged Timothy that he could endure this because the Holy Spirit dwells in us – He won’t leave!

    But how do you prepare for a life pleasing to God? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Christians must study and know God’s Word. They must be able to discern between the truth of God’s Word and false teaching. This is just the first step in knowing how to live a Christian life. But it is a very important one.

    There is a child’s song that I am reminded of…

    “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you will grow, grow, grow!

    Don’t read your Bible, or pray every day, and you will shrink, shrink, shrink!”

    Do you want to grow?

    Or do you want to shrink?

    The choice is up to you!