1 Timothy 6:11–16
Sermon Notes
This week, we’re walking through 1 Timothy 6:11–16, where Paul gives Timothy four clear directives for how to live when life feels uncertain. His words are as relevant today as ever: flee materialism, follow godly character, fight for your faith, and focus on eternity. These aren't just spiritual suggestions—they're a strategy for moving forward when the future feels foggy.
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Key Points
Flee the Wrong Things
Follow the Right Things
Fight the Good Fight
Focus on Eternity
Discussion Questions
What does it look like for you to “flee” materialism or sin?
Are you more focused on what you're avoiding or what you're pursuing?
How are you “fighting the good fight” in your current season?
In what ways do you need to focus more on eternity and less on temporary pressure?
Which of the four F’s is your soul most drawn to—and which do you most resist?
Transcript
Swimming Blind to Victory
When reporters asked Michael Phelps how he won a race swimming blind, he said: "I had prepared for this exact situation. When you can't see where you're going, you better have a strategy you can trust."
That’s exactly what Paul gives Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11–16—a strategy for when you can’t see clearly. When the pressure rises and the future fogs up, Paul offers a four-part playbook: Flee, Follow, Fight, and Focus.
Flee the Wrong Things
Paul starts with a command: “But you, man of God, flee from all this…”
This is urgent language. Like yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater—except Paul is shouting “Materialism!” He’s warning Timothy—and us—not to try and negotiate with greed or manage temptation. Some things you don’t fight. You flee.
The temptation of wealth is subtle. We’re surrounded by it. Paul’s call is clear: get distance from anything that competes with God for your heart.
Fleeing isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Especially when it comes to materialism, pride, or compromise. You can’t outrun temptation alone. That’s why we flee in community, letting others speak into our blind spots and our budgets.
Follow the Right Things
Paul doesn't just tell us what to run from—he tells us what to run toward: “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”
The word “pursue” means to chase down with determination. It’s the same word used for hunting. Paul is saying: chase character like your soul depends on it—because it does.
What you feed your soul shapes your soul. Just like Netflix trains your algorithm by what you watch, your soul is shaped by what you pursue. So Paul gives us six traits to chase until they become your soul’s comfort food.
These aren’t just ideals. They’re training goals. And when pursued consistently, they start to reshape what your heart wants.
Fight the Good Fight
Next Paul says: “Fight the good fight of the faith.”
The word “fight” comes from the Greek word for agony—used in athletic contests. This is a full-effort, sweat-dripping, tooth-gritting fight. But it’s worth it.
Why? Because it’s the good fight. Not every fight is worth it—but some are beautiful. Like fighting for your integrity, your marriage, your kids’ hearts, or your spiritual habits.
Here’s the key: you’re not fighting for victory. You’re fighting from it. Jesus already won the war. So we fight in confidence, with clarity, knowing the outcome is secure.
Focus on Eternity
Paul closes by reminding Timothy: “Take hold of eternal life.”
Don’t just know you have it—grip it. Own it. Let it shape every decision. Because when you see life through the lens of eternity, everything changes.
Jesus modeled this when He stood before Pilate. He could’ve walked away—but He stayed. Why? Because His eyes were locked on the mission. He didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Paul reminds us: God is the King of kings, immortal, dwelling in unapproachable light. When you know who He is, your problems shrink and your purpose sharpens.
Eternal perspective isn’t abstract theology. It’s a daily practice. It’s asking, “Will this matter in 100 years?” And if the answer is no, maybe it shouldn’t ruin your day.
Prepared for This Moment
David Marvin closed with this truth: You’ve been preparing for this moment your whole life. Every verse you’ve memorized, every sermon you’ve heard, every prayer you’ve prayed—it’s all been training for when the lights go out.
When you can’t see, you trust the strategy. Flee. Follow. Fight. Focus.
The race has already been won. Now it’s time to swim in that victory—even if you’re doing it blind.
