1 Timothy 6:12

6:12 Compete well ¹  for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession ²  for ³  in the presence of many witnesses.

Philippians 3:14

3:14 with this goal in mind, ⁴  I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God ⁵  in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:1

True and False Righteousness

3:1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, ⁶  rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Philippians 1:4

1:4 I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you

¹ tn This phrase literally means “compete in the good competition of the faith,” using words that may refer to a race or to a boxing or wrestling match: “run the good race” or “fight the good fight.” The similar phrase in 1 Tim 1:18 uses a military picture and is more literally “war the good warfare.”

² sn At some point in Timothy’s life, he publicly acknowledged Jesus as the resurrected Lord, perhaps either at his baptism or his ordination as a minister of the gospel. With this reminder of the historical moment of his good confession, Timothy is encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith and to finish his life as a minister in the same way it began (see G. W. Knight, Pastoral Epistles [NIGTC], 264-65).

³ tn Grk “confessed the good confession.”

⁴ tn Grk “according to the goal.”

⁵ tn Grk “prize, namely, the heavenly calling of God.”

⁶ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.