Paul continued the emphasis he began in the previous section (vv. 3-10) by appealing to Timothy to pursue spiritual rather than physical goals in his life. He seems to have intended his instructions for all the faithful Ephesian Christians in view of what he just said in verses 3 through 10. He addressed them to Timothy personally since he, as a leader of the church, had the greatest responsibility to set the example for the rest. This section is the climax of the epistle.
6:11 In contrast to the "some"(v. 10) who pursued money, Timothy should flee from this attitude. Paul evidently called him a "man of God"to remind Timothy of his calling and commitment to follow God.
The Old Testament writers used the title "man of God"of prophets (i.e., Moses, Deut. 33:1; David, Neh. 12:24; Elijah, 1 Kings 17:18; and Elisha, 2 Kings 4:7). God used it only of Timothy in the New Testament. Paul was giving Timothy a great honor and encouragement by calling him a man of God. The title describes one who stands for God faithfully against opposition as a spiritual leader and as an example to all believers.
In following God Timothy should pursue objectives different from the acquisition of wealth for selfish purposes. He should emphasize what the Holy Spirit seeks to produce in the life of a Christian (Gal. 5:22-23) and what is essential for a leader of God's people (3:1-3).
"Righteousness"includes all attitudes and actions in harmony with what God calls right.
"Godliness"is godlike character and conduct.
"Faith"is trust in God.
"Love"is selfless devotion to the needs of others.
"Perseverance"is faithful continuance through adverse or discouraging circumstances.
"Gentleness"is tender kindness to others.
The first two of these goals are general characteristics that represent one's relationship with God. The second two are specific attitudes that animate the Christian life. The third two are specific actions that define correct ways of relating to a hostile world. Together they draw a silhouette of a "man [person] of God."
6:12 Our enemy opposes the Christian's pursuit of godly ideals. Paul therefore urged his younger friend to plunge into this conflict. The goal is worth fighting for, and it requires fighting for. In so doing Timothy could obtain the reward that God wants to bestow on every believer: the fullness of eternal life (cf. John 10:10). Some Christians have eternal life but never really lay hold of it. Similarly some people who are alive physically never really enter into the fullness of life because they are never fully healthy and strong.
"Like a skillful coach, Paul supplies ample motivation for maintaining the struggle."220
". . . growth is not automatic; it is conditioned upon our responses. Only by the exercise of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, obedience, faith, study of the Scriptures, and proper responses to trials, does our intimacy with Christ increase. Only by continuing in doing good does that spiritual life imparted at regeneration grow to maturity and earn a reward."221
"Possessing eternal life is one thing, but taking hold' of it is another. The former is static; the latter is dynamic. The former depends upon God; the latter depends upon us. The former comes through faith alone; taking hold' requires faith plus obedience (6:14)."222
Timothy's profession of eternal life before many witnesses probably refers to his baptism in water or his ordination.
6:13-14 Here is Paul's strongest exhortation to Timothy in this letter. He wanted him to keep God's commandment (probably the gospel viewed as a rule of life)223without shameful inconsistencies or behavior that could elicit justifiable criticism. Paul reminded Timothy that God, who gives life to all things and who therefore could and would give Timothy fullness of life, was observing him. He reminded him that he lived under the gaze of God's Anointed, Jesus, who had maintained a good testimony in His hour of trial. The Christian's fight only lasts until the Lord returns.
"The word appearing' or manifestation' emphasizes the visibility and glory of the coming Lord who is now hidden and invisible to human sight in Heaven."224
The fact that Paul referred to that event rather than Timothy's death, either of which would end his struggle, is interesting. It suggests that Paul believed Christ's return for his saints at the Rapture was imminent and could precede Timothy's natural death.
6:15-16 God will send Jesus Christ back at His appointed time. Paul's doxology (a statement glorifying God) emphasized His adorable and unique sovereignty, immortality, and incomprehensible holiness. To Him belong all honor and rule throughout eternity.
"Ephesus was not only the haven of Artemis, but an early center of emperor worship as well. This doxology, therefore, is Paul's parting shot that the God with whom the church has to do in the gospel of Christ is none other than the supreme Ruler of the universe, the Lord over all other lords."225
