Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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For a Blemishless Life
    I Tim. 6:11-14
 Philip Manuel and Laila Anie Philip
Carmel MTC, Boston
12a.  Fight the good fight of the faith;

 Apostle Paul had given Timothy the daunting task of leading the Church in Ephesus. (1Tim.1:3). Although he wrote this pastoral letter to encourage and instruct Timothy, it is a much needed instruction that is applicable in today’s world.
 
The motivational, encouraging phrase “Man of God” is a remarkable title Paul is bestowing upon young Timothy. It reflects that he is a godly young man, ranked high in Paul’s esteem and one who gained his complete trust.(I Tim.1:2) In the old Testament, this title was used over 70 times to describe eminent men like  Moses(Deu. 33.1), Samuel(1Sam: 9.6), David( Neh. 12:24) and a few  prophets but in the New Testament only Timothy  is addressed in this way.

A Blemishless life requires growth in Christ likeness which is attained by habitually taking nourishment from His Word from infancy onwards (2Tim.3:15) and following His commands. God’s commands are not suggestions or optional. They are imperative, mandatory. If we really love God, we will take conscious decisions to obey Him and to say “No” to worldly enticements. Hence Paul uses the word “pursue” to emphasize the enormous effort needed to attain the virtues of godliness, righteousness and faith. “Unlike physical training which is of some value, godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”. (1 Tim.6:7-8).

In a nutshell, Apostle Paul in today's meditation suggests three imperatives which will enable us to lead a blemishless life. We are to flee worldliness, pursue godliness and fight the good fight of the faith.(1 Tim. 6:11-12).To fight the good fight of the faith, we have to stay strong in the Lord and keep on battling the desires of the flesh. Remember that a Christian is always at war with the world, flesh and the devil. So we need to pray, immerse ourselves in the Bible and listen to God in His Word which will encourage and strengthen us. (Psalm 119:49-50) . Ephesians 6:11 says,” put on the armor of God.” That armor is Jesus Christ, His strength, wisdom, love, gentleness and peace. Perhaps we are in an environment that is not conducive to godliness either at work, school or elsewhere. Let us constantly remind ourselves that He is with us, empowering and teaching us. Let us listen to Him and obey Him completely. (1 Sam.15:22).

Dr. David Platt in his book “ Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream” writes,“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And He is more than enough for us.”  

PRAYER

Dear Lord, help us to trust and obey You in all walks of our life. Amen.    


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers”  I Peter 3:12a

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