Flee, Pursue, Fight: Embracing Our Christian Identity
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Hamilton Baptist Church. Today, we gathered to worship our crucified Savior, resurrected Lord, and soon-returning King. We began by reciting the Apostles' Creed, affirming our faith in our Trinitarian God. We then delved into 1 Timothy 6:11-16, where Paul exhorts Timothy to flee from sin, pursue righteousness, fight the good fight of faith, and take hold of eternal life. These commands are not just for Timothy but for all of us as Christians.
Paul's first command is to flee from sin, emphasizing the need to take evasive action against the temptations that besiege us. He identifies Timothy as a "man of God," a title that should remind us of our identity in Christ. This identity is not based on worldly measures but on our relationship with God. We are called to flee from sin because of who we are in Christ.
The second command is to pursue Christian virtues like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. The goal of Christianity is not merely to avoid sin but to become more like Christ. Pursuing these virtues requires intentional effort and a focus on Christ.
The third command is to fight the good fight of faith. This involves actively resisting doubt, trials, and worldly pleasures that threaten our faith. We must be prepared to fight for our faith, not just for ourselves but also for our fellow believers. The church community plays a crucial role in this, as we exhort one another to remain steadfast in our faith.
The fourth command is to take hold of eternal life. This is a gift from God, but we must actively grasp it, holding on to our faith with all our strength. Paul reminds Timothy of his past confession of faith and encourages him to live in a manner worthy of that confession.
Paul also provides three motivations for obedience: remembering our past confession, understanding the present witness of God, and trusting in the future victory of Christ. Jesus will return at the proper time, and we are to remain faithful until that day. Our God is invincible, immortal, inaccessible, and invisible, deserving of all honor and eternal dominion.
### Key Takeaways
1. Flee from Sin: As Christians, we must take evasive action against sin, recognizing the specific temptations that besiege us. Our identity as "men and women of God" calls us to live in a manner that reflects our relationship with Christ. This involves not just avoiding sin but actively running away from it, much like Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wife. [45:05]
2. Pursue Christian Virtues: The goal of our faith is not merely to avoid sin but to become more like Christ. We are called to pursue virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. This requires intentional effort and a focus on Christ, as we cannot drift towards Christlikeness by accident. [49:26]
3. Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Our faith will be threatened by doubt, trials, and worldly pleasures. We must actively resist these threats and fight to maintain our trust and delight in Christ. This fight is not just for ourselves but also for our fellow believers, as we exhort one another to remain steadfast in our faith. [01:00:39]
4. Take Hold of Eternal Life: Eternal life is a gift from God, but we must actively grasp it, holding on to our faith with all our strength. This involves living in a manner worthy of our past confession of faith and remaining faithful until the end. Our faith is not a passive experience but an active pursuit of Christ. [01:04:42]
5. Motivations for Obedience: Paul provides three motivations for our obedience: remembering our past confession, understanding the present witness of God, and trusting in the future victory of Christ. Jesus will return at the proper time, and we are to remain faithful until that day. Our God is invincible, immortal, inaccessible, and invisible, deserving of all honor and eternal dominion. [01:17:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:23] - Children's Worship Announcement
[06:07] - Reciting the Apostles' Creed
[08:06] - Opening Prayer
[37:07] - Reading from 1 Timothy 6:11-16
[38:59] - The Battle of Bull Run Illustration
[40:46] - The Call to Fight the Good Fight
[42:17] - Commands to Flee, Pursue, Fight, and Grasp
[45:05] - Flee from Sin
[49:26] - Pursue Christian Virtues
[01:00:39] - Fight the Good Fight of Faith
[01:04:42] - Take Hold of Eternal Life
[01:07:31] - Remember Your Past Confession
[01:17:06] - Trust in the Future Victory
[01:18:31] - Worship the Invincible God
[01:27:47] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Timothy 6:11-16 (ESV)
> "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four commands Paul gives to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-12? ([42:17])
2. How does Paul describe God in 1 Timothy 6:15-16? ([01:18:31])
3. What past event does Paul remind Timothy of to motivate him to take hold of eternal life? ([01:07:31])
4. According to the sermon, what are the six Christian virtues Paul encourages Timothy to pursue? ([49:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "flee from sin" and how does this relate to our identity in Christ? ([45:05])
2. How does the concept of "fighting the good fight of faith" apply to modern-day Christians? What are some practical ways to engage in this fight? ([01:00:39])
3. What does it mean to "take hold of eternal life" and how can this be an active pursuit in a believer's life? ([01:04:42])
4. How do the three motivations for obedience (past confession, present witness, future victory) help Christians remain steadfast in their faith? ([01:17:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there specific sins you need to flee from? What practical steps can you take to avoid these temptations? ([45:05])
2. Which of the six Christian virtues (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness) do you find most challenging to pursue? How can you intentionally work on this virtue this week? ([49:26])
3. Think about a recent trial or doubt you faced. How did you respond? What can you do differently next time to "fight the good fight of faith"? ([01:00:39])
4. How can you actively "take hold of eternal life" in your daily routine? Are there specific habits or practices you can adopt to keep your focus on Christ? ([01:04:42])
5. Recall a time when you made a public confession of your faith, such as during your baptism. How does remembering this event motivate you to live out your faith today? ([01:07:31])
6. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's constant presence and witness in your life? How does this awareness influence your daily decisions and actions? ([01:17:06])
7. How does the promise of Christ's future return and victory encourage you in your current struggles? What can you do to keep this hope alive in your heart? ([01:17:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Flee from Sin
As Christians, we are called to take evasive action against sin, recognizing the specific temptations that besiege us. Our identity as "men and women of God" calls us to live in a manner that reflects our relationship with Christ. This involves not just avoiding sin but actively running away from it, much like Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wife. The act of fleeing from sin is a proactive measure, requiring us to be vigilant and aware of the areas in our lives where we are most vulnerable. By doing so, we honor our identity in Christ and live in a way that is pleasing to God. [45:05]
2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV): "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take today to flee from it and honor your identity in Christ?
Day 2: Pursue Christian Virtues
The goal of our faith is not merely to avoid sin but to become more like Christ. We are called to pursue virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. This requires intentional effort and a focus on Christ, as we cannot drift towards Christlikeness by accident. Pursuing these virtues means actively seeking to embody the character of Christ in our daily lives. It involves making conscious choices that reflect our commitment to growing in our faith and becoming more like Jesus. [49:26]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Which Christian virtue do you find most challenging to pursue? What is one practical way you can focus on developing this virtue in your life today?
Day 3: Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Our faith will be threatened by doubt, trials, and worldly pleasures. We must actively resist these threats and fight to maintain our trust and delight in Christ. This fight is not just for ourselves but also for our fellow believers, as we exhort one another to remain steadfast in our faith. The church community plays a crucial role in this, as we support and encourage each other in our spiritual battles. By fighting the good fight of faith, we demonstrate our commitment to Christ and our reliance on His strength to overcome the challenges we face. [01:00:39]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or doubt you have faced. How can you actively resist this threat and rely on your church community for support in your fight of faith?
Day 4: Take Hold of Eternal Life
Eternal life is a gift from God, but we must actively grasp it, holding on to our faith with all our strength. This involves living in a manner worthy of our past confession of faith and remaining faithful until the end. Our faith is not a passive experience but an active pursuit of Christ. By taking hold of eternal life, we demonstrate our commitment to living out our faith daily and striving to grow closer to God. This requires perseverance and a steadfast focus on the promises of God, trusting that He will sustain us in our journey. [01:04:42]
1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
Reflection: Reflect on your past confession of faith. How can you actively take hold of eternal life today and live in a manner worthy of that confession?
Day 5: Motivations for Obedience
Paul provides three motivations for our obedience: remembering our past confession, understanding the present witness of God, and trusting in the future victory of Christ. Jesus will return at the proper time, and we are to remain faithful until that day. Our God is invincible, immortal, inaccessible, and invisible, deserving of all honor and eternal dominion. By keeping these motivations in mind, we can remain steadfast in our faith and obedient to God's commands, knowing that our efforts are not in vain and that we are part of a greater plan. [01:17:06]
1 Peter 1:13-16 (ESV): "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: Which of the three motivations for obedience resonates most with you today? How can you incorporate this motivation into your daily walk with Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The goal of Christianity is not to keep you from sin. That's not our objective. We want to keep you from sin, but that is not what God is after in your life. He wants you to be like his son. He wants you to reflect Jesus. The goal is to run to Jesus. Run to Jesus, you will run from sin. It's very hard to seek after Jesus and to seek after sin at the same time." [49:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, this might sound ridiculous to you, but I today, if you're not a Christian, I'm offering you right now everlasting life. Like, you can live forever. Forever. That's what God offers you through Christ. That's not that you won't die. I'm not saying that. Please don't misunderstand me. But after death, through death, you shall, if you are in Christ, you shall live forever in utter perfection, forever and ever and ever, and never suffer ever again." [01:14:14] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are not a bag of chemicals put together by time and chance. You are not a product of random physics and chemistry that just kind of threw together over a long period of time, leaving you with no purpose, no direction, no meaning whatsoever. It's no wonder to me that teen suicide is the highest it's ever been. Why? Because our kids are told you're just nothing but a cosmic accident. And I think we're simply reaping what we sow." [46:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If Jesus becomes your highest joy, you will happily say no to the many things that tempt you away from him. And you won't feel like you're losing anything because you have the one you truly want. Christianity is a transfer of your loves away from the flesh and the world towards Christ. And if you are running towards Jesus, it will take you from sin." [51:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "To refuse to be baptized and to say you're a Christian, I think, and I don't mean this to be offensive, but you might find it offensive, to say you're a Christian and say, I will not be baptized. I think you should probably doubt whether you truly are a Christian. This is what God has clearly said what disciples do. They are baptized." [01:08:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul here, as you note, is drawing his letter to close. He calls on Timothy to do many things, but in one particular exhortation, he calls Timothy to fight. Fight the good fight of faith or the good fight of the faith. He's reminded as we are this morning that there is a war to wage and that you and I, Christian, must not be unprepared for that battle. The Christian life is a life of war." [40:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think many Christians today are not ready for the battle that is around them and are therefore easily routed. I think there are others who claim the name of Christ who aren't even planning to fight, but just rather sit on the sideline and sip tea as if the war was not waging. We are not to pack for a picnic for a pleasant afternoon when it comes to following Jesus." [42:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I trust there are sins in your life, Christian, to which you must flee. I wonder, can you name the sins which you find yourself most often besieged by, most often under attack, certain sins you are aware of? I hope you can. And if you are, would you say that you are fleeing from them? Amen. Quite often, it's more like we're taking a stroll in a minefield. We're surrounding ourselves by the very temptations that so often besiege us with no flight whatsoever, just a casual approach to the struggles in which we face." [43:42] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think many people who say they're a Christian, they hide it real well when they're outside these walls. Many say that Jesus belongs to them, but they don't want to belong to Jesus. Many say they want the benefits of Jesus, but none of the obligations of Jesus. And in the end, for those who refuse to do so, many will say to Jesus, Lord, Lord, and according to the words of Jesus in Matthew 7, Jesus will say, depart from me. I never knew you. I don't know who you are." [01:12:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I hope you get a sense of, at least what I get, is the urgency of which Paul is exhorting Timothy. Flee. Pursue. Fight. Grasp. I think we're often so lazy spiritually. We're sometimes so cavalier and superficial. And there's very little intensity to our Christian faith. I pray that this passage might be used by God to wake some of us up. That we need to have this deep and earnest pursuit of Christ. We need to sense the danger. We need to recognize that this isn't a picnic. It's a battle." [01:06:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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