Series: The Root of All Evil
2025 Vision Theme: REVIVE US AGAIN! (Psalm 85)
Scripture Reading
1 Timothy 6:11–12 NKJV
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1. Pursue Godliness
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
- Paul tells Timothy to flee greed and destructive desires. Instead, he is to pursue spiritual virtues with intensity.
- The word “pursue” means more than casual interest—it’s a determined chase, like persecuting or apprehending.
- God has already pursued us with love, grace, and patience. Now we must chase after Him with the same passion.
Reflection Questions:
- What desires do I need to “flee” in order to pursue godliness more fully?
- How can I actively chase after righteousness, faith, and love in my daily life?
- If someone looked at my life, what would they say I am truly pursuing?
2. Fight the Good Fight of Faith
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…”
- Faith requires a fight—standing against doubt, temptation, and spiritual opposition.
- We are not fighting people but spiritual forces that try to erode our faith (Ephesians 6:12).
- Fighting the good fight means protecting what God has given us—our joy, our peace, our testimony.
- Like a warrior with the sword of the Spirit, we must be ready to resist when the enemy attacks.
Reflection Questions:
- What spiritual battles am I currently facing that test my faith?
- How am I equipping myself with the “sword of the Spirit” (God’s Word)?
- What does it mean for me personally to fight for my marriage, my family, or my church?
3. Lay Hold on Eternal Life
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV
“…lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
- Paul reminds Timothy to grasp tightly the eternal life he has in Christ.
- Eternal life begins now—not just in heaven—when we live as those saved by grace.
- We must hold firmly to our calling, our confession of faith, and the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ.
- Temporary possessions fade, but eternal life in Christ is secure and priceless.
Reflection Questions:
- How does remembering eternal life help me stay focused when life gets difficult?
- What “temporary things” am I tempted to hold onto instead of clinging to Christ?
- How can I live today in a way that reflects my hope in eternal life?
Conclusion
- To avoid the root of evil and put down new roots in Christ, we must:
- Pursue Godliness with passion.
- Fight the Good Fight of Faith with courage.
- Lay Hold on Eternal Life with confidence.
- Let’s put down roots that last—roots in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Memory Verses (This Week)
- 1 Timothy 6:11 – Flee these things and pursue righteousness.
- 1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of faith.
- Philippians 3:12 – I press on to apprehend what Christ has apprehended me for.
- Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
- John 10:28 – I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
Prayer Focus
“Lord, help me to flee from greed and sin, and to pursue the roots of righteousness. Teach me to fight the good fight of faith with Your Word, and to hold tightly to the eternal life You have given me in Christ Jesus. Amen.”