1 Timothy 6:11-16

Confessing the Good Confession

The man devoted to God's service will run away from material greed and pursue God's will. He will display reverence toward God, trust in God's word by obeying his will, show love for God and others in all his pursuits, endure difficulties with God at his side, and maintain a gentle spirit. To accomplish all this, one will have to be ready to carry on the struggle against Satan and selfish desires constantly (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Though already saved from past sins (Acts 2:38), the Christian must remain true to his calling if he would receive the ultimate salvation in heaven. The call goes out to all but is only answered by those who would obey the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:28; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; Acts 22:16). When confession is so closely tied to teachings about salvation, it must have reference to the confession of Christ as God's Son which is made at baptism (1 Timothy 6:11-12; Acts 8:37).

Paul went on to remind Timothy of the seriousness of living the Christian life. After all, God, the one who sustains life, is watching and so is Jesus. Jesus made the confession that he was the Son of God in the face of death itself (John 18:36-37). Just as Jesus confessed his Sonship in front of Pilate, though it endangered his life, Timothy was to keep confessing Jesus as God's Son and the one to be obeyed. To do this, his life should be free from sins that would put a blot on the name of the Lord. This is to be done until the Lord appears again, which he and other messengers from God had foretold (John 14:1-6; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28). Just as Jesus was born at the time appointed by God, he will come again at the time God has appointed (Matthew 24:36). The description "King of kings and Lord of Lords" could be used of the Father or the Son without doing damage to either the text or the truth (1 Timothy 6:13-15; Deuteronomy 10:17; Daniel 2:47; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16).

Jesus has immortality from the Father and is the only source of it for us (Romans 6:9; John 5:21; John 5:26). He now dwells in heaven and cannot be physically approached by any man. He has never been seen by man as sovereign God, though he did come to earth and take the form of a man (1 Peter 2:5-8). He is due respect because of his eternal power (1 Timothy 6:16).