Running Hard

11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

13-16 I’m charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn’t give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don’t slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He’ll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.

17-19 Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

20-21 And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.

Overwhelming grace keep you!

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Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God,(A) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,(B) faith, love,(C) endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight(D) of the faith. Take hold of(E) the eternal life(F) to which you were called when you made your good confession(G) in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate(H) made the good confession,(I) I charge you(J) 14 to keep this command without spot or blame(K) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,(L) 15 which God will bring about in his own time(M)—God, the blessed(N) and only Ruler,(O) the King of kings and Lord of lords,(P) 16 who alone is immortal(Q) and who lives in unapproachable light,(R) whom no one has seen or can see.(S) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.(T)

17 Command those who are rich(U) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,(V) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,(W) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.(X) 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,(Y) and to be generous and willing to share.(Z) 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves(AA) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of(AB) the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted(AC) to your care. Turn away from godless chatter(AD) and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.(AE)

Grace be with you all.(AF)

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