Guard the Purity of the Gospel. 1 Timothy 6:13-14.
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.
Dear Family,
The gravity of the need to remain on course is underlined by the solemnity of Paul’s address to Timothy here.
Charge (v. 13). Paul calls as a witness to his charge to Timothy, God the giver of life and to whom by implication all life is owed. He also enlists Christ Jesus, who when on trial for his life did not waver in his mission but made the “good confession.” This is most likely the testimony of Jesus admitting that he is a king (Matthew 27:11), enough for him to be condemned to death, and his commitment to the truth (John 18:37). Paul is saying that Jesus paid the ultimate price for the truth and Timothy should be ready to do the same, if called upon to do so.
Commandment (v. 14a).The commandment Timothy is to keep unstained is not a specific commandment as such, but the gospel. He is to keep it pure, unadulterated, and unaltered. The false teachers were modifying the gospel message to suit their designs for gain. But Timothy is to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who spoke the truth, at the cost of his life.
Coming (v. 14b). The pressure of sacrifice for the truth will not last forever. The appearance of the Lord will bring relief from this tension, yet for now, we must uphold the purity of the gospel and defend it with our lives, if necessary. The hope of the Lord appearing and declaring, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) ought to be motivation enough.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.