11 But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.
12 Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.
Vs. 11: - But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.
"keep away from all that" - Look back at verses 6-10 where we are warned of the danger of wanting more and more. A person of God does not serve Him in order to get lots of money. Treasures in heaven, that is to be our long range investment goal. See Matt. 6:20. It might be said (this may not be theologically sound) that a preacher, teacher, or evangelist that gets rich while serving the Lord may not be serving Jesus. If the money comes in due to the preaching and teaching it must immediately be put to work in the church community. There will always be people who need help with food, clothing, jobs, and housing. If the means are there, the needs must be met. See James 2:15-17.
In Acts 2:42-47 the church that sprung up during the Pentecost became a commune, where each member sold their goods, and pooled their earnings to share with all the believers. This does not mean each church body is to become a commune. The message of the gospel so attracted the poor, the downtrodden, the widows and orphans, that the church determined it could demonstrate the love for one another by serving their needs.
"pursue" - The list resembles the fruit of the Spirit (See Gal. 5:22, 23).
- "righteousness" - Matt. 5:6, 10; 6:33.
- "godliness" - 2 Pet. 1:5-8, Titus 1:1.
- "faithfulness" - compare to Matt. 23:23, (there were problems there).
- "love" - Mark 12:30,31, John 14:21, 23-24; 15:9-13.
- "endurance" - Luk. 21:19; 2 Cor. 6:4; Heb. 10:36; Heb. 12:1; Jam. 1:3.
- "gentleness" - Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12.
"Compete well for the faith" - Other translations say, "fight the good fight". 'Compete well' is too weak. Think of the Olympic Games. Athletes train their whole lives for a few minutes or seconds of competition. They lay it all out there, holding nothing back. It is close to going into battle. This is the sense of 'compete well' - spiritual battle. See Eph. 6:12.
"lay hold of that eternal life" - Grasp with both hands! Don't let go! Hold on for dear life - it is your life! God, through the Holy Spirit has called you, beckoned you. He does not coerce.
“In the presence of many witnesses“ Oh, by the way, you've told a lot of people that your life is now Jesus'. The question is asked “Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” In public, or at least to another person, you said, “I do.” They know what you professed. They are watching you live out your Christian life. Plus, there is a great cloud of witnesses looking down from heaven. (Heb. 12:1)
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