Anchor My Faith

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Author: Stephen Weller
1,195 words, 6 minutes read time

Take Hold Of Eternal Life

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)

Paul, in nearing the end of his message to Timothy, is in the last section titled, “Fight the Good Fight of Faith” in the ESV Study Bible, has just mentioned the things to flee from that could endanger Timothy’s walk with the Lord, and says, ¹¹ “O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

A proper Bible study of this would be to go back and understand the things to flee from and then work through the list of things to pursue. Our verse of study includes the last two items in the list. Paul begins that list by referring to Timothy as a “man of God.” As we approach this list it applies to us if we are “children of God.”

We will need to skip the items of “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness” of verse 11, and focus on the two mentioned in verse 12: “Fight the good fight of the faith” and “Take hold of the eternal life.” The call to these two involves both fleeing from sin and vigorously pursuing virtue, both of which are referenced in 2 Timothy 2:22 ESV: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

To fight implies that we are soldiers of Jesus Christ and “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4 ESV), and when we go to battle we must know our enemy, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV). We are to use weapons of righteousness (2 Corinthians 6:7) and have on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). In particular, we are to have on the “breastplate of faith and love” and the “helmet of the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

We are to “take hold of eternal life” and seek to embrace the things associated with it. So many Christians today take hold of life in the world and seek its pleasures and comforts and miss the many blessings of walking with God and learning about living with him. We get sidetracked with the temporal and fail to pursue the eternal with its offerings that are so rich and free.

As believers, we have been called to eternal life and as we consider how many must live under persecution we realize the potential cost to us: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV). The call to take hold of eternal life may not be filled with pleasure and comfort but with suffering and even death, but even then, we can experience the fruit of the Spirit and a living hope of eternity.

As we take hold of eternal life and begin to live by its principles, we form a good testimony as a witness to others of the kindness of God’s grace. Father thank you for such kindness.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith by Holding Firm to Eternal Life

Summary Paragraph

In 1 Timothy 6:12, the Apostle Paul the Apostle exhorts Timothy to actively engage in the “good fight of the faith,” emphasizing that the Christian life is not passive but requires perseverance, discipline, and steadfast trust in God. This fight is not against people but against doubt, sin, and the pressures of the world. Paul calls Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life” to which he was called, reminding him of his public confession of faith; a moment that marked his commitment to Christ. The verse highlights both divine calling and human responsibility: believers are called by God into eternal life, yet they must actively cling to it, living in light of that eternal reality with courage and conviction.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean to “fight the good fight of the faith”?
   Answer:
   To “fight the good fight of the faith” means to live with intentional spiritual resolve in a world that often opposes God’s truth. This fight is not physical but spiritual, involving steadfast belief in the gospel, resisting temptation, and standing firm against false teachings and worldly distractions. It includes daily choices to trust God, obey His Word, and remain faithful even when it is difficult. The word “good” indicates that this fight is noble and worthwhile; it has eternal significance. It is a battle fought with faith as both the weapon and the victory, relying on God’s strength rather than human effort.
2. What does Paul mean by “take hold of the eternal life”?
   Answer:
   “Take hold of the eternal life” means to fully embrace and live in the reality of the eternal life already given through Christ. Eternal life is not only a future promise but a present possession for believers. Paul is urging Timothy to grasp it firmly, to let it shape his priorities, decisions, and identity. This involves living with an eternal perspective, valuing what God values, and not being consumed by temporary concerns. It is a call to actively pursue a life that reflects the permanence and holiness of God’s kingdom.
3. Why does Paul remind Timothy of his “good confession in the presence of many witnesses”?
   Answer:
   Paul reminds Timothy of his public confession to reinforce accountability and encourage perseverance. This confession likely refers to Timothy’s declaration of faith at his baptism or commissioning for ministry. By recalling this moment, Paul is reminding him of his commitment to Christ and the witnesses who heard it. This serves as both encouragement and responsibility; Timothy is not only living for himself but as a testimony to others. It emphasizes that faith is both personal and public, and that believers are called to remain faithful to the commitment they have openly declared.
4. How can believers today apply this verse in their daily lives?
   Answer:
   Believers today can apply this verse by recognizing that the Christian life requires active engagement, not passive belief. This means consistently choosing faith over fear, truth over compromise, and obedience over convenience. It involves regular prayer, studying Scripture, and surrounding oneself with a community of believers for encouragement and accountability. Taking hold of eternal life also means prioritizing spiritual growth and maintaining an eternal perspective in decisions about time, relationships, and resources. Additionally, remembering one’s confession of faith can inspire faithfulness and boldness in living out that commitment publicly.