What is your definition of Success?

I Timothy 6:11–16
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Paul shares with Timothy three principles that will bring success in the ministry if they are followed.

1. Flee (the love of money and what it brings - v. 11a) from false doctrine and godless practices. Sometimes we may need to stand and fight but there are definite times when fleeing is a work of wisdom. There are times when running away is the mark of a coward as Nehemiah asked, “should such a man as I flee” (Neh. 6:11)? But there are other times when fleeing is a mark of wisdom and a means to victory. An example would be when Joseph was tempted by his master’s wife and fled (Gen. 39:12).

2. Follow (v. 11b) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. Separation without character building only leads to isolation. Let us be known for what we propose rather than what we oppose.

3. Fight (vs. 12-16) for truth and for our commanding general Jesus Christ until He returns. Like Nehemiah have the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other (Neh. 4:17). We must stand guard for the things of Christ or they will be taken from us. However we must not spend so much time fighting that we fail to build lives (Rom. 14:19).

As we flee from the things that tie us to this world we then yearn more for His return.

Application

I need to make a list of truths that I can hold to no matter what teachers or friends may say or try to get me to do. Then I need to put a check mark beside the things that I need to memorize a verse of scripture for, in order to have a proof text. Use a concordance with this project.