Today’s message concludes the 8-part series on The Man of God. The Apostle Paul gives two commands to Timothy – “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” (1 Tim. 6:12). In other words, eternal life is the engine that moves the Christian’s life to fight the good fight of faith. It is not enough to know that Christians have eternal life but to hold onto that truth in managing their daily lives.
Why did the Apostle Paul command Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life…” when he was already saved? First, eternal life needs to be defined based on what the Bible says. Eternal life is often thought of as having no end or living forever. Everyone has eternal life as man’s soul will go to heaven or hell for eternity. But in today’s text, eternal life is best understood by focusing on the quality of God’s life. In addition, eternal life is to know the only true God (Jn. 17:3). Knowing what eternal life is, everyone must strive to know God personally and thereby seek His kingdom and righteousness.
Is eternal life a reality in the present only or does it apply to the future as well? Eternal life applies to both the present and future realities for the Christian. Concerning the believer’s present reality, eternal life is given the moment they believe in Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:24). Regarding the believer’s future reality, understanding eternal life gives the Christian hope and strength to continue in the present fight. Moreover, the believer is freed from sin and enslaved to God, their benefit is resulting in sanctification that results in eternal life both in the present and future (Rom. 6:22).
Who wants to take hold of eternal life? All Christians are called to take hold of the eternal life to which they are called. One of the marks of taking hold of eternal life is suffering as the Lord Jesus Christ also suffered. The believer also considers eternal life as the treasure choice in comparison to anything this world can offer. “Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!’” (Acts 3:6).
The Apostle Paul does not fail to mention that all believers are called by God (v 12). The Lord calls his elect to fight the good fight of faith and to take hold of eternal life. Remember Christian, God does not owe anyone eternal life. But by his grace and mercy, the Lord sovereignly calls each believer and thereby enables them to appropriate the reality of possessing eternal life through Jesus Christ. And this calling is affirmed by the “good confession in the presence of many witnesses” in baptism and partaking in the Lord’s Supper through true saving faith.
God is always with those that possess eternal life as he dwells within their heart. Therefore, the Christian’s eternal life must be presented in all sufferings and joy. This is how the man of God is called to live.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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