Pursue Series: Righteousness
1 Timothy 6:11–12
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [love of riches and dissension]. 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.
As I concluded my time reading through First Timothy this week, the bolded section of vv. 11–12 stood out to me as a litmus test for believers to consider as we seek to live in response to the love of God. So, for the next few days, we are going to unpack the things we are to pursue as I hope to encourage you to start or continue living according to God’s way.
Pursue Righteousness.
What is righteousness? A quick Google search results in this definition: Biblical righteousness is conformity to the divine will and law, encompassing both God's own perfect, holy nature and the state of being accepted as righteous by Him through faith in Christ. A simpler way we may say this is “living right in the eyes of God.”
This means that what I do, think, and say should be done in a manner that is in line with God’s way. Furthermore, what I fail to do, think, and say should be done in a manner that is in line with God’s way. Righteousness isn’t limited to a few “spiritual” areas of life; it shapes every choice and attitude we carry.
Paul writes it plainly in 6:11 to pursue righteousness. I think the word pursue is quite fitting, especially in the context of righteousness, because righteousness is not something we will ever fully complete. We will not be perfectly righteous, but that does not dissuade us from pursuing righteousness. Simply because I cannot be a perfect husband does not mean that I do not pursue being the best husband I can be. Just as I’ll never be a perfect husband yet still strive to love my wife well, so we pursue living rightly before God — not to earn His favor, but because we already have it through Christ.
Practical Ways to Pursue Righteousness:
Integrity is non-negotiable — speak and act in admirable ways.
Do what is right even when no one is looking or will notice.
Treat others with fairness and justice at all times.
Examine your motives — not simply acting out of convenience but based on conscience.
Bible Reading Challenge #57
1 Corinthians 16:12–24
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—
16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,
18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.Greetings
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
A Letter of Grace and Love
Paul comes to the end of a challenging letter.
Throughout 1 Corinthians, he has addressed rivalry, deceit, sexual immorality, disbelief, and spiritual arrogance — among many other issues.
The church in Corinth is full of flawed, broken people — some earnestly trying to follow Jesus, others misusing His name. Yet, at the end of this difficult letter, Paul writes with love.
Paul Hasn’t Given Up
Paul hasn’t given up on this ragtag group of stumbling servants of God.
He hasn’t forgotten or disqualified them.
In fact, he longs to see them face to face.
Why?
Because Paul loves the people of the church at Corinth despite their flaws.
And more importantly, Paul is confident that God hasn’t given up on them either.
Real Problems, Real People, Real God
The letter of 1 Corinthians deals with real problems, real people, and our real God.
You and I are much the same as the believers in Corinth.
Our specific sins may differ, but our faith struggles often look very similar.
Remember This Today
God has not given up on you.
God loves you and sent His Son for you.
God will continue to work in, through, and around you
to make you more like Him.
Because God hasn’t given up on you — don’t give up on others.
Extend to someone today the same grace that God has extended to you.
Bible Reading Challenge #56
1 Corinthians 16:5–11
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia,
6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Effective Work and Many Adversaries
Let’s focus today on verses 8–9 in particular:
“But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
for a wide door for effective work has opened to me,
and there are many adversaries.”
Do you see the contrast?
Effective work — and many adversaries.
When I think of a wide-open door for effective work, the last thing that comes to mind is opposition. I imagine smooth sailing, easy choices, and simple solutions — everything moving up and to the right.
But Paul reminds us that open doors and opposition often go hand in hand.
Not a Disqualification
Paul is excited about the ministry opportunity before him, yet he’s not naïve — he knows there are many adversaries.
Adversaries are not a disqualification for effective work.
Difficulties do not mean you’re headed in the wrong direction.
Paul is confident that he is to remain in Ephesus, even though many oppose him. His confidence doesn’t come from circumstances but from his calling.
A Challenge for Us
What are you wanting to give up on because it’s not as easy as you hoped?
What passion, project, or purpose are you tempted to abandon because the road has been bumpier than you expected?
What if the place where God wants to use you most effectively is exactly where the adversaries exist?
What if the situation you hoped to avoid is right in the middle of God’s plan for you?
Pray for Perseverance
Pray today for perseverance when you want to bail on what’s uncomfortable.
Remember:
Effective work does not mean easy work.
Effective work is fulfilling work.
Bible Reading Challenge #55
1 Corinthians 16:1–4
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
Returning to the Plate
After nearly four years of directing people to give online or to use the boxes at each sanctuary exit, we are beginning to pass the plate again in our services.
You may think this is a reactionary move to increase giving due to potential budget shortfalls — but that is not true.
Why We Give
We’ve begun passing the offering plate again because giving to the Lord is an act of worship.
God calls and commands us to give from what we have received. He is the true giver of all things, and in giving to the church and its ministries, we are obediently returning a portion of what He has so generously blessed us with.
Giving is an act of worship that every Christian should take part in.
Giving is an act of discipleship expected of all who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Giving is not optional for those who have much — it is an expectation for all who follow Christ.
Giving Options
Give Online or By Mail
Many of you give online, and you may feel awkward when the plate comes by. You might even wish you had a sign that says, “I give online!”
During this time, simply pray that God uses what you’ve already given for His Kingdom purposes.
Give In Person
Some of you appreciate the weekly reminder and accountability that comes with the plate being passed.
Take out your checkbook if you have one, look in your wallet, or even log on to our website to make a donation in the moment.
Closing Thought
The work of God is supported by the people of God
as they take steps of obedience to God
with their God-given blessings.
Bible Reading Challenge #54
1 Corinthians 15:50–58
50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
This chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, can be quite challenging to understand, but as we conclude it today, I want to bring one thing to mind: Resurrection.
The fact of the resurrection is exactly what Paul has been teaching throughout this discussion. Jesus was raised from the dead. Many saw Him die on the cross, and many saw Him alive again. The resurrection of Jesus is a truth that must be embraced by all who believe, for without it, we would be utterly hopeless.
The fact that Jesus has been raised gives us the hope that we, too, will be raised. Most simply, this means that death is not the end of our existence. We live now in a perishable state—our bodies fail, and we all will die. However, the hope (and promise) of the resurrection is that we will be raised with imperishable bodies that will never fail.
The quotation from Paul in verses 54–55 celebrates this truth: while death may have once stung, the stinger has been removed—its power is gone, and it is no longer to be feared.
Today, I encourage you to rest in the reality of the resurrection. Though we worry and carry burdens in this life, we can hold fast to the promise of eternal life with God—life free from the pain, sorrow, and struggles of this world.