The Confession

Introduction

Do you remember the confession you made at your baptism? For most of us, the preacher said something like, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?” And we responded with “Yes.” While there is nothing wrong with such a confession—this was my confession too—we sometimes forget that this confession is a continual confession, not just a one-time event. Our confession shapes who we are and how we live.

What does this mean to you? Does it inspire? Motivate? Leave you indifferent? In our text today, Paul will have some strong words for Timothy in relationship to his role as a teacher and as a believer in Jesus. These words are also intended for us. Let’s be encouraged today.

The Text

This text stands between two texts which deal with money. As Dwight reminded us last week, we are to be content with what God has given us. It is the love of money which leads many astray. Paul will pick up with that thought in verse 17 of chapter 6. However, he has some strong words for Timothy in our text this morning. These strong words are intended to help Timothy maintain his focus. While others may be struggling with attitudes toward money, Timothy is to stay focused on his work as God’s man in Ephesus.

Notice in verse 11, the phrase “man of God.” This phrase is only found in the New Testament here and in 2 Timothy 3:17 where it is used to refer to all generally. In all of the NT, Timothy is called the “man of God.” What is Paul doing? He is calling Timothy to keep his focus. He is God’s man in Ephesus. He was to demonstrate who God was in a place where false teachers seemed to be getting the upper hand. He was to reflect the character of God where money mattered more than spiritual direction.

In fact, Paul is very clear that Timothy is to be consciously keeping his life in check so that he didn’t fall into the trap of paying more attention to money than to the spiritual direction of life. So Paul is very clear in verse 11—flee from all this. What is the “this”? Everything that proceeds this verse. Flee—run with intent away from something. Flee from greed; from the love of money; from the temptation and trap of wanting more. Instead, give your life to God and to people.

The six items can be divided into two sections. The first three have to do with pursuing things connected with God: righteousness, godliness, and faith. The other three have to do with pursuing things connected with others: love, endurance, and gentleness. Turn away with great conviction from the temptation to want more and turn with greater conviction toward those things that connect with God and people.

Paul further instructs Timothy to engage in the battle which faith is going to bring. Hold on to the eternal life which he took possession of when he made his confession. Paul further calls upon two witnesses who verify that fleeing and fighting are worth it. The first witness is God who is the giver of life—not just physical life but spiritual life, the very eternal life that Timothy took possession of when he made his confession. The second witness is Jesus who stood before Pilate, and his confession cost him his life. These two witnesses are sufficient to help Timothy to continue the fight of faith against false teachers and the temptation to want more when he has enough.

Application

There are two primary lessons from this text. First, Timothy was to demonstrate the character of God in a very challenging place. So are we. We were called by God to be his people. We are his people even when it isn’t popular or profitable. We are God’s people when others will find us no longer interesting. It is far easier to follow the way of this world. There is minimal challenge to the temptation about money. While no one may help you, most will understand what you are trying to do because they are trying to do it as well. Get ahead. Be on top. Just a little more. Pay the price to get more.

Instead, as God’s people we make a point to be different from what others are doing. We give instead of finding ways to take. We are patient when others are impatient. We are gentle with others when others are harsh. We do not push others for our benefit but are slow to seek what is best for others.

With this “fight,” we will be noticed. Not necessarily appreciated. Not accepted. Not held up as important. Often we will be ridiculed, laughed at, and thought to have taken leave of our senses. No one gets ahead through loving gentle endurance, especially toward others. But we realize that we have a prize that is far greater than what money can buy—eternal life.

Second, our confession confirms our direction. Imagine Jesus standing before Pilate. He had for the most part been silent. What was there to say? Witnesses were not consistent in their testimony. Pilate saw through the phoniness of the situation. He wanted to let Jesus go. He saw no reason to hold Jesus any further. So Pilate asks the one question to which he already knows the answer: Are you the king of the Jews?

A simple “no” will bring Jesus’ release. It will not be simple, but Pilate will find no reason to hold Jesus any longer. This is a win-win for Pilate. He can, with a clear conscience, let Jesus go. But Jesus doesn’t play the same game. “It is as you say.” This is a strong admission. It isn’t just a simple statement like “If you say so.” It is a strong admission that what Pilate has just asked is absolutely true. The confession led to his death—no, his confession led to his victory.

No confession—no victory. No confession—no eternal life. Do you understand? Our confession is not a one-time event. It is in our confession that we set the direction of our lives. Will you allow that confession to direct your paths?

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