1 Timothy 6:14 – Three Minute Bible

Picture of a chessboard with a football dropping into the middle of the game. (Grok)

… until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time…

Summary: Understanding that Jesus is coming again is a game changer for many of us.

When you read the words in this passage, what do you think of?

For some of you, this is a ‘loaded’ question. Church leaders have argued about what these words mean for centuries. In fact, this topic is one of those that divides many churches, so we are going to approach this carefully and in love (agapē). I want to respect your opinions while at the same time gently challenging your thinking a bit.

Let’s explore some passages about Jesus’ coming:

“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28)

This is a very interesting statement because it is a direct statement of fact. Jesus is not speaking metaphorically or in parables. Taken at face value, his words mean that the coming of Jesus in his kingdom will be witnessed by people who were alive in Jesus’ day.

Obviously, the first question that inquiring minds want to know is this: Are Jesus and Paul talking about the same thing? In other words, is “coming in his kingdom” the same thing as “appearing”?

In the case of Jesus’ statement about the ‘Son of Man coming in his kingdom,’ a few verses later Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain where they see Jesus’ glory revealed (Matthew 17:1-13).

In Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7), he sees “one like a son of man” coming before God and being given “authority, glory and sovereign power” (Daniel 7:14). The vision says that “his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Do you remember the vision of Stephen as he spoke before the Sanhedrin? He says:

“‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” (Acts 7:56)

Does this qualify as an “appearance of our Lord Jesus”?

Finally, since this is supposed to be a brief meditation, what about the thief on the cross? Recognizing his guilt, he turns to the man on the cross next to him and sees, not another man, but a king. He simply asks to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. And Jesus’ response?

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

There is much more in the Bible on this topic, but one thing we can be sure of— Jesus Christ is King.

Application: When it comes to the Bible, keep your eyes on God.

Food for Thought: How does this passage help Timothy—and us—keep our focus on our good confession?

Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.

Cartoon showing an archer with a target that is only the bullseye (Grok+)

… I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame…

Summary: This passage is packed full of everything that Paul holds dear.

As we work our way through Paul’s letter to Timothy, we methodically pick through every sentence for spiritual and informational gemstones God has planted in the text. This is not an approach we take lightly! However, a drawback of moving slowly is that we can lose track of the larger picture. For example, which “command” is Paul referring to?

If we go back to the beginning of the paragraph, Paul says, “But you, man of God…,” and then he launches into a series of instructions:

1. Flee from the temptations that come with a desire for money (verses 6-10).

2. Pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (v 11).

3. “Fight the good fight of the faith” (v 12).

4. Take hold of … eternal life (v 12).

5. Hold fast to your “good confession” of faith in Jesus Christ (v 12).*

Could this be the “command” Paul is referring to?

Then there is the qualifier that Paul adds:

“I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame…”

Whoa!

That sounds a lot like Paul is demanding perfection.

Is he?

The answer, in short, is “Yes.” Paul is asking a lot of Timothy. Yet, before we rush to judgment, let’s step back and take a deep breath.

First of all, Paul considers Timothy to be his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). This is different than a father’s expectation of his biological son. Paul’s sentiment toward Timothy is not based on emotional affection but instead on a shared love and commitment for the Gospel.

In his quest to serve God, Paul holds himself to an impossibly high standard.

Before he understood that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God, Paul persecuted Christians to the ends of the earth because he believed they were an affront to God. After he encountered the living God on the road to Damascus, Paul changed course and devoted his life to the very thing he had been committed to destroying.

In his service to God, Paul doesn’t allow himself to serve in half measures. It is all or nothing, and he expects the same of his true son in the faith.

Application: Be ‘all in’ for Jesus.

Food for Thought: Some might accuse Paul of demanding we submit to ‘works righteousness.’ What do you think? What is Paul asking of Timothy and us?

*Yes, I am putting words in Paul’s mouth here. See “1 Timothy 6:13b – Good News!.”

Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.

Tag: 1 Timothy 6:14

1 Timothy 6:14b-15a – Game Changer

1 Timothy 6:13c-14a – All or Nothing