| “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12). |
| “Enjoin [emphasize] on those rich in the present age … to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal in distributing … laying by for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold of what is really life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 JND). |
| There is a difference between “laying hold on eternal life,” and laying hold “of what is really life.” If we are truly saved, we know that we already have eternal life, because we have believed on the Lord Jesus. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). In our first verse today, Paul is writing to Timothy, who was certainly a true believer, so that Paul is not speaking to him about being saved. |
| Paul is telling Timothy to enjoy the fact that he has eternal life, and to allow that new life he had in Christ to show itself in the way he lived. We can have something, yet not enjoy it. I remember reading about a man who bought a new car back in the 1930’s. That is more than ninety years ago! Yet when he became an old man and died, they found the car in his barn, and it had never been driven! Those who found it said that it still smelled like a new car. That man spent his money on a car, but never enjoyed it. But the Lord wants us to enjoy our new life in Him, and this will take energy, for we are told to “fight the good fight of faith.” Satan will try to bring many difficulties into our lives and tempt us to give up. But to enjoy eternal life we must not allow this to happen; we must use spiritual energy to live for the Lord Jesus. |
| On the other hand, to “lay hold on what is really life” means that instead of thinking of ourselves, we use our time and extra money to serve the Lord Jesus, and to help others. Then we will find true happiness. This will happen even to people who are not saved. Those who are selfish and always wanting more for themselves are usually not happy, and do not enjoy life. They find fault with others and are always looking for ways to make themselves richer, often at other people’s expense. But those who help others find pleasure in it and enjoy their lives. |
| But how much more is this true of Christians! If we use our money and other possessions for the Lord, and to help others, we will find real joy in it, for it is like the heart of God. God is a giving God, and He wants us, as His children, to be like Him. |
