After warning against several sins at the beginning of 1 Timothy 6, the inspired apostle Paul commands Timothy, “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (verse 11). Consider some things Scripture teaches related to the six virtues commanded in this verse.
The first thing the verse commands following after is righteousness.
We must “hunger and thirst” for righteousness (Matt. 5:6), which denotes a zealous longing for and pursuit of righteousness. We should have a strong spiritual appetite, and earnestly strive to be right with God by learning and doing what He says is right (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2).
The second thing 1 Timothy 6:11 says we must follow after is godliness.
Godliness does not necessarily mean “godlikeness,” though there are some characteristics of God we should strive to emulate. Its foremost meaning, though, is reverence toward God. To receive God’s guidance, we must accept His authority to tell us what to do (Prov. 1:7). This is what godliness is about.
1 Timothy 6:11 also notes faith as something we must follow after.
The way Scripture often speaks of faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1, which says, “faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.”
This “conviction of things not seen” is not baseless, but is grounded on the Creator’s Word (Rom. 10:17).
God has supplied the perfect Seed that produces faith (His Word), and when that Seed falls into “an honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15), faith is produced. Thus, building faith requires preparing one’s heart to receive the truth, and feeding one’s soul with the spiritual nourishment of God’s Word.
Those who do this develop an unwavering trust in God that leads to unwavering obedience to Him (cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26).
“Faithfulness” can also refer to being reliable or trustworthy. God is the perfect example of this (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13), and we must be dependable in our service to Him.
1 Timothy 6:11 also commands love.
The word translated “love” in this verse (agape) is far deeper than that which one unintentionally “falls” into or out of. Agape love is a deliberate choice to seek others’ highest good. It involves selflessness and sacrifice, and is proven by action.
There is no greater example of love than that which God provided in the sending of His Son (1 John 4:10). Given the love God has shown toward us, we ought to love others (1 John 4:11), and love Him.
Loving God involves truly putting His will ahead of our own. This love is proven by obedience to God’s commands (1 John 5:3).
A fifth virtue 1 Timothy 6:11 commands following after is patience.
The word for “patience” could also be translated “perseverance” (WEB) or “steadfastness” (ESV). This sheds light on the biblical concept of patience. It involves constancy in doing right, especially through trials (cf. 2 Thes. 1:4).
The opposite of patience is seen in Jesus’ parable of the sower, with the seed that fell in rocky places (i.e. shallow, shaky faith that stumbles when trials come) (Luke 8:13). Seed that falls on good ground, by contrast, is stable, bringing “forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15).
The final thing 1 Timothy 6:11 commands following after is meekness.
Though meekness is often viewed as weakness, Scripture describes meekness as a strength. It is related to humility, gentleness, and proper submission.
In many ways, meekness is the opposite of being self-assertive. The hymn Have Thine Own Way, Lord expresses the attitude of meekness well. Meekness accepts God as our Master and yields to His guidance (James 1:21), while treating others humbly and gently (cf. Titus 3:2).
The words “follow after” precede the six virtues commanded in 1 Timothy 6:11. Scripture opposes the idea that “people can’t change who they are.” Each of us can and must change as God desires, but it does not happen by accident. We must purposely follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.
– Michael Hickox