3. MAINTAIN YOUR GOOD CONFESSION

1 Timothy 6:12 " Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

The good confession is the fulfilment of Timothy's call in positive witness and serving. Paul is instructing Timothy to continue his good confession. The context warns of things he should avoid holding because they would be a snare, and emphasises that he lay hold on eternal life in witness and demonstration.

This is not the time for leaders to allow themselves to be distracted from a good confession that produces the fruitfulness of eternal life in themselves and others, nor to lose sight of the eternal rewards to come. Here are some personal instructions to be obeyed:-

	Give your best effort to furthering the faith by not letting up in your "good confession" (1 Timothy 6:12).
	Let your response be as one running in a contest, as the athletic language implies. "Fight" (agonizomal) (1 Timothy 6:12), is to contend for victory in public games, straining every nerve to reach the goal.
	Take care that your character and conduct will make people think of God, and glorify God. Timothy did, and was addressed as "a man of God" (1 Timothy 6:11).
	Heed the warning to flee the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10-11). Greed can blind and ensnare, and divert from the faith and can result in painful consequences.
	"Pursue", (dioko - "keep on pursuing") (1 Timothy 6:11) righteousness. Practice justice and be known as one of integrity.
	"Godliness" (1 Timothy 6:11) becoming so like Jesus that the Father is seen.
	Aim at "faith" (1 Timothy 6:11) being revealed by your faithfulness.
	Increase in "love" (1 Timothy 6:11) for God, the family of God, and the lost.
	"Patience" (1 Timothy 6:11) - endurance and steadfastness even when under trial.
	"Gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:11) in your expressing kind care and humble service. Chase after the fruit of the Spirit-controlled life (Galatians 5:22).
	Focus on the new life you have in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Hold on to eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12). Don't view others or evaluate from the worldly way you used to, but do see things from the eternal life perspective and prospect.
	Keep your eyes on Christ Jesus as your example in witnessing a good confession. There is nothing doubtful or faltering in the Lord's confession before Pontius Pilate (1 Timothy 6:13. E.g John 18:37). But all the Saviour's words and actions should insight and inspire your ongoing good confession.
	Don't let anything blemish your testimony (1 Timothy 6:14). You are charged to live and speak the faith without reproach. Let the sure return of Christ motivate you (Cf 2 Peter 3:10-16; 1 John 2:28).

Test yourself by answering these questions:-

	How do you respond to being challenged by a respected leader?
	What do you understand to be the meaning of "a good confession!"?
	Do you have those who can witness to your good confession in the past? What about the present?
	How serious are you about putting every effort into maintaining a good confession?
	Would your kind of lifestyle as a leader, bring glory to the Lord?
	Are you pursuing lasting virtues? (Cf 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22)
	Do you avoid empty religious disputes?
	Do you think the warning about greed and materialism is applicable to leaders today?
	Are you just in your dealing with others?
	Are you known for your integrity, keeping your word, and actions of love?
	What is your confession like when under fire?
	Have you the evidence of fruit that reveals you live the Spirit-filled life?
	From what perspective and prospect do you view people, things, and events?
	What do you find difficult in following Christ Jesus' example in witnessing a good confession?
	Do you focus on the return of Christ for inspiration for service?
	What does it mean to you to keep the commandment of a good confession without spot and blameless till the Lord comes?