11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
The first question, of course, is what are "these things" that Timothy is to run away from? The whole paragraph before, and after, has to do with the pursuit of happiness through financial gain and material possessions. Those are exactly the things our society values most. Paul says: "don't run after them, run away from them." Instead, pursue a right relationship with God, character like God, faith in God, the love of God, a steadfast trust in God, and a gentle way of dealing with people like God does. These things are all steps toward winning the fight, spiritual victory. Don't try to grab all the things you can in this world; take hold of things eternal. Paul then commissions Timothy as an officer in God's army, as He says "I charge you in the presence of God, to obey your Commanding Officer and to wear your uniform well. Remember Who you serve: the only Sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Live a life to honor Him.
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