This quote from the C. S. Lewis classic, Mere Christianity, hits the mark, “If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” Which, of course, begs the question, what is the thing that has them? As Paul wraps up his first letter to Timothy, he fires off a few essentials that a Christian ought to take hold of. These, Paul argues, are the things that really matter, that are eternal, that are found in Christ. And he is “the thing” that Lewis wrote about. We’ll close out our series, “The Good Fight,” this Sunday with the final message in 1 Timothy 6:17-21 as we look at taking hold of what really matters.

Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy)

Message: 18 – Take Hold

Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

Todd Dugard

Harvest Bible Chapel

August 31, 2025

I’m taking hold of what really matters…

…gaining perspective on what doesn’t (v. 17)

1 Corinthians 4:7

What do [I] have that [I] did not receive? If then [I] received it, why do [I] boast as if [I] did not receive it?

God supplies everything we need.

His intention is to bless us.

And that creates obligation.

-R. W. Ward (paraphrased)

…doing good to others (v. 18)

…investing in what’s eternal (v. 19)

Hebrews 12:2

…focusing on mission (v. 20a)

Glorify God by making more and better disciples of Jesus who love God and love people.

…avoiding nonsense (v. 20b-21a)

…receiving God’s grace (v. 21b)

If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.

-C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.