The word “struggle” (or “fight”) used in 1 Timothy 6:12 appears elsewhere in this letter only in 1 Timothy 4:10. Here, Paul provides an example of sound doctrine, introducing his words with: “This is a trustworthy saying and worthy of full acceptance” (1 Tim. 4:9). By doing so, he underscores the importance of what he is about to say. Paul uses the same word (agōnizomai) as in 1 Timothy 6:12.
1 Timothy 4 ISA
10 For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
11 Command and teach these things!
Here, Paul shows what the struggle of faith entails. His hope is fixed on the living God, who is the Savior of all people. It is precisely this gospel that provokes opposition. That is why he toils and struggles for it. This is not a message one can take or leave; hence he says: command and teach these things! With “these things,” Paul refers back to the preceding words: God is the Savior of all people, especially of believers. It is precisely that trustworthy saying that Timothy must command and teach.
reproach
That gospel inevitably provokes resistance. Consequently, some manuscripts do not read “we struggle,” but rather “we are reproached.” Both fit the context perfectly. This message is opposed from all sides, particularly from religious quarters. The noble struggle lies in standing firm despite this and looking to the living God — the Savior of all people—with expectation.
confessing
Faith does not remain hidden. We believe with the heart and confess with the mouth (Rom. 10:9). Therefore, anyone who openly stands up for the gospel of God’s grace will sooner or later face opposition. No one experienced this more than Paul. Yet, it did not deter him from proclaiming this message everywhere. We shall see that, for Paul, the noble fight meant keeping the faith until the very end of his life.