Scripture Reading: I Timothy 4 - 6 …
Timothy was a young preacher who had been with
Paul, who had heard him preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
who was as dear to Paul as a son. Paul
wanted to be sure the Gospel would be proclaimed after his life and ministry
were over, so it was to Timothy that he wrote these words of encouragement and
instruction for all who would be called of God to serve in this capacity, words
that apply in some ways to all who are part of Christ’s Church.
Paul warns Timothy, "some will abandon the
faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (4:1).
So many people who claim to believe in Jesus will listen to someone who
preaches or teaches things that are contrary to God's Word. Some will
listen to anything BUT the truth! Paul
wants Timothy to focus on spiritual things, saying that "physical
training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come" (4:8). Timothy is encouraged to "set
an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in
purity" (4:12), as he continues to preach and teach God's Word.
In words that apply to everyone who proclaims God's
truth, Paul writes, "Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and
your hearers" (4:16). "Doctrine" equals "teaching."
The Bible uses the word "doctrine" to refer to truth that
God has revealed by His Spirit in His Word. "Sound doctrine" is
therefore "God-given truth," and as such it is true for
everyone. Different preachers or denominations have different "doctrine" only
when they stray from God's Word. There is one Gospel, one message that
has the power to save sinners from the judgment of God!
Since being a disciple of Jesus means living life
in community with other believers, in the rest of Paul's first letter to
Timothy God instructs him concerning the relationships of those within the
body. First, he addresses the care of widows, an important matter to
God. Widows were to be taken care of
first by their family and only secondarily by the church. Family caring
for family is so important to God that the Spirit moved Paul to write, "If
anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate
family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (5:8).
After speaking about the role of elders "who
direct the affairs of the church" (5:17 ... a role that should be
recognized by all congregations - the rule by elders) ... God has a word for
slaves. While understanding that the Bible was used for years to justify
slavery, in the culture of that day God instructed those who were legally
enslaved (according to the laws of the cultures into which the Gospel was
coming) to obey their masters as though they were serving the Lord. Our
goal as believers must be to honor the Lord in every relationship we have.
Doing so gives us an opportunity to witness to others of the God who is
sovereign over all things and all people and who offers forgiveness and life
through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
Finally, Paul speaks about money and contentment.
He again warns Timothy that some are teaching false doctrines and are
leading people away from the truth. When it comes to money, that is
certainly true today. God says that these have been "robbed of
the truth and ... think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (6:5).
This is the "prosperity gospel" of our day. People are
being told that God wants you to be wealthy and if you believe and make the
right decisions you WILL be!! My question is always, "What about
people in the third world?" If it isn't true for everybody, it
isn't true for anybody. God does not have one set of principles for rich
people and another set of principles for poor people.
Rather, God says, "godliness with
contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we
can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be
content with that" (6:6-8). Then that verse that is misquoted by
so many, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some
people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves
with many griefs" (6:10). Money itself is not evil, but the LOVE
of money IS! Living in this nation where gambling and lotteries have
become just another way to tax people who cannot resist the temptation to want
to get rich without working, these words should convict all those who want to
follow Jesus Christ.
How much better to serve the Lord with contentment,
to give to those in need, to pursue righteousness and to walk with God, being
led by His Spirit, obeying His Word, loving those around you?! "But
you, man (and woman) of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of
the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when
you made your good confession” (6:11-12). Jesus is coming back, and
your life and mine should be lived constantly with the awareness that all of
this is temporary and living with and for the Lord is the ONLY thing that truly
matters. Whether rich or poor,
our hope is not to be found in earthly things. Jesus will return (6:14),
this age will end (6:19), and life in God's perfect new world will begin.
Are you living as though that were true? Can
other people see YOUR life, as Paul wanted them to be able to see Timothy's
life, and see that you are "different" than those who do not know God
and serve Jesus Christ? The pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance and gentleness will make YOU happy, joyful and at peace, with
God and with others. God will use you to bring honor and glory to Himself
and your light will shine in the midst of the darkness of this world. "Take
hold of the life that is truly life" and "lay up treasure
for yourself as a firm foundation for the coming age" (6:19).
You will be glad you did!
"Heavenly Father, in the midst of this world
where so much false teaching is being offered under the cover of 'truth,' help
those who truly know You to discern YOUR truth and to live to display the
wisdom found only in Your Word. Move me to pursue those things YOU have
said are precious and valuable in Your sight, and give me strength to resist
the temptation to pursue worldly wealth and pleasure that leads to
disappointment and despair. Help me to be content with what You provide
and to use what You have given to me to care for those around me, for Your glory
and honor. In Jesus' name, Amen"
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