April 7th

I Timothy 6

In this chapter, Paul is instructing Timothy how to minister to more groups in the church, also how to keep his own life in the will of God.

1.    Christian slaves v. 1-2 Some historians have estimated that ½ of the population of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves.  Many of them were educated and cultured, but legally they were not considered persons at all.  The Gospel message of salvation and freedom in Christ appealed to the slaves, and many of them became believers.  Problem:  Some slaves used their newfound freedom in Christ as an excuse to disobey, if not defy their masters.  They needed to learn that their spiritual freedom did not alter their social positions.  Slaves who rebelled against Unsaved masters would bring disgrace on the Gospel. 

 

Taking advantage of a believing master…”Since we are equal, he has no right to tell me what to do.  This attitude would create serious problems both in the homes and in the churches.  They should instead serve them the better because you are benefitting a believer and beloved.

 

2.   False Teachers v. 3-10 Paul is  repeating his beginning admonitions regarding.  The spiritual leaders in the local church must constantly oversee what is being taught because it is easy for false doctrines to slip in. 

 

The marks of False Teachers:  *refuse to adhere to sound doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Godly teaching  *the teacher’s attitude…proud/humble…yet he has nothing to be proud about because he does not know anything v. 4

 

The tragedy is that the people are robbed of the truth who think they are discovering the truth. 

 

The motive for their teaching…”godliness – means to financial gain”.  Paul refused some financial aid so that his motives would not be questioned.  There are many religious racketeers who prey on gullible people, promising them help while taking away their money. 

 

Paul shared some facts about the dangers of covetousness (love of money):  1. Wealth does not bring contentment. V.6  Contentment means “an inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace in spite of outward circumstances.  Phil. 4:11 “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  True contentment comes from Godliness in the heart, not wealth in the hand.  A person who depends on material things for peace and assurance will never be satisfied for material things have a way of losing their appeal. 

2.Wealth is not lasting v.7.  What ever wealth we amass goes to the government, our heirs, and perhaps charity, church or the flea market.  3.Our basic needs are easily met.  Food and clothing and shelter are basic needs.  Quaker to his neighbor: “If ever thou dost need anything, come to see me and I will tell thee how to get along without it.”  The economic and energy crises that the world faces will probably be used by the Lord to encourage people to simplify their lives.  Too many know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”  4.The desire for wealth leads to sin v.9-10 THEY THAT WILL BE RICH – a person who has to have more and more material things in order to be happy and feel successful.  Can be a trap…bondage, no freedom.  Instead of giving satisfaction, riches create additional lusts and these must be satisfied.  Instead of providing help and health, an excess of material things hurts and wounds. 

It is a dangerous thing to use religion as a cover up for acquiring wealth.  God’s laborer is certainly worthy of his hire, but his motive for laboring must not be money. 

 

3.   The Pastor Himself.  “Take heed to thyself.  The false teachers were men of the world, but Timothy was a man of God. 

FLEE – there are times when fleeing is a mark of wisdom and a means of victory.  Separating yourself from sins of the false teachers.  There are times when a servant of God should take a stand against false doctrine and Godless practices, and separate himself from them.  … based on Biblical conviction and not because of a personal prejudice or carnal party spirit.

FOLLOW – Separation without positive growth becomes isolation.  Be known for what we propose and not just what we oppose. 

FIGHT – keep on fighting.  A person straining and giving his best to win the prize or win the battle.  The fight is between a person of God and the enemy around him.  Defending the faith…that body of truth deposited with the church. 

 

Those who get involved with false teaching, “wandered from the faith.”  Not only will wrong motives (a desire for money) but also wrong teachings are critically dangerous.  Lies work their way into a person’s mind and heart gradually and before he knows it, he is wandering off the path of truth.

 

4.   The Rich v. 17 – 19

Be humble – not owners but stewards.  HIS goodness not our merit. Possessing should humble and focus on Giver.  Rich now, but poor later!  Poor can use their little to glorify the LORD

*Trust God, not wealth v. 17  Wealthy does not mean security.  Riches are uncertain, value changes, durability is not lasting.

*Enjoy what you have – not living for pleasure, but enjoying gifts from the Giver.

*Employ what He gives you.  V. 18-19 to do good…to share!  Put your money to work…enriches us spiritually.  Invest in the future.  

Riches can lure into a make believe world of shallow pleasure. But riches and the Lord’s will can introduce a person to life that is real and ministry that is lasting.  

 

Paul had not only Timothy in mind but the entire church.  Timothy as a leader needed to heed the word of Paul but all members had a responsibility to hear and obey…JUST AS WE DO TODAY!