Category: Spiritual

1 Timothy 6:18-19

Here Paul continued charging Timothy in how to instruct the “rich men in this world” to use their wealth. He did not command them to not have wealth; he instructed them in how to use their wealth wisely and generously. Remember, this teaching is to the church; he was giving instruction to the Ephesian church that has been influenced by false teachers. So, Paul charged Timothy to instruct them to use their riches to give God glory. “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (v.18), “storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (v.19). 

Paul wanted the rich to understand that they should not store up for themselves treasure on earth but treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:19-20). “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Rom. 12:8 NLT). Believers have social responsibility to all people but especially contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing hospitality (Rom. 12:13). 

When the rich use their wealth to do good, that they be rich in good works, they glorify God. In doing this, they are storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may lay hold on eternal life (v.19). Today, may the rich accept the admonition of God’s Word and not fall prey to the superficial pleasures and delight of riches.

Lift your voice and give God praise!

(1Timothy 6:17)

Previously Paul taught that godliness with contentment is great gain (v.6). In other words, blessings from the Lord bring contentment. He went on to say that we came into this world with nothing, and for sure when we die, we will take nothing with us (v.7). He also warned that there is danger in coveting riches. They are not permanent and can tempt those who have a love of them to fall in a snare, setting their affections on them rather than on God. Riches do not save our souls; we are saved by the Word through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul had been addressing the various groups in the church in order to ward off any problems that some might cause, especially those who were teaching false doctrine, refusing to accept the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, he instructed Timothy to “charge those who are rich in this world not to be haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (v.17). 

Paul admonished the rich of this world to not be high and mighty, acting as though they are better than others; they should reflect a humble, Christlike attitude. Because he described riches as being “uncertain,” that means you cannot rely on them. “The deceitfulness [superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit” (Matt. 13:22 AMP). That’s why Paul said to put trust in the living God, who has generously given them all things to enjoy. 

Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”

Ephesians 2:8-10 AMP Bible

 “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God (v.8); not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation] (v.9). For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]” (v.10).

Here Paul stressed in v.10 that believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. He has purposefully prepared good works beforehand that we should walk in them. However, these good works do not save you. It is God’s grace that has drawn you to Christ and saved you, giving you eternal life through faith. We do not deserve our salvation; it is the gracious gift of God. His purpose for our salvation is to result in the good works for which we are created. So, today Brothers and Sisters, be encouraged to purposefully live the good life which God prearranged and made ready for you. 

Let us lift our voices and shout, “Glory Hallelujah!”

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Paul previously detailed how false teaching leads those who are morally corrupt and deprived of the truth to useless wranglings, supposing that godliness is a means of profit. 

Paul denounced this false belief and declared the truth about godliness: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (v.6). It is morally wrong to use godliness as a means of financial gain. You see, that’s the danger of failing to teach the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine which is consistent with godliness. If you want great gain, you can have it through godliness with contentment. Trust in the Lord and do good; also, delight yourself in Him; He will give you the desires of your heart. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2). 

Paul said that we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (v.7). He also said that having food and clothing, with these we shall be content (v.8). Many people who desire to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction, leading to personal misery (v.9 NLT). Scripture is explicit about the dangers of trusting worldly riches. Jesus said that no servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. He declares that you cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13). Remember, false teaching – “godliness is a means of gain” – leads to faithless living. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” and leads to fruitful living.

Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”

1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV

After Paul encouraged servants (Christian slaves) to honor and obey their unbelieving masters that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed (v.1), he told them to respect their believing masters; they are followers of Christ so serve them well (v.2). 

Then Paul addressed godliness. On a prior occasion he urged Timothy to command others that they teach no other doctrine (1 Tim.1:3). “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness (v.3), he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions (v.4), useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (v.5).

Paul said that anyone not teaching sound doctrine does not agree with the godly teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sound doctrine is spiritual healing and health; Jesus came for those that are sick. False teachers cause division in the body of Christ; they disagree with Paul’s teachings, and he said they would be dealt with. They are rebellious against truth and do not desire solid and healthful food. Paul described them as self-conceited and spiritually ignorant – not knowing doctrine which is according to godliness. They are deprived of truth and believe that godliness is a means of gain. Paul urged believers to withdraw from them. 

Today, lift your voice and give God glory!