day 4

Read chapter 6

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+6&version=NIV

6:1–2 Slaves were to show respect to their masters for the sake of Christ’s name. Slaves with Christian masters were to show respect for their masters even though they were also brothers in Christ. Slavery was an accepted social and economic institution during the biblical period. Rather than seeking to abolish the institution, Paul sought to improve the situation by giving directives to servants and masters (cf. 1 Cor. 7:21; Eph. 6:5–9; Col. 3:22–4:1; Titus 2:9–10).

6:3–10 Materialism was the motivation for the false teachers’ ministries (6:3–5). False teachers (6:3) are those not in agreement with the teachings of Jesus and that teach things that do not lead to godliness (Gal. 1:6–7). The results of refusing the path of contentment are given in 6:9–10. In contrast to the materialistic motives of the false teachers, Paul pointed out that godly Christian living does result in gain, both material and spiritual (Ps. 34:10; Phil. 4:19). The key is the development of contentment (6:6)—an inner satisfaction no matter what the situation God has ordained (Phil. 4:11–12). The focus of contentment is on God’s gifts. People are born and die with nothing, except the life God has given. Anything else a person might add is temporary or optional and should not affect contentment with God’s gifts. The “love of money,” not money itself, is the root of all sorts of evil (6:10).

6:11–16 The flight from materialism is achieved by pursuing godly character traits. The person consumed with seeking righteousness will not have time to be consumed by materialism. Paul’s words in 6:12 are taken from the athletic arena. Timothy was challenged to fight on in the arena entered by all who become Christians. He was to grasp life as opposed to wandering from it (6:10). See also 1:6, 19 for a similar concept. For Jesus’ confession before Pontius Pilate (6:13), see Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:2–3; and John 18:36–37. Paul linked a good life to the good confession of Christ. The unseen God (6:16) was the center of Paul’s life. God alone possesses immortality by his divine nature, and believers inherit it by their new birth. This grasp of eternal life is the foundation for purity in leadership and community life.

6:17–19 The wealthy have special challenges in the area of pride and contentment. They are to see their wealth as given by God, not by their own abilities. The purpose for their wealth is to enjoy by giving, not to covet or hoard. If the rich are free to give (6:18), they will be able to take hold of true riches (6:19). The material goods of this life are a mere shadow of the eternal reality to come.

6:20–21 Paul repeated his charge to guard the truth in true knowledge. Paul’s final admonition to “godless chatter” (6:20) reminded the readers of the central problem of the letter (cf. 1:3–4; 4:1–3, 7; 6:3–5).

Discussion and Reflection question

I do love this chapter in 1 Timothy. So much of this chapter speaks to me in so many ways, but what stands out to me is that Paul warns us about being wealthy and being rich. What is he trying to REALLY tell us?