As Paul concludes his pastoral letter to Timothy, his appointed overseer of the Ephesian church, the apostle now focuses on masters, error and greed.
At the time this letter was written, around A.D. 62 Paul continued to be under house arrest in Rome. The Ephesian church was suffering growing pains and was in need of direction. Since Paul could not attend to the church himself, he sent Timothy instead who was responsible for bringing glory to God through the church in Ephesus.
Paul’s instructions in this section of his letter would now include masters, employers of men and women and/or owners of slaves.
“1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.” (1 Timothy 6:1)
At the time Paul wrote this instructional letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, trends dictated there were as many people in bondage among the population, enslaved to masters, as free men and women. Because of this, all believers should conduct themselves in a Christ like manner, for God’s glory.
“2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.” (1 Timothy 6:2)
Paul calls on timothy to spread the news about the nobility associated with serving a believing master, that both should confidently strive to glorify Yahweh in their works, rather than themselves. The apostle points out it is to each slave’s benefit to pour out that much more effort for a believing master, for God’s glory.
“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, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 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.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
Paul calls on Timothy to refrain from investing time in those who teach their own gospel rather than Yeshua’s. Beware of would be servants looking for personal gain, as such men should empty their souls of deception and darkness, then surrender themselves as living sacrifices to God almighty to accomplish great things as part of one holy, righteous body.
“6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
Paul calls it great that fulfillment would come in this life, knowing that eternal rewards await in heaven where a place has been prepared for each believer. Since nothing can be taken from this life and passed onto the next, paying our way forward is the only way to jewels and crowns passed the pearly gates.
“9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:9)
Because men cannot worship both God and money, we must choose which path to navigate, either the superhighway leading to greed and destruction or the road less traveled which leads to humility and eternal life.
“10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Using Judas as an example of destruction driven by greed, after the apostle sold Jesus for his love of money. It is greed that is sinful, not money itself which in the right hands can be used to glorify God and edify the church.
Love should be aimed at Yahweh, life should be lived in a Christ like manner. Such should be taught within the church, in tune with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only reliable truth delivered onto man by the mighty hand of our divine creator. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
