Reading For Tuesday 1 Timothy 6:3-21
This section begins with a word of warning concerning those who teach a different doctrine that does not match the words of Jesus as well as a general description of what they are like. These teachers were preoccupied with their own importance in spite of their lack of understanding. They crave controversy, are jealous when others get attention, cause dissension, slander others, suspect evil of others, bring constant friction and look at godliness as a means of gain for themselves. Paul reminds Timothy of the value of contentment and prompts him toward the temporary nature of material things. One should be content with the basic necessities of life. The desire to accumulate money and possessions is never satisfied. Paul warns Timothy that the desire to be rich is dangerous and leads to temptations that will bring people to ruin and destruction. The pitfall lies in the love of money which has brought some to wander from the faith and pierce themselves through this unending, never satisfied material pursuit.
Paul affirms Timothy as a man of God and encourages him to look after his spiritual health. He urges him to strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Paul tells Timothy that faith is a fight. We should remember that a life of faith is not delivered from struggle, a life of faith brings one into a life of struggle, a fight. Paul tells Timothy to take hold of eternal life. This does not mean that Timothy is to save himself, it is the reminder that we need the gospel every day and that we must repent and believe the truth every moment of every day. Paul emphasizes the gravity of this charge by offering it in the presence of God and calling him to faithfulness and obedience until the return of Christ. Paul then bursts into worship elucidating some great truths about God i.e. he is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, immortal, and dwells in unapproachable light.
As Paul concludes, he tells Timothy to charge them not to set their hopes on them and to be generous toward others. Timothy had been entrusted with the teaching that God has revealed to Paul and the other apostles, and it was his duty to guard it and keep it free from additions or subtractions. God’s Word is invested with his authority.
C. H. Spurgeon once scorned the idea that the Bible should be defended, comparing it to the idea of people defending a caged lion from a group of men who had come out with sticks to attack it. He said:
Many suggestions are made and much advice is offered. This weapon is recommended, and the other. Pardon me if I offer a quiet suggestion. Open the door and let the lion out; he will take care of himself. Why, they are gone! He no sooner goes forth in his strength than his assailants flee. The way to meet infidelity is to spread the Bible. The answer to every objection against the Bible is the Bible.
Things To Consider:
- What are some examples of doctrine that does not match the words of Jesus?
- How does this refer us back to a description of what godly leaders should look like?
- How do you know when you should contend over doctrine especially in the church?
- Why is contentment so difficult?
- Where are you discontent?
- How should view money?
- How does one pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness?
- Where is the fight of faith typically fought?
- How does one guard the deposit of scripture?