Hindrances and Helps – Two things to Flee From, a Fight to be Fought and a Trust to be Guarded – Paul’s final words to Timothy, as he closes his first letter. 1 Timothy 6
Imagine we were writing a letter to someone we really cared for, what would we say? What would our final words of advice be to them? Paul is giving practical advice about the Church and also to Timothy himself. Remarkable that letters written almost 2000 years ago still guide our thinking in this technological age of today.
Paul has just addressed the positions of widows, elders and slaves/servants in the body. Widows were mentioned before elders, a very different order of priority.
The next point Paul addresses is the teaching of false doctrines which he attributes to conceit (Pride), with terrible results within the Church.
4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in CONTROVERSIES AND QUARRELS about words THAT RESULT IN ENVY, STRIFE, MALICIOUS TALK, EVIL SUSPICION 5 AND CONSTANT FRICTION between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness IS A MEANS OF FINANCIAL GAIN.
It’s not just that false doctrines destroy Harmony, but that those responsible are more interested in making money than serving Christ.
Paul makes several really interesting statements to his protégée Timothy and also to us, about the temporary nature of money. It’s nice to have it and we all need it, but someday it will be gone.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, HAVE WONDERED FROM THE FAITH and pierced themselves with many griefs.
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
This is the First time in this section that Paul talks about wondering from the Faith and root cause is Loving money (mammon spirit) More than God.
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …
There is a Fight of Faith, but Jesus has won the battle for us. We’re always fighting from the position of victory, applying His victory!
20 Timothy, GUARD WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have WANDERED FROM THE FAITH.
Paul begins the end of his letter telling Timothy to Guard what’s been entrusted to him and so should we. He warns against Godless chatter and opposing ideas. We’ve got to hold on to the truth, especially the truth of God’s Word and not be misled by other men’s ideas. ‘Turn Away from them’.
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In Paul’s final words, ‘Grace be with you’.