Pursue Spiritual Gain
1 Timothy 6:3-19
“Grow in Godliness” has been the theme for this unit of study in 1 Timothy. The term “godliness” appears four times in the text for this lesson. In the Greek, this word describes an individual who, because of a God-ward attitude, lives a lifestyle that is well pleasing to Him. One of the enemies of godliness is materialism, a mindset and corresponding lifestyle which is centered in material wealth instead of being centered in Christ. The apostle Paul turns his focus now to this ever-present danger for believers.
Watch out for greed (6:3-5). Once again Paul addresses the problem of false teachers in the midst of the believers in Ephesus. These individuals are disrupting the church and their motives include greed for financial profit. Timothy is warned about their methods and instructed to disassociate from them. Christians pursuing godliness must be alert to the temptation to use their religious devotion as a means for material gain.
Be content (6:6-10). “Contentment” means satisfaction with what one has in life. Paul is not against earning a living, improving one’s status or having ambition. However, he is warning against the sin of greed and the danger it poses to one’s growth in godliness. Indeed, “the love of money” or material things is at the heart (“root”) of many sins which hinder spiritual growth and cause even some to deviate from their faith. A close examination of our checkbooks will reveal a great deal about our walk with God! This passage teaches that there is great spiritual wealth available to the one who combines godliness with contentment.
Fight the good fight (6:11-16). Some scholars see this admonition to “fight the good fight of faith” as an acknowledgment of the ongoing struggle with false teachers. Timothy must do battle with them and their destructive teachings by standing strong for the truths of God’s Word. Likewise, believers today must be apologists for the gospel by word and lifestyle. Growth in godliness is not a one-time skirmish, but rather an ongoing battle for the believer. The good news is that we are fighting alongside a leader who has already won the war – the Lord Jesus!
Use wealth wisely (6:19-19). Most of us in America are rich compared to the rest of the world’s population. Instead of being “arrogant” (“haughty” NKJV) and self-centered in our riches, we should be humble before God and, as wise stewards, make “eternal investments” by ministering to those in need. This is truly the real life (19) Christ wants us to experience. In doing so, we discover that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And one day, we will also see “treasures” awaiting us in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
Clark– Lessons in the ETB series for the spring quarter are being written by Tim Clark, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman.