1 Timothy Chapter 6
I’m compelled to write today’s Daily Tithe even though I have not fully comprehended its meaning, or the reason why it’s continued to come up. Sometimes we get the sense that God is trying to communicate something to us, but the exact message is still in the process of coming through. In any case, the three main ways that I have heard from the Lord over the years are through Scripture, in prayer, and through recurring messages that coincide too much to be simply coincidence. That happened this past week with 1st Timothy Chapter 6.
1st Timothy is a cool book of the Bible. I actually think they’re all pretty cool, but Paul’s letters always hit me hard, just the way I need to get hit. In this case, Paul is writing to Timothy in Ephesus. Leaders of the Ephesian church had distorted the message they had first heard from Paul himself. Paul’s focus was on what leadership in the church looks like, and he sends a special warning about the dangers of greed, which seemed to be an issue in Ephesus. I’ve been to Ephesus and walked the streets. I’ve seen the places where Paul shared the Gospel there. It’s an incredible city and a beautiful landscape. Something comes alive in these letters when you’ve stood where the new believers lived who received these writings.
So—what happened this week that made me reflect on this chapter?
First—I spend time in the Word each morning. Last Friday was Timothy, and I read the full book a couple of times over. It was good. I prayed. I thought nothing more of it other than my daily disciplines.
Next—on Saturday I hopped on the rowing machine for a cardio workout. I hadn’t listened to the John Maxwell leadership podcast in a few weeks, so I popped on the most recent episode. John did a teaching on giving, and his focal verse was from 1st Timothy Chapter 6. There are thousands of episodes on this podcast…couldn’t be random.
Next—church on Sunday. Pastor Chad at Rock City gave an incredible message, some of which focused on tithing and generosity. A piece of his teaching that was a critical point was from 1st Timothy Chapter 6.
Next—same day—we had friends over who are a part of Tithe Foundation. Courtney founded the Center for Financial Discipleship. We were discussing some things, and she brought up First Timothy Chapter 6 as a main Scripture for discussion.
Last—Monday morning, doing some reading in a new book titled Starting at the End by Brad Alles. It is a book reviewing the main ideologies present in today’s world. I was in the chapter on Marxism. There’s too much to discuss here on how this was integrated, but as I read that chapter, he makes a series of points over 2 paragraphs referencing First Timothy Chapter 6.
If you’re counting, that’s 5 occurrences across podcasts, church messages, personal connections, a random book chapter, and of course daily Bible reading. All smashed into about 72 hours. When that happens, I know that God is trying to get my attention, or maybe yours.
I’m going to paste the chapter here for us to read. I’d recommend reading it and just sitting with whatever hits you hardest for a minute or two. I think I know which piece has been for me, but I also believe I’ve been compelled to write this for someone else reading currently. I think it’s likely that this chapter has come up for you, and this message may be your confirmation of the Holy Spirit stirring your heart toward or away from something. Let’s read the chapter together.
First Timothy Chapter 6
6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.
False Teachers and the Love of Money
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 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 suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
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 wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Final Charge to Timothy
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 the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
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. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
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 departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.
It’s a heavy chapter, with a lot of points that pack a serious punch. While I’m still processing which piece is directly for me at this present time, I’m struck by so much of it.
#1—We all need to be careful about the conversations we’re a part of. What we say, our intentions, and doing our best to be in God-honoring ones. Building up the church. Having respect for other believers. Doing our best to advance God’s Kingdom and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and being careful not to put down another piece of the Body.
#2—Godliness with contentment is GREAT gain! We’re warned here not to be fixated on constant growth of material wealth, but to pursue righteousness, faith, godliness, endurance, and love. If our businesses, jobs, or otherwise produce an abundance—praise God! But our aim should be on living a life that honors Christ and being content with what He has provided. After all—He holds it all in His hand and knows better than I what I need.
#3—The closing. Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Do not allow your personal calling to be infiltrated or contaminated by the enemy. We must pray, endure, and stay focused on the mission that God has planted within each of us. The world will do its best to turn us with its opposing ideas. Apparently, that hasn’t changed since Paul wrote this letter.
In closing, I’m praying now over all eyes who will read today’s article. That we would receive God’s Word and it would help to guide us on our journey. That we would pursue Jesus as the way, truth, and the life that He is, and as Paul mentions above in verse 19, that we would all take hold of the life that is truly life.
Amen.
—Mark