Tag: 1st Timothy 6
The Good ‘Fight’!
Scripture reading for September 30th: 1st Timothy 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Timothy 6:6-12 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 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. But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.”
Paul knew that there were false teachers in the church at Ephesus where Timothy was pastor. These false teachers stirred up strife through controversies and quarrels and brought friction into the church. They were preaching false doctrine with an underlying love of money and desire to get rich off God’s people! They brought the spirit of Satan and the world into Christ’s church and drew away disciples with their sensual teaching. Paul warned Timothy to flee from this worldly and demonic spirit and pursue righteousness and godliness. He was to fight a good fight of faith!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers flee the traps of Satan and the flesh and pursue God with vibrant faith! The best defense is a great offense! “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)
Fight the good fight of faith!
Scripture reading for October 1st: 1st Timothy 6
Some people believe that being a Christ-follower means sitting around and waiting for Jesus to come. Others are deterred by chasing money. But Paul encouraged Timothy to fight a good fight of faith. Believers must actively pursue godliness and resist the snares and temptations of the world and Satan. Ministers are to lead in this fight and set the example for others in their care!
“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 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.” (1st Timothy 6:9-10) The pursuit of money and material possessions distracts us from seeking what is really of lasting value. Jesus, Himself, taught that you cannot serve God and money! (Luke 16:13) The love of money leads to other kinds of evil as well. Some use dishonest practices to obtain it. Others turn to gambling, selling drugs, prostitution, or other means that take them away from God and His kingdom and lead only to grief and sorrow.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1st Timothy 6:11-12) As one belonging to God, we must take action with our own choices. We must flee temptations and the love of money, instead, pursuing what leads to deeper faith and lasting endurance. We must fight the good fight of faith and actually lay hold of the promises of God each day! It is a ‘good fight’!