22 Oct. A warning about the love of money
"Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words."
"This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich."
"Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that."
"Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people."
"The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow."
"But you [Timothy], man of God, run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues for ever."
"You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses... Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again..."
"Timothy, guard what God has trusted to you. Stay away from foolish, useless talk and from the arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge'. By saying that they have that 'knowledge', some have missed the true faith.
Grace be with you."
(1 Timothy 6:3-21)
Paul continues his letter to Timothy by criticising those who twist the teachings of Jesus and “think that serving God is a way to get rich” (1 Timothy 6:5). He agrees that religion does make a person ‘rich’ – if they are satisfied with what they have.
But those who want material riches fall into temptation and are dragged down to ruin. Paul observes that “The love of money causes all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Paul finishes his letter with some personal instructions. He encourages Timothy to “Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues for ever” (1 Timothy 6:12).
He reminds Timothy how he professed his faith firmly in front of many witnesses – just as Jesus Christ testified to the truth before Pontius Pilate (see John 18:37). He urges Timothy to carry out his commission “until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again” (1 Timothy 6:14).
Paul warns Timothy to avoid godless chatter and foolish arguments that some regard as ‘knowledge’. Then he ends his letter with a benediction: “Grace be with you” (1 Timothy 6:21).
The photo shows the tomb of St Luke at Ephesus, where Paul had left Timothy in charge of the young church.
You can read the whole of Paul's First Letter to Timothy on The Bible Journey website starting @ https://www.thebiblejourney.org/…/pauls-1st-letter-to-timo…/