But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Pursue
Here we are – the final chapter of 1 Timothy – and it is a good one! Chapter six addresses the things we pursue. Are we pursuing worldly wisdom and wealth? Or, are we pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness?
We come back around to the idea of fighting the good fight of faith that we talked about in chapter one. If we pursue the wrong things in life, we might be perennially discouraged because there are many variables that can affect whether or not we are successful in worldly goals. However, if we pursue God’s goals for us, His strength enables us to progress and move forward, preventing discouragement.
Our work relationships
The chapter starts off addressing slaves. Though this devotional is not a discussion of slavery, I would like to note that the slave structure in New Testament times was very different from the slavery system in US history. We can usually apply the principles when the New Testament discusses slavery to our work relationships between bosses and employees.
“All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed. Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach and encourage these things.” 1 Timothy 6:1-2
We should be respectful and righteous as we work. In fact, we should work at everything we do as if we are working for the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Material Gain or Godliness
Are we seeking material gain or godliness? This next section talks about specific people. These people are teaching and spreading false doctrine, causing division and arguments, as an attempt to make money. The people who are focused on pursuing wealth are easily distracted and derailed by this false teaching.
“If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.” 1 Timothy 3-6a
Godliness with contentment
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6b-10
If we have food and clothes, we have what we need. Becoming hyperfocused on acquiring money and things sets us up to give in to all kinds of temptation. We are so much better off if we can learn to be content with what we have as we pursue godliness.
Flee from a love of money
That love of and obsession with money leads us down a path towards evil, but money itself is not evil. Money is a tool. It can be used for good or evil.
It is when we get hung up on it and begin trusting it for our security instead of trusting God that we get into trouble.
“But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Pursue godliness
We serve the King of kings and Lord of lords, not money. He calls us to pursue higher and more worthy goals than just wealth production – righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. That pursuit is how we fight the good fight of the faith.
Where is your hope set?
“Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
God is the source of all our provision. If He can trust us to funnel money to His purposes, He will flow it through our lives. Instead of piling up wealth, we should focus on piling up good works – which is like investing in our future in heaven. We see with eternal perspective and set our hope on God.
Guard what has been entrusted to you
Paul ends this whole letter to Timothy with a challenge for him to guard the church body that has been entrusted to him, teaching truth and godliness. Timothy should not be distracted by what others are calling knowledge but is drawing people away from the faith. He is to walk in the grace of God.
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge. By professing it, some people have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21
1 Timothy 6 Action Step:
Today, assess what you are placing your hope in. Are you trusting in your job or wealth-producing opportunities for your security? Do you place your hope in worldly knowledge? Or, do you recognize that God is the source of all your income, security, and hope for the future?
What can you do today to start piling up good works and investing in your treasure in heaven?
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1 Timothy 6 Prayer:
Dear God, Reveal our hearts to us. Help us see what we are currently placing our hope in. Show us how to align our hearts to what You want for us and be content. Open our eyes to the good works You designed for us to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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