Final Challenge to Timothy

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:20–21

I often smile to myself when I see ring bearers at weddings. Though the rings are usually fake, the idea of entrusting an expensive and important piece of jewelry to a toddler is just funny. They can’t yet understand how important the deposit they are holding is worth.

What is the most important thing you have ever been trusted with?

Stand Guard

“Keep” in this verse means to watch over something or stand guard. The mental picture this should bring to mind is like the Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They pace back and forth alert to any change in the situation.

Timothy was to guard the truth. The truth has been entrusted to his care and now he is to guard it, alert to any threat or change.

His Charge

Timothy is to keep the charge of the gospel that Paul had (1 Tim 1:11) and that Paul had passed on to Timothy (1 Tim 1:18).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is summarized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again. This is our hope for fellowship with God in this life and confidence for eternity. This is a sacred responsibility. Paul felt its weight heavily, now it was Timothy’s turn to carry it on.

The Distractions

Most things that are guarded are never attacked. In fact, most of the guards at stores, banks, federal buildings, and jewelry stores will never even see an attempted robbery.

The guards’ main opposition then isn’t an attack or robbery, but a distraction. If he can be distracted then an attacker might gain the upper hand more easily, and make away with the goods, or break the secured area.

Timothy had several possible distractions, things that if they caught him off guard may in fact spoil his charge.

Profane and Vain Babbling

These would be worldly-wise conversations and endless useless talk.

Believers are sometimes accused of a lack of understanding of the things of this world. I think this would be preferred over entering into a profane conversation.

Often when discussions in Sunday school classes or small group bible studies start to show a lack of scriptural depth, it is the worldly nature of the conversation and the multiplication of words without any depth of meaning.

We must be on guard because of these things. Proverbs warns: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) Sometimes the best thing we can do for the sake of the gospel is to be quiet.

Words can be the vehicle of truth, even the Gospel. When the Words of Life are mixed with the words of the world or diluted with endless meaningless words the message can be lost. I think this truth is why David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Oppositions of Science

The flip-side of worldly and endless useless talk is “oppositions of science.” Paul is referring to the “special knowledge” that some would claim oppose the teachings of scripture.

Anyone claiming “special knowledge” of God or scripture that you cannot see in scripture should be viewed with skepticism. Be on guard against those who with pride claim special knowledge with or without study. Those with much training can try to set bounds of what they think others can understand. Those without much training can overemphasize their experience as a new standard of truth.

These are falsely called knowledge. Paul makes a point to say this. We know the Gospel because God gave us this knowledge and confirmed the authority of it in His word.

Like with anything else, know your Bible.

Grace

And with the words “Grace be with thee. Amen.” Paul finishes this letter. Timothy would need grace just as Paul needed grace. God’s grace will sustain and enable all who stand guard for the sake of the gospel.

Your Turn

Though Timothy may have received a special call in the service of the gospel, each of us is called to “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) You have the same charge that Timothy had.

This is a sacred charge.

Set your focus and train yourself to not let distractions spoil your charge. Make your words count, choose words that go with the truth of the gospel. Focus on the truth of God’s word not any special or different teaching others may be peddling.

Live in God’s grace.

You need it. God is offering it to you. Live in it.

Get Ready

As you read this I am in the middle of VBS week at Grace Baptist Church.

Though I don’t have a new post for you today, I would encourage you to go back through the blog and catch up on any of the post from 1 Timothy that you may have missed. Next week will be the last of the 1 Timothy series.

I have really enjoyed this study, thanks for coming along!

Final Word to the Rich

1 Timothy 6:17-19

A Charge to Rich Believers

Though Paul had brought the teaching about money out to an application for Timothy (1 Tim 6:11-16), he again zeros in on the rich, giving them one final “charge” about how they are to live for Christ.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 
1 Timothy 6:17

“Charge” in this verse isn’t a calm recommendation. It’s an impassioned command. Paul wanted them to be urgently warned of these things. This was a commandment of warning. The “gain is godliness” teaching would lay waste to these believers if they didn’t heed these words of warning and instruction.

Trust in God, Not in Money

Money has false security about it. It’s nice to look at your bank accounts and investment portfolios and see large numbers. It’s easy to think that those numbers will insulate you from hardship. But they can’t, and they won’t.

Those that have money will be tempted to think it will save them, just as the healthy may think they are protected by their health from hardship. They may become “high-minded” (arrogant) in the substance they enjoy and put their trust in their riches.

We too often get pulled away from our trust in God. We can hold money, gather things, talk with people face to face, and yet none of them are as trustworthy as our God. Even in the things we claim we see His goodness and not our own.

Do Good Works

Verse 18 paints a picture of the happiest rich person.

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 
1 Timothy 6:18

They do good. Riches are often associated with those that use them selfishly or hoard them obsessively. Paul doesn’t want that for these believers.

They are unselfish with their actions. Here’s a new kind of wealth to build, good works. Our money won’t last, but the good works we do for the glory of our Savior will last. This is a different way to look at life: “Who’s glory will I seek?” The resounding answer should be “Jesus’ glory!”

They are unselfish with their substance. Paul used two phrases here: “ready to distribute” and “willing to communicate.” By these statements, he means to be a person who gives and lives a giving lifestyle. Being a giving person doesn’t mean that you have to walk around all the time handing out $20 bills. You can, and should, be giving with your money. But you should also share the time God has given you, the food on your table, and the hope of eternal life.

The only way for our money to not control us is to put it into the service of God. Jesus said; “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Our good works and loving deeds and gifts that are given to others will outlast us, that is why eternity must still be our focus.

Look to Eternity

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 
1 Timothy 6:19

Scripture is clear that life on this earth is about more than life on this earth. (Matthew 6:20, Matthew 19:21) We look with anticipation to an eternity away from sin and in perfect fellowship with The Heavenly Father.

We won’t need money in heaven and yet how we use the physical things of this earth can be laid “up in store… against the time to come”.

As we use the things and money God has entrusted to our care for His glory, we will see more clearly the value of eternity and lay up treasure in preparation for eternity.

Your Turn

Are you rich in this world?

Many of us are more wealthy than we realize. God blesses us with many things that we take for granted, or even selfishly use for our own pleasure instead of His glory.

Begin with Trust.

Keep your focus on God. Whether your bank account has $5 or 5 Million in it, you can’t trust it. And you shouldn’t discount God’s faithfulness if He doesn’t provide the way you want Him to provide.

He is trustworthy, trust in Him.

Get to work.

As we trust in God, the next logical step is to do what He says. So pray, be in church, witness to your coworkers and friends. Serve God.

Use whatever you have for God’s glory.

What ever you have, in large quantity or small, lay it daily at the Savior’s feet. Beg Him to use it and You for His glory.

How Does the “Man of God” Act?

1 Timothy 6:11-16

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11

“Man of God”

The term “man of God” in the Bible is mostly an Old Testament expression. Moses was called “the man of God” several times, as well as David, Elijah, Elisha, and several other lesser-known men. It was used to refer to prophets and others called and dedicated to the service of God. These were usually men who had to deliver hard truths but did it because they valued the truth.

Paul is calling on Timothy’s jewish training, essentially telling him: “You are God’s man now, Timothy. This is how God’s man acts.”

Flee

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things;…”
1 Timothy 6:11a

The pull of money is very strong. In our day money is a god. Even among Christians, money is viewed as the sign of God’s blessing. While God does bless with money, Paul has made it very clear in 1 Tim 6:3-10 that money isn’t the goal; godliness with contentment is the greatest gain. (See last week’s post for more on this.)

Timothy will need to flee the fascination of being rich and the love of money. The meaning of “flee” isn’t vague here: run away! The Man of God cannot be true to the message God has given him if he is seeking personal wealth.

Jesus said,

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (deified money).”
Matthew 6:24

The application is clear to any that would be people of God today. You cannot worship money and be faithful to the call of God in your life. Flee the “gain is godliness” mentality.

But just as there was something for Timothy to flee, there would also be some things to follow.

Follow

“…and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11b

Follow after righteousness. We have God’s righteousness counted to us when we are saved. This righteousness will change how we live.

Follow after godliness. Here it is again, godliness. This is acting toward God and others in a way that shows the change God has made in us.

Follow after faith. Faith involves all of what it means to be a Christian. Simply: Faith is obedience to God based on trust in His person and character.

Follow after love. The Christ-like words and actions of love.

Follow after patience. Cheerfully facing each and every hardship of life.

Follow after meekness. Approaching life with humility and gentleness.

While these virtues may not lead you to more money or prestige, they are the indicators of a Man or Woman of God. They are also inseparably tied to the character of Jesus Christ.

This character is generally peaceful, though not passive. Make no mistake, in following these things the Man or Woman of God will still have a fight on their hands.

Fight

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12

The words “fight the good fight of faith” may bring different things to mind: The Crusades, debating with friends “who are wrong,” or like is meant here: to struggle for the right teaching of God’s word.

The cause of truth is a battle. The enemy has drawn lines of battle and has made no mystery of his intent. The desire to be rich and the love of money will draw people from the truth, and they will be aggressive about it. And though the “gain is godliness” myth will draw some away, the cause of truth has the greatest champion: Christ. Notice the next several verses.

Jesus is the Example

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:13–16

As you read these words I hope you feel the weight behind them, the deep care Paul felt for this young preacher. And even more, the adoration that Paul felt for his Savior.

This charge for Timothy to stay true to the teaching of Christ ends with a Song of praise to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). We fight because we know we can win, we know we can win because Jesus won. We can be confident because He is faithful and powerful.

Your Turn

Are you a Person of God?

How is this shown in your Fleeing?

Do you run away from the “gain is godliness” scam?

How is this shown in your Following?

Are you seeking these Christlike attitudes?

And in your Fighting?

Do you fight like Jesus HAS won? Or do you fight like you might win?

Pray for God to reveal any ground that desire of riches and love of money hold in your devotion and turn that ground back over to God.

Read the Gospels again to see the character of Jesus and then, by God’s grace, devote yourself to emulating that character.

Money and Sound Doctrine

1 Timothy 6:3-10

Money

What is the relationship of the man (or woman) of God to money? Do we think of our spirituality being showcased by our use of money? Even then, what does money have to do with having good Doctrine?

These are all great questions. When you look among those who have abandoned scriptural doctrine you almost always see people who have decided to go after money.

“Supposing Gain is Godliness”

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:3–5

These are harsh words. Necessary, but harsh.

Paul’s teaching in this letter so far has been to get Timothy ready for the hard road ahead of serving churches, and constantly knocking heads with people who either don’t know the truth or who oppose the truth. Many of those who oppose the truth will do it under the banner of “gain is godliness.”

This idea of “gain is godliness” is everywhere. Our book stores are filled with those who teach that virtue is obvious in those who have money. Your news feeds will be full of articles about how the “25 richest people live.” Even among believers we have to be careful to not look at those who have less and think that God is punishing them.

And yet the question stands: What is the relationship of the faithful believer to money?

Godliness with Contentment

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6–8

We ought to pursue godliness even at the cost of other, worldly, gain, because “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

All that we have in this life is a gift, or better a stewardship, from our loving creator and redeemer. Would it be showing gratitude to horde these things? Would we honor Him by flaunting wealth? Or worse, can we please Him be merely presenting evidence of a massive bank account?

Contentment is what goes with godliness; not because money isn’t needed, or because God wants us to suffer. But because we can be godly regardless of our physical possessions.

The Love of Money

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:9–10

Two phrases should jump out: “they that will be rich” (v. 9) and “the love of money is the root of all evil” (v. 10). Paul is calling out those who are seeking to be rich and those who love money. Having money isn’t wrong. Being rich isn’t condemned in scripture. Loving money and devoting your life to collecting it are what Paul is cautioning against.

Devotion to money means that all the joy you will have in life is when you get more of it. You will serve it as master, you will be a slave to comparisons and growth projections. And miss the eternal gain of walking with God in godliness and contentment.

Working, but Not for Money

It’s fitting that this passage follows one about the believer at work. We are tempted, I think, to work for our pay check. That train of thought may lead us to keep working for an even bigger paycheck. And though we should be rewarded for our efforts at work, we may miss opportunity of our time at work to put into practice the teachings of God’s word. We may miss the reward of serving as unto the Lord.

So work, work hard, but not for money. Or at least not just for money.

Your Turn

Where might you have given yourself to seek money, or love money?

Talk about these things with God. Again, money itself isn’t wrong, but serving it makes it an idol and you won’t know the joy of serving God if you are serving idols.

Are you following teachers that hold up the banner of “gain is godliness”?

Stop it. While we may learn a few good things from these people, their end will be ugly. Don’t get swallowed up in their teaching, charisma, or shallow promises.

How are you seeking godliness?

Seeking godliness is key to having a right relationship with money and, well… anything.

In God’s word read the gospels, but this time read them through to learn the character of Jesus. See His care for others, His contentment, and obedience of The Father.