The Dynamic Church
6
Paul is teaching on how godliness outworks itself practically continues in chapter 6 of 1 Timothy. In Bible times slavery existed. Paul gives instruction about how Christian slaves and masters should relate to each other. We read in verse 1, “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”. Paul didn’t condone slavery. He addressed the situation as it existed in society. He told servants that if they are able to take freedom to do so. We read in 1 Corinthians 7 verse 21, “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you, although if you can gain your freedom do so”. The Christian church’s priority isn’t first and foremost social reform. Some teach that we must impact the community where we live with good deeds first and change will happen. The churches first priority is to preach the gospel and see the lives of people changed. That’s the starting point. Arising out of that social reform will happen as men and women live out the principles of the Christian faith. Many of history’s greatest social reformers have been Christians. It was the work of the Christian William Wilberforce that brought about the abolition of slavery. He was motivated in the first place by his Christian convictions.
The gospel contains the seed to destroy slavery. When a master became a believer his attitude toward his slave changed, and he treated him like a brother. The same was true of the slave toward his master when he was converted. If both master and slave became Christians then the nature of their relationship changed. This ended the usual master/slave relationship. Neither of them should abuse this. In verse 2 Paul says to the servant, “Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and are dear to them”. If you have a Christian employer give him a good day’s work. If you have a Christian employee, treat him fairly and provide a good wage for him.
Paul mentions false teacher again in verse 3. They are mentioned in the context of earning a living. The way to recognise a false teacher is given in verse 3, “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching he is conceited and understands nothing”. Sound doctrine is Christ centred and leads to godliness. It creates harmony and peace in relationships. False doctrine leads to unrest. We read in verse 4 that the false teacher, “has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction”. They may have told servants that devotion to God is the road to personal, financial, or social betterment. They suggested that freedom or social advancement was the test of godliness. They taught that climbing the social ladder was the proof of God `s blessing. We know that God promises to save all who come to him through Christ. He promises forgiveness of sins and his abiding presence. But he never promises an easy road and prosperous life. When the promises of the false teachers didn’t happen it created the friction Paul spoke of. This is because it made the servant discontent and dissatisfied with his lot. He began to react wrongly toward his master. He became impatient and sharp. He thought he’d been let down by God because his circumstances hadn’t changed. Sound doctrine promotes contentment whatever our position in life may be. False teachers are more concerned about financial prosperity rather than promoting godly contentment in every circumstance. Paul says this in verse 5 they are, “men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain”. Beware of any preacher who tells you that health and wealth are always the signs of God’s blessing in your life, and to get it you are asked to send money to his ministry. Some of the greatest Christians were often poor or experienced illness. Paul says in verse 6, “godliness with contentment is great gain”. We are to be content with food and clothing. He warns of the danger of seeking riches. He says in verses 9 and 10,”People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil”. The reason for this is that seeking riches stifles spiritual progress. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6 verse 24, “You cannot serve both God and money”. One or the other will take up your time and energy.
Riches also have the potential to remove opportunities to exercise faith, hope and trust in God. We read in 1 Timothy verse 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”. We mustn’t think that riches are evil of themselves. If you have wealth that’s not sinful, but it’s right to use it for the Lord’s work. Paul says this to the rich believers in verse 18, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share”.
The way we are called to live is found in verse 11. Paul says to Timothy, “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”. Progress in these spiritual qualities are evidence of God’s blessing. This must be our aim through all the years of our lives. We read in verse 14, “I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
That brings us to the end of 1 Timothy.