October 26, 2024 - 1 Timothy 6

Paul writes about masters and servants, whether the master is a believer or not; encourages good teaching and sound words; and gives warnings against false teaching, conceit, controversies, verbal disputes, envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions, and bickering.  Furthermore, we are not greedily to strive after worldly wealth, “for we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either” (6:7).  As children of God, we are to “keep away from all that, instead pursuing righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness” (6:11).  We are “goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain” (6:17).   Rather, we are “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others” (6:18).  Such living “will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited” (6:1).  Furthermore, we ourselves benefit greatly because we rely “on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment . . . [and] save up a treasure for [our]selves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life” (6:19).

All my hope on God is founded;

he doth still my trust renew.

Me through change and chance he guideth,

only good and only true.

God unknown,

he alone

calls my heart to be his own.

Daily doth th’ Almighty giver

bounteous gifts on us bestow;

his desire our soul delighteth,

pleasure leads us where we go.

Love doth stand

at his hand;

joy doth wait on his command.   -- Joachim Neander (17th century)