Thought for August 23, 2023

  •  79: Vesuvius begins eruption
  • 1305: William Wallace executed
  • 2005: Hurricane Katrina forms over the Bahamas
  • Born: Gene Kelly, River Phoenix, Kobe Bryant, Barbara Eden, 
  • Died: Rudolph Valentino, Bobby Bonds, 
Thought:
Chapter 6 of First Timothy is often preached, particularly on the subject of wealth, greed, riches. I think this chapter really answers the question, "what is real life." In 6:19, Paul ends by saying this teaching will allow me to take hold of, grasp, comprehend, understand what is real life. So what does Paul teach in this chapter? Want to know how to find and take hold of real life?
  • Obey the words of Jesus leading to godliness [6:3-4] Accept only the doctrine presented by Jesus. Why? It is truth. Paul warns that when we try and devise our own doctrines we are acting conceited, not humble. We think we are God. In addition, creating our own doctrine leads us to start asking controversial questions and arguing about words. Boy, Paul knew what was going on in 2023--does the word man really mean man? Does the word woman really mean woman? Does marriage mean between a man and a woman? And the results are envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions and constant friction. Sound familiar. 
  • Be content [6:6-8]. Paul says something interesting--without contentment, godliness leads to less gain. With contentment, godliness leads to great gain. Perhaps the problem is that when I think I am living godly, I expect rewards and blessings. And the rewards and blessings are often those things I consider rewards--better job, more compensation, bigger house, better car, longer vacation. But godliness with contentment leads to great gains in joy, peace.
  • Don't try and get rich [6:9-10] Why? Wrong goal, wrong prize. And in Christ you are already rich. Trying to get rich becomes a snare. Loving money brings temptations, compromise, wandering. We may be blessed with riches, but our goal, that which we seek is conforming to the image of Jesus. 
  • Pursue the real prizes [6:11] Righteousness, faith, love, patience, gentleness--the fruit of the Spirit. The goal is to be filled with the Spirit and the prize is love, joy, peace.
  • Fight the fight of faith [6:12] this tells me faith requires struggle, combat against doubt and fear. So we put on the armor and stand firm. 
  • Don't base your hope on stuff, but fix your hope on God. [6:17] Sounds like the Sermon on the Mount--go for the riches that cannot be stolen and do not rust. 
  • Instead of storing up riches on earth, store up treasure in heaven [6:18-19] Think about the concept Paul presents-- by being generous and sharing [giving] we store up riches. That is God's economy. 
Want to enjoy real life? Here is Paul's advice to Timothy. And it is still the truth. 

Blessings
Larry

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