1 Timothy 6:1-10

Are you content with Jesus?  That sounds like a simple question, but it cuts into the core of our hearts.

The Bible is not for slavery, but the early Christians weren’t ready to start a social revolution (and Roman slavery, while not good, was not the same as American slavery).  Paul advises slaves to respect their masters – can you be content and work hard?

Are we content not to always be right, not to argue over little words?  Can we submit to the Word of God, even when it goes against our own thoughts, or what is popular thinking in our culture?

Are we content with less?  The Bible does not say money is evil, but the love for money – and there is much love for money, and power, and possessions in our world.  We long for significance, and money so easily makes us feel significant – but it is a trap.

In Christ, we are truly significant – loved for, protected, adored, died for.  We can be perfectly content in Him, and the proof is often seen in how we serve, sacrifice, forgive, and give away.

1All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 2If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers^a who are well loved.

False Teaching and True Riches

Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.