seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
1 Timothy 6:1 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. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
This is the link to the commentary I read.Let as many bondservants: Paul called upon slaves to count their own masters worthy of all honor — to be good, respectful workers for their masters. He did this not out of a general approval of the institution of slavery, but so that God would be glorified (so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed).
Christianity arose in a social setting where slavery was commonplace. There were some 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire. Some slaves held privileged positions; other slaves were treated with great abuse. While the Bible never commanded slavery, it did permit it and regulate it.
The church itself was a place where slavery was destroyed. It was not uncommon for a master and a slave to go to church together, where the slave would be an elder in the church, and the master was expected to submit to the slave’s spiritual leadership! Such radical thinking was an offense to many, but glorified God and eventually destroyed slavery.
He is proud, knowing nothing: This describes those who misuse God’s Word. Yet, as all the proud, they don’t see or admit to their lack of knowledge. And, like most proud people, they are able to convince others that they are experts in God’s truth, when they actually misuse it.
Who suppose that godliness is a means of gain: This is another characteristic of those who misuse God’s truth. Their interest in the things of God is not entirely for God’s glory but motivated in part by desire for wealth and comfort.
With contentment: When one does not live by “the itch for more,” and one’s life is not dominated by shopping for and acquiring material things, we can have the kind of contentment in God and in His will for our lives.
This is a slippery area in the Christian life. It is very easy to come up with reasons — excuses, that is — why these sins of greed and materialism don’t apply to us. But whenever we think getting something material, or getting more of it, will answer our life’s needs, we lack this contentment. Whenever we are deeply grieved at material loss, we lack this contentment. Whenever we get an inordinate pleasure from buying or having some material thing, we lack this contentment.
Having food and clothing: After an eternal perspective, a heart of contentment will be humble, a heart that can be content with simple things.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: The love of money can motivate any evil on this earth. There is no sin that cannot be committed for the sake of money.
Well... I think the commentary covered it quite clearly. I did add a few italics to point out stuff I would have talked about in my notes. Since the commentary already said everything I would say.... and more.... I have only one thing to add....
Do you have the "itch for more"?
