Verse by verse study of Paul's first letter to Timothy. In this lesson we examine the last chapter, (1Tm 6:1-21), looking at more points of order in the church.

Slaves and Masters

It may seem at first glance that we have come to a passage that is not relevant if we live in a society like our beloved Australia, where slavery is illegal and we are all freemen. However the principles or work ethics that Paul lays down here, apply to our relationships to our employers even though we are not legally their slaves. There is still a master-servant relationship to be honoured day by day.

• We should regard our employers with respect, and act with respect, so that they and the business community will respect our religion (verse 1).
• If an employer is a fellow Christian, this is no reason for us to slack off or to be insubordinate. We should rather respect our Christian employer all the more, and work all the harder and smarter for that employer. We should feel pleased that the one who is benefiting from our work is a beloved brother (or sister) in Christ (verse 2).

Paul adds that these principles must be taught and preached in the church. Proper order in the church includes proper order and behaviour in society. Christians are to practise this, no matter what other people do.

Friction and Discontent

1Tm 6:3-10   1Tm 6:17-19

THE LOVE OF CONTROVERSY

Paul has no time for friction in the church, and the language he uses to describe those who cause it is extremely strong. People who are always questioning, contradicting, debating, and disputing, are, Paul says, "depraved of mind and deprived of truth" (1Tm 6:5).

Of course, this does not refer to those genuine souls who may question certain teaching. The occasional disagreement, where some point is properly examined and discussed, can be a means of growth in knowledge and unity. In this case it is not the love of controversy that holds sway, but rather the love of truth.

Paul is talking about would-be teachers who are looking for power and profit and self promotion. They are not genuinely concerned about the truth. They feed on controversy, envy, and strife. They cause quarrels and nastiness in the church, destroying the proper order of peace, love, and joy.

THE LOVE OF MONEY

Behind the friction, Paul sees the attitude that causes it. The problem is not the friction, strife and abuse. The problem is not pride, politics, and power play. The problem is not even the envy, bitterness, and evil suspicion. Paul mentions these things, but he isolates the underlying problem from which these things arise. The underlying problem is "the love of money" which is "the root of all kinds of evil".

Paul has not long back said that workers in the church have a right to be paid wages (1Tm 5:17-18). The church quite properly collects money and pays money as a part of its operations and proper order. Wherever there is money, however, there are people trying to get their hands on it, or discontented because they are jealous of those who receive the money.

Paul tells us to flee from the love of money, and to be content with just those things we really need. The "desire to get rich" is not proper in a Christian. That desire paves the path to pain and ruin. Instead of the desire to be rich, let's have the desire to be right, "for godliness with contentment is great gain" (verse 6).

Paul is so concerned about this problem, that he comes back to it in verses 17-19, obviously not satisfied that he has emphasised it enough before he closes the letter. This time he is concerned not so much for those who desire to be rich, but for those who already are rich in this world. It's not a sin to be rich, so long as you don't fix your hope on it. What counts is treasure in heaven. Money is not the thing to take hold of. One needs to "take hold of that which is life indeed" -- namely eternal life.

Taking Hold of Eternal Life

1Tm 6:11-16   1Tm 6:20-21

The final verses of the letter are a strong encouragement to Timothy (and to us) to "take hold of eternal life", and "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness". Of course these lovely things should not suggest a fairy-floss Christianity. Paul in the next sentence says, "Fight the good fight of faith" (1Tm 6:11-12). It's a good fight, but a fight nevertheless.

Timothy is charged to "keep the commandment without stain" and Paul points Timothy to Christ's second coming and to Christ's eternal power. He inspires Timothy with a ringing doxology of that power (1Tm 6:15-16).

Paul closes his letter by exhorting him again to try to avoid, and guard against, the friction and discontent that can disrupt the church and bring disorder and departure from the faith.

SUMMARY OF THE FINAL VERSES

Perhaps we can conclude this lesson, and in fact the study of First Timothy, by listing the important elements Paul mentions in taking hold of eternal life.

• Flee error, pursue godliness. Put foe behind and friend in front, and run well (verse 11).
• Fight the good fight. It is constructive to destroy evil (verse 12).
• Honor the good confession which Christ himself made in his testimony before Pilate (verse 13).
• Keep the commandment without stain or reproach (verse 14).
• Look for the appearing of our Saviour from heaven (verses 14-15).
• Turn to Christ alone, for no other has the power and glory God has given to him (verses 15-16).
• Store up eternal treasure in heaven being rich in good works (verses 17-19).
• Avoid and guard against pointless controversy and keep the faith (verses 20-21).

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