I Timothy Chapter 6
In this last chapter of I Timothy Paul gives the believers some very practical ways to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ. He begins with bondservants, those who had become a servant of someone else because they had debts they could not pay and so became a servant of that person to work off their debt. This was slavery, which thankfully the church was instrumental in putting an end to this popular way of life.
“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.” [Guzik]
God never said “thou shalt not have slaves,” but He waited for men to come to their senses; and He gave guidance how we should live with slavery in our midst until such time that mankind came to realize that slavery was wrong. Christ Jesus had provided a way for all men to live freely.
Let's Reflect
1. What practical advice did Paul give to bondservants that would also apply to a Christian employee today?
2. I have met people who I felt were not true believers and they loved to debate things about God and the Bible, perhaps you have too. What advice does Paul give regarding such people?
3. A true believer has peace and is settled in their spirit because they know that what things we have in this life are only temporary. As believers, what should our attitude be about acquiring things?
4. The famous verse appears in this chapter that tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil. What is the unfortunate thing that often happens to believers who have a love of money?
5. What practical advice does Paul give to the disciple of Jesus Christ? These are things we should be developing in our walk with the Lord. See verses 11-12.
6. As a disciple of Jesus, we should think about what He did for us. Jesus gave us a living, visible testimony of God who is our creator. Jesus testified of who He was before what Roman ruler as well as many others?
7. We are charged with keeping the testimony of who Jesus is. In what manner do we need to keep this testimony according to verse 14?
8. Disciples of Jesus will live their life awaiting His return. When He does return what will be displayed for all the world to see?
9. What advice does Paul give to those believers who are rich?
10. Paul’s final thought for Timothy in this chapter is to be careful to guard the truth of the gospel and to not get caught up with those who love to gain ____________________ so they can boast about themselves. Are you guarding the truths in your heart that God is teaching you? Are you seeking to draw closer to Him as you read His Word?
