Day 8: 1 Timothy 6:3–19 — Paul’s Closing Words
Reading: Paul’s encouragement and warnings to Timothy
Study Questions:
1. Observation: What commands does Paul give Timothy regarding what to flee from and what to pursue?
Timothy is told to flee the approach of going for riches, loving money, and using godliness as a means to get rich. Instead, Timothy is encouraged to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and goodness. In summary, Paul instructs Timothy to make it his life’s pursuit to reflect the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than pursuing the mastery of the love of money.
2. Interpretation: Why does Paul emphasise contentment as a mark of true godliness rather than material gain? How does he contrast godliness with materialism?
Paul addresses the culture that was gripped by materialism. Having stuff was the master of the culture. Rich people were seen as the successful types, and having possessions was viewed as a means of achieving contentment, even though that proved to be delusional. Paul desires Timothy to be the example for the church in Ephesus – an example that would make much of the reality of who God is and how that reality is the only path to true contentment. Holding the two in contrast establishes for Timothy how he, too, should recognise the difference between looking to God and looking to the things of God.
3. Application: What spiritual disciplines or character qualities is Timothy commanded to pursue in this passage? How can believers today practically implement these qualities (e.g., righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness)?
Timothy is to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, fighting the good fight of faith, taking hold of eternal life, keeping the commandment unstained and free from reproach.
To practice these today requires understanding what they are, seeing them in the lives of Jesus and the early church, then trusting the Holy Spirit to fill us and lead us to express these qualities. The pursuit of righteousness is implemented when we constantly seek God to see how we do what’s pleasing to Him and act on the response. Godliness is enacted when every situation of the day is thought through and acted on with the desire to reflect the character of our heavenly Father. Faith is acted upon as we connect with God in prayer and His Word, and stand on what He tells us to do, trusting Him with everything. Love is demonstrated when we have an other-focused mindset in serving and we’re clear on the purity of our motives, which determines our actions that answer the question – how can I help you today to see God’s love in action? Steadfastness is evident in challenging times, where our choice is to maintain loyalty to God and His Word. We reach the end of each day, seeking forgiveness, and reaffirm that loyalty is a good example of that quality in action. Gentleness is expressed when we’re considerate and thoughtful to behave in a way that doesn’t crush others but respects them and keeps ourselves in check. The good fight of faith is conducted as we uphold the gospel, declare the lordship of Jesus Christ and refuse to be conformed to the world, preferring to pursue the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Holding fast to the life we have in Christ reminds us constantly that we belong to Jesus and He belongs to us; this belonging is not just for now, but for what we look forward to embracing on His return. Keeping the commandment unstained and free from reproach is the life that is not compromised or corrupted. It’s not a sin-free life, but it holds what God says as having the highest value in life, and so it’s clear in how we make decisions, regulate thoughts and manage our actions. This is why the instruction is put in the context of praise and adoration to God – that focus helps us rely on Him, look to His Son and rely on the Spirit to do all this.
4. How might you “fight the good fight” of faith in your present circumstances? What practical steps are needed to hold firmly to your confession and calling?
The good fight of faith is fought by not yielding to temptation; it’s through applying myself to key spiritual disciplines, it’s through encouraging others to follow Jesus and demonstrating that in caring, supporting and encouraging them. The fight takes place as I encounter and interact with other saints, pursuing what matters to God, and being wary of false teachings and other diversions that aim to replace God.
Holding firmly to the confession and calling requires reminding myself about what they are, holding these to God and others, and acknowledging that these matters to me. I cherish them, and then living in such a way that the high value I have for the truth of God in Jesus Christ and the call to carry across Christ by the life-changing word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit is all I live for.
Day 9: Integration and Application — Living Out 1 Timothy
Reading: Review 1 Timothy 6:20-21 and reflect on the entire letter
Study Questions:
1. Key Themes: What are the three most important themes you’ve discovered in 1 Timothy?
2. Personal Impact: How has this study challenged or changed your understanding of Christian living?
3. Practical Application: What specific changes will you make in your life based on this study?
4. Ongoing Commitment: How will you continue to apply these lessons in the weeks and months ahead?
What you’re releasing has something to do with what lives in you, so let’s get the Word In to get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Life With CD 