NT Fire Starters – Day 296: 1 Timothy 6:1-21

READ: 1 Timothy 6:1-21

THINK: Our economy used to be based on manufacturers who created products to meet specific needs. But in recent years, marketing strategies have shifted drastically to create “needs” that require their products. So advertisers aim to convince you that you “gotta have it,” because their product will make you more popular, successful and satisfied. It’s a wonder you ever managed to live without it! But it’s still stuff, and it won’t last. The only thing we really can’t live without is a relationship with God, and the only thing of eternal value is what you invest in God’s purposes.

RESPOND: What’s the main point and purpose of Paul’s instruction to those in servant roles (vv. 1-2; for insight on this issue, see Colossians 3:22 note.)? What are some indications of whether a teaching is Biblical or unbiblical? (See 6:3 note.) Who tends to gravitate toward false teaching and why? (See 6:5 note.) What do you think it means that “godliness with contentment is great gain”? (See 6:6 and 6:8 note.) In what way do “people who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap…” (v. 9)? Why and in what way is “the love of money…a root of all kinds of evil” (v. 10)? Rather than financial and material gain, what things are Christians to prioritize and pursue (v. 11)? How do you “fight the good fight of the faith”? (See 6:12 note.) In what way is Jesus’ return a continual motivation for ministry? (See 6:14 note.) What do verses 15-16 reveal about the nature, character and authority of God? (See 6:16 note.) In light of this, what is so significant about God’s actions toward us and our access to Him? What specific instructions does this passage give to wealthy people, and why? (See 6:18 note.) What’s one of the reasons God provides everything we need (v. 17)? What do you think it means to “be rich in good deeds”? (See 6:18 note.) Why is it vital for God’s people to “be generous and willing to share” (v. 18), and how does this “lay up treasures” for eternity?

PRAY: Ask God to help you be content with your needs being met. Pray that you won’t get caught up in a selfish pursuit of wealth and materialism. Worship God for who He is–the all-powerful Creator and Ruler over all things.

ACT: Take some money you were going to use for a luxury item or something you don’t really need, and give it to a missions project through your church or youth group. Do as many “good deeds” for others as you can today. Sometime today, review the article on Campus Missions Commitment to Give, p. 1676.