Flee and pursue. As a part of our Christian life, we must take action. In one case, we must flee from certain things and on the other side, there are several things we must pursue. Read 1 Timothy 6:11. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 TIMOTHY 6:11 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.11.NASB Paul has just finished discussing several things that Timothy should avoid. And even more than just avoid, Paul says that Timothy must flee from them. Timothy must make a choice and intentionally run in the opposite direction from the things that were listed in the prior verses. At…

Roots. We think of those as the source of food and nutrition for plants. So when we think about sin in our life, the question is what feeds it and nourishes it and provides the nutrients to that sin in our life? The roots of that sin is the love of money. Read 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 TIMOTHY 6:10 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.10.NASB Like we saw yesterday, it’s not about having the money itself. A lot of people have a lot…

Greed. This incredibly common desire is also the source of so many problems. It’s amazing, even in Paul’s time they dealt with this issue of greed and lust for riches and wealth. See 1 Timothy 6:9. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1 TIMOTHY 6:9 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.9.NASB As you see here, it’s not so much about being rich as it is about the desire to be rich. It’s the want and desire that creates the problems. The temptation to have money and lots of it can be a snare that…

Content. Do we know what contentment feels like? What do we feel leads to being content? Read 1 Timothy 6:8. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 1 TIMOTHY 6:8 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.8.NASB Yesterday, Paul reminded us that we can’t take anything with us when we die. Today, we see that he very specifically calls out what things should make us feel content. As long as we have our true needs for the day taken care of, we should feel content. There is nothing here about our feelings or making sure that people are treating us the way we want. There’s no mention of success or…

Possessions. We tend to think a lot of them. We often judge our own worth and success as well as the worth and success of others by them. See what Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:5-7. and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 1 TIMOTHY 6:5‭-‬7 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.5-7.NASB Contentment. We brought nothing in and we will take nothing out so that which should bring us…

Agreement with Jesus. We must be saying the same things that Jesus is saying. If we are not, then we are arrogant and conceited. See what Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:3-4. If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 1 TIMOTHY 6:3‭-‬4 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.3-4.NASB Everything that we stand for should be what Jesus Christ stands for. If we are saying or doing…

Treat others in a way that honors God. Paul wanted to make sure that everyone understood how to treat others, no matter their position or station. Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2. All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. 1 TIMOTHY 6:1‭-‬2 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.1-2.NASB In that…

Sin sticks. Sometimes we feel like our sins or something that can be easily brushed off and overlooked. Paul is very clear that is not the case. Read 1 Timothy 5:23-25 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. 1 TIMOTHY 5:23‭-‬25 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.23-25.NASB Some basic general advice here, Paul wants people to understand that some sins are very obvious to people.…

These principles. We are to maintain an attitude of serving and loving Christ, while having patience to deal with the rest of the world. Listen to how Paul puts it in 1 Timothy 5:21-22. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. 1 TIMOTHY 5:21‭-‬22 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.21-22.NASB We are to maintain these principles. Which principles? All the ones that have come before this verse. Paul…

People get frustrated with each other. It happens inside the church just like it happens outside of the church. When people get frustrated with the leader of the church, how should the handle any negative things that they hear? Read 1 Timothy 5:19-20. Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 TIMOTHY 5:19‭-‬20 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.19-20.NASB First, don’t just believe everything that you hear. People may say a lot of things, but realize that accusations must be confirmed by multiple…