By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness. For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

1 Timothy 4:6-10 (NET)

How can we become good ministers of Christ?

Paul says this to his son in the faith Timothy, “By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.” The word good can be translated “noble,” “admirable,” “excellent,” or “beautiful.” “Servant” can be translated “minister.”¹ A minister of Christ is someone who ministers for Christ in the manner Christ would minister if he were here (cf. 1 Peter 5:2, 4).

Certainly, this applies specifically to pastors and teachers, but it applies generally to all Christians, as we are all called to serve and minister. Paul said in Galatians 6:10, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” Christians are supposed to serve their neighbor, co-worker, family, other believers, and even their enemies. How can we be good ministers of Christ?

As we consider this text, we can discern qualities of good ministers of Christ.

Big Question: What qualities of good ministers can be discerned from Paul’s exhortations to Timothy?

Good Ministers Warn the Flock

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus

1 Timothy 4:6

Interpretation Question: What is Paul referring to when he says, “By pointing out such things…, you will be a good servant of Christ”?

When Paul says if you point out “such things” to the brothers and sisters, he refers to the false teaching and apostasy that will characterize the church in the last days (cf. 1 Tim 4:1-5). “Pointing out such things” can also be translated “to remind” or “to suggest.” It is a present tense participle which indicates that Timothy should be continually pointing out error to his congregation.²

Sadly, in our Christian context, it is often considered unloving and intolerant to point out error. However, it is one of the most loving things a minister can do. A shepherd does not just feed the flock; he also protects it. And this is also true of good ministers. In fact, a great deal of Paul’s ministry was exposing and correcting false teaching and warning of false teachers. In the book of Galatians, he corrects bad teaching about the law and works-righteousness. In Corinth, he corrects the abuse of spiritual gifts and the false teaching that the resurrection had passed. With the Thessalonians, he corrects bad teaching on eschatology. At times, as seen with Timothy, he even named false teachers—Hymenaeus and Alexander—so that others would not be led astray (1 Tim 1:20).

Obviously, this should not be the primary aspect of Christian teaching. Ministers are called to teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and everything that Christ commanded (Matt 28:20), but there are also negative aspects to this teaching. Warning is an essential part of shepherding, and those who fail to do so open the door for their flock to be led astray and even apostasize (1 Tim 4:1).

Many ministers are out of balance in this area. Some only focus on guarding the sheep by pointing out false teaching and error and therefore the flock grows weak. Others only feed the sheep but leave them open to deception. There is a need for balance.

Certainly, these warnings don’t only apply to false teachers and false teaching, they apply to anything that could be harmful to another believer including sin and unwise practices. Proverbs 27:6 says faithful are the wounds of a friend but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (paraphrase).

Are you a good friend? Are you a good minister—willing to warn and point out error?

Application Question: How can a minister be balanced in his guarding and nourishing of the flock? How have you seen or experienced ministers who were unbalanced in their teaching?

Good Ministers Constantly Nourish Themselves on God’s Word

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

1 Timothy 4:6

Another quality of good ministers is that they nourish themselves on God’s Word. “Nourished” can be translated “constantly nourished” as it is a present participle.³ It should be the continual discipline of a minister. Sadly, very few ministers truly nourish themselves with the Word of God—a good number are essentially anemic. Many, because they were raised in a Christian family or went to seminary, feel as though they already know it and therefore are not constantly studying God’s Word. It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. Unfortunately, this often happens with God’s shepherds. The reality is we can’t feed others if we have not first been fed. That is the life of a good minister. They are constantly being nourished by God’s Word, and because of that, they nourish others.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.”

The word “dwell” means “to be at home with.” It is the opposite of being a visitor. When the Word of God is at home in our hearts richly, we naturally begin to teach and admonish others with all wisdom. For many, the Word of God is more like a visitor. They think, “Maybe, I’ll read the Word of God today or maybe I won’t.” Christians like that won’t be effective ministers; they certainly won’t be effective teachers.

Are you letting the Word of God be at home in your life? Are you constantly nourishing yourself on its truth? Not just the Psalms when you’re depressed, but a balanced diet of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the major doctrines of Scripture? This is necessary to be a good minister of Christ.

Application Question: Why is it so important for ministers to constantly nourish themselves on the Word of God? What happens when they don’t? What are your disciplines like when it comes to reading and studying the Word?

Good Ministers Are Obedient to God’s Word

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

1 Timothy 4:6

However, it must be known that good ministers do not just know the Word of God, they also practice it. Paul said, “the good teaching that you have followed.” Timothy not only had been trained since a child in the Scriptures but he was obedient to it (cf. 2 Tim 3:14-15). Ministers who study and teach but don’t practice, discredit the truth they proclaim. I heard the story of one pastor whose teaching was so good, no one wanted him to leave the pulpit. However, his life outside the pulpit made them never want him to return.

Sadly, this is all too common with ministers. They teach, “Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouths,” yet they are known for harsh comments and crude jokes. They teach to “forgive as Christ forgave you,” but they constantly hold grudges. These are not good ministers; they are bad ones.

James 1:22-24 says,

But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.

To study and teach the Word and not practice it is as foolish as a person constantly looking in a mirror but never fixing his hair, brushing his teeth, or straightening his clothes. It’s idiocy!

Are you both a hearer and doer of the Word? If not, James says you’re deceived about the reality of your faith (cf. James 1:22, 2:17). Obedience is not only a characteristic of a good minister but a proof of one’s salvation. Matthew 7:21-23 says,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’

Sadly, the church is full of those who prophesy, cast out demons, and do many mighty works in God’s name and yet Christ doesn’t know them—they are not saved (v. 22-23). Only those who do the Father’s will are saved.

Are you doing the Father’s will?

Application Question: Why is being a doer of God’s Word so important for a minister? Are there any specific areas that God is challenging you to be obedient in?

Good Ministers Avoid Ungodly Teaching

But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7

Another quality of good ministers is that they avoid ungodly teaching. He says have nothing to do with “myths fit only for the godless and gullible.” It can also be translated “godless myths and old wives’ tales.” When he said this, he, no doubt, referred to the false teaching that forbade marriage and certain types of foods in the previous passage (4:4-5). However, it didn’t refer to those alone. “Old wives’ tales” was a common epithet used to describe something that was unbelievable.⁴ These teachings and others were void of Scriptural truth and therefore to be rejected. Good ministers must test and reject anything that is void of Scripture or that compromises Scripture.

Sadly, many ministers major on things that have nothing to do with Scripture—whether that be pop-psychology, self-help, eastern practices, or secular business principles. The problem with these ministers is that they have a faulty understanding of Scripture. Paul said this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.”

Scripture teaches its sufficiency. It is sufficient to train in righteousness and to thoroughly equip the servant of God for every good work. Every minister must ask this question: “Is the Word of God really sufficient for righteousness or is it not?” One’s answer to this and application of it will affect whether they are a good minister or not. Good ministers, instead of giving themselves to godless myths (secular teachings void of God and Scripture), use God’s tools to minister to others. Second Corinthians 10:4-5 says,

for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.

Good ministers don’t use secular weapons because God’s weapons are both commissioned and sufficient. They use spiritual weapons that have divine power—the Word of God, prayer, worship, fellowship, repentance, etc. No doubt, when Christ returns and his servants must give an account, he will take notice of whether they used his weapons or not. Again, sadly, many neglect them for secular weapons with no spiritual power. Explicitly or implicitly they declare God’s weapons as insufficient to train God’s people in righteousness.

Are you willing to reject the godless teachings of the world and rely on God and his weapons alone? This is what good ministers do—they reject godless teachings.

Application Question: In what ways are ministers prone to rely on godless teachings instead of God’s teaching? What happens when they do this? Should ministers use secular teachings and if so when?

Good Ministers Practice Spiritual Disciplines

… train yourself for godliness. For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. In fact this is why we work hard and struggle…

1 Timothy 4:7b-10

John MacArthur said, “There is no effective spiritual ministry apart from personal godliness, since ministry is the overflow of a godly life.”⁵ It is for this reason that good ministers devote themselves to becoming godly. However, godliness doesn’t just happen. Paul told Timothy to “train yourself for godliness” (v. 7). The Greek word for “train” is “gumnazo” from which we get the English words “gymnasium” and “gymnastics.” It can be translated “exercise” or “discipline.” “The word speaks of the rigorous, strenuous, self-sacrificing training an athlete undergoes.”⁶

Paul encourages Timothy to exercise himself to godliness because the benefits are eternal. Unlike physical training, it holds promises for both the present life and the life to come.

Application Question: What are some aspects of this discipline or training? How can we train ourselves for godliness?

1. Discipline is an ongoing process.

The word “train” is a present imperative pointing to a continual process.⁷ It doesn’t happen overnight. Nobody can ever say, “I made it! I am godly, and therefore, I don’t have to work anymore!” (cf. Phil 3:12). When we stop disciplining ourselves, sin, compromise, and spiritual lethargy overtake us.

2. Discipline means getting rid of spiritual hindrances.

The Greek word “train” literally means “to exercise naked.”⁸ Ancient Greeks used to exercise and compete in the buff because clothing could hinder their performance. In a similar way, believers must get rid of anything hindering them from godliness. Christ said if our eye, hand, or foot causes us to sin, we should cut them off (Matt 5:29-30, 18:8-9). This means if what we are watching or reading with our eyes, if where we are going with our feet, or if what we are doing with our hands causes us to sin, we must get rid of it. Great athletes are ruthless in removing hindrances to their goals such as junk food, relationships, jobs, etc. Sadly, many Christians can’t become godly because they won’t rid themselves of spiritual hindrances—instead, they cling to them.

What is hindering you spiritually? What is God calling you to get rid of so you can look more like him and be a more effective minister?

1. 3. Discipline means keeping our eyes on the goal.

Godliness comes from the old English Word “God-likeness.”⁹ It means to have a character and attitude like God. Like an athlete training to win a race, that is our ultimate goal. We must keep our eyes on our Lord Jesus and seek to be like him in every way. Hebrews 12:2 says, “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

What is your ultimate goal? Is it wealth, success, friendships, or family? Or is it being like Christ and hearing him one day say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”?

4. Discipline includes working hard.

In verse 10, Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. In fact this is why we work hard and struggle.” No doubt, this describes a good minister’s spiritual training. “Work hard” and “struggle” were used of wrestlers in an athletic contest. “Work hard” means “to work to the point of weariness and exhaustion.” “Struggle” can also be translated to strive or agonize.

Spiritual discipline often includes not only fighting our mind but our body. It is a struggle to meditate on God’s Word in the morning and at night. It is a fight to pray when we don’t feel like it. It is a labor, even at times to exhaustion, to serve others when we ourselves are emotionally, physically, and spiritually broken; however, in the midst of this, there is God’s blessing and the fruit of godliness.

Sadly, many know nothing about labor or agony in their spiritual life. Their spiritual life is the easy road. They go to church when it is easy or convenient, but when there is a little agony—a little discipline—they are nowhere to be found. Good ministers discipline themselves to godliness.

5. Discipline includes getting proper rest.

One of the most important aspects of athletics is getting proper rest. Our bodies need rest in order to perform at their peak. But this is also true spiritually. For many Christians, Satan wins the battle before the day even begins because they were undisciplined with their sleep. They went to bed late and therefore could not get up to pray, read their Bible, or even go to church. And those who do faithfully serve and seek the Lord without proper rest, at some point, burn out. Sleep is essential to both physical athletes and spiritual athletes. An essential part of exercise or discipline is not just work but rest.

Are you getting proper rest including a Sabbath so you can effectively serve the Lord and others? God rested on the seventh day, not for himself, but to teach humanity their need for rest.

Application Question: What are some spiritual disciplines that aid in becoming godly? Which ones do you commonly employ and how have they helped you? In what ways is God calling you to grow in your practice of spiritual disciplines?

Good Ministers Continually Hope in the Lord

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

1 Timothy 4:9-10

The final characteristic of good ministers is their growing hope in God. Paul said, “we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.” Hope is another word for faith. It is faith in something future. Paul and other ministers labored to exhaustion and strove to help others because they believed in a God who was living—not dead like pagan idols—and who was the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

While good ministers hope in God and heavenly things, unfaithful ministers primarily have earthly hopes. They hope in money, retirement, and secular success. Since their hope is secular, it manifests in their lives, and therefore, they become worldly. But for those whose hopes are eternal, as they hope in God, it manifests in a life of ministering to all and awaiting God’s kingdom.

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by saying God is the Savior of all people and especially of believers?

There is a lot of controversy over the meaning of this phrase. Most tend to accept one of these three views.

1. God is the Savior of all people, especially of believers, refers to God being a potential Savior for some and an actual Savior for others.

Christ died for all, and therefore, his death was indeed adequate to save all but only effective for believers. Scripture certainly teaches that not all will be saved, in contrast with universalist teachings (cf. Matt 25:41). However, this interpretation is unlikely since the text deals with God being the Savior of all, not a potential Savior.

2. God is the Savior of all people, especially of believers, refers to God’s common grace for all and his saving grace for some.

In this view, “Savior of all” does not refer to an eternal sense but a temporal sense. God is the Savior of all people in that he withholds his judgment on sin for all. He does not destroy us immediately, as we deserve, but is patient with us, hoping that we will repent. God provides rain, food, and clothing for us. He gives us life, breath, and everything else. In a temporal sense, God is the Savior of all, but in an eternal sense, he is the Savior of the church—those who believe in Jesus.

3. God is the Savior of all people, especially of believers, refers only to believers.

Some believe this passage has nothing to do with nonbelievers at all. John Stott’s comments are helpful in understanding this view:

Several scholars have drawn attention to some research by T. C. Skeat in 1979, in which he claims that the word especially (malista) should rather be translated ‘to be precise’ or ‘in other words’. In this case, Paul ‘is not saying that God saves believers more than he saves others; he is simply modifying his general statement that God is the Saviour of all men by adding the limitation that you cannot be saved unless you believe’.¹⁰

Either way, good minsters have a growing hope in God who is the Savior of all, especially of those who believe. A good picture of this is seen in 2 Timothy 2:24-25. Paul says,

And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth

Why does the Lord’s servant not engage in heated disputes? It’s because he hopes in God who grants repentance. It is God who saves souls; not us. It is God who changes hearts. Good ministers understand this, whereas, bad ones are prone to trust in themselves, their arguments, or the wisdom of this world.

Without this growing hope in God, many ministers quit and give up on ministry all together. Only hope in God who is a Savior will enable us to faithfully persevere, especially in difficult times.

What are you hoping in? Are you hoping in God who is a Savior? This is a motivating quality of good ministers. They hope in the living God, and this hope enables them to be faithful regardless of difficult people or circumstances.

Application Question: In what ways is God calling you to hope in him more and his characteristic of being a Savior? How can we grow in this hope? As ministers, what are the consequences of losing our hope in God?

Conclusion

What are qualities of good ministers—good servants of Christ?

1. Good Ministers Warn the Flock
2. Good Ministers Constantly Nourish Themselves on God’s Word
3. Good Ministers Are Obedient to God’s Word
4. Good Ministers Avoid Ungodly Teaching
5. Good Ministers Practice Spiritual Disciplines
6. Good Ministers Continually Hope in the Lord

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 157). Chicago: Moody Press.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 157). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 159). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 162). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁵ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 162). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 163). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁷ Accessed 5/5/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-13-discipline-matters-1-timothy-46-10

⁸ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 108). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁹ Guzik, D. (2013). 1 Timothy (1 Ti 4:7–10). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

¹⁰ Stott, J. R. W. (1996). Guard the truth: the message of 1 Timothy & Titus (p. 118). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Honor widows who are truly in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God. But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day. But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach. But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress—as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works. But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge. And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us. For some have already wandered away to follow Satan. If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

1 Timothy 5:3-16 (NET)

How should the church care for widows or those in need? Scripture clearly teaches God’s special care for widows and the poor and needy. Consider the following Old Testament verses:

He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy palace.

Psalm 68:5

Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow!

Isaiah 1:17

“You must not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.

Exodus 22:22-24

The Jews were to give special care to widows, orphans, and the poor. In fact, part of their tithe provided for those in need (Deut 14:28-29). This special care for the poor was passed from the Jews to the church. In Acts 6, the early church selected seven men to care for a large population of widows—providing food for them. In Galatians 2:9-10, when the apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, they urged them to go to the Gentiles with the gospel but also for them to remember the poor. James, Christ’s brother, also taught the need for caring for widows in James 1:27. He said, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” True saving faith provides for those in distress (cf. Matt 25:32-46).

Women lost their husbands for a variety of reasons such as the dangers of travel, disease, war, and a host of other things.¹ In those days, there was no government assistance and widows were an especially vulnerable class. Without their husbands, they often had to turn to begging or prostitution. Therefore, the church gave great attention to this neglected class, and in 1 Timothy 5, Paul instructs the church on how to care for them. Many of these principles do not just apply to widows, but single moms, divorcees, trafficking victims, and anybody else in desperate need.

As we consider this mercy ministry, it is important to consider that God promises tremendous blessings to those who care for the needy. Proverbs 19:17 says, “The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.” In addition, in Deuteronomy 14:29, God promised to bless the work of Israel’s hands as they provided for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

How should the church provide for widows and those in need?

As we consider this passage, it is important to note the two separate sections within it. In verses 3-8, Paul teaches about supporting widows in need. However, in verses 9-16, he focuses on widows who will be put on the list to devote themselves to serving the church. Some believe that all of these verses apply to widows in need; however, it’s pretty clear that it does not. John Stott comments on what distinguishes these two sections. He says,

The widows in mind in verses 3–8 Timothy is to give proper recognition to, literally ‘to honour, or rather support’, whereas those in mind in verses 9–16 he is to put on the list of widows, that is, ‘register’ or ‘enrol’ them. Commentators differ as to whether Paul is referring to the same group of widows in both paragraphs, or to two distinct groups. That different categories are in view is suggested not only by the different introductory verbs (‘honour’ and ‘register’), but also by the different conditions for admission into the two groups. In the first case it is destitution and godliness, while in the second it is a combination of seniority, married faithfulness and a reputation for good works.²

In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, we will draw out principles that both individuals and the church can apply, as they care for widows and the needy.

Big Question: How should the church care for widows or those in desperate need?

The Church Must Honor Widows and Women in Need

Honor widows who are truly in need.

1 Timothy 5:3

John MacArthur said this about the Greek word for widow which may help us better apply this text:

The English word widow describes a woman whose husband is dead. The Greek word chēra (“widow”) includes that meaning, but is not limited to it. It is an adjective used as a noun, and means “bereft,” “robbed,” “having suffered loss,” or “left alone.” The word does not speak of how a woman was left alone, it merely describes the situation. It is broad enough to encompass those who lost their husbands through death, desertion, divorce, or imprisonment. It could even encompass those cases where a polygamist came to Christ and sent away his extra wives (William Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon [Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975], 105).³

Therefore, though Paul’s command certainly applies to widows, it’s applications are broader. It applies to any women left alone without help. Today, this especially applies to single mothers who are often left all alone whether because of divorce, abandonment from the father, and/or family members. It also has implications for women who have been trafficked, which is a growing population in certain societies. These women are often in very difficult straits. Along with women who have lost their husbands, these are probably today’s widows—women who are left all alone.

When Paul says, “Honor,” it can also be translated “to show respect,” “to support,” or “to treat graciously.” It carries the idea of both respect and financial support (cf. Matt. 27:9, where it is used of pricing something; 1 Cor 6:20, 1 Tim. 5:17).⁴

Where these women are often neglected or even shamed in society, the church should honor them by showing God’s love and care for them. This doesn’t mean that we don’t point out sin where it has happened, but that we walk beside them to help spiritually and practically.

Application Question: How should the church honor women in need?

1. The church can honor them by meeting their spiritual needs. This includes praying for them, encouraging their faith, and sharing the gospel with them if they don’t know Christ. These women are often good ground for the gospel and spiritual encouragement.
2. The church can honor them by meeting their practical needs. This includes but is not limited to providing shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support.

Application Question: How have you experienced or encountered women left all alone whether that be widows, divorcees, single mothers, or trafficked victims?

The Church Must Encourage Members to Care for Their Widows and Aging Family Members

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God… But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever… If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16

One of the ways the church is called to help widows is by encouraging Christian family members to care for them. Paul said this, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God” (v. 4). It is a basic Christian principle that we should care for parents (and grandparents). In the Ten Commandments, God commands us to honor our father and mother. This honor includes providing for them financially when they are old. Jesus corrected the Pharisees’ understanding of the fifth commandment, when they tried to undermine the financial support it demanded. Christ said this in Matthew 15:3-6:

He answered them, “And why do you disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Whoever insults his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If someone tells his father or mother, “Whatever help you would have received from me is given to God,” he does not need to honor his father.’ You have nullified the word of God on account of your tradition.

Therefore, it is the Christian’s duty to care for one’s aging relatives, which includes any widows. Paul said that anyone who does not care for their relatives has denied the faith (v. 8). This means at best they are disobeying God’s command, but at worst, they are not even true believers—their profession of faith means nothing and therefore is not real (cf. James 1:22, 2:17, 19).

Kent Hughes said this about our need to provide for our parents and grandparents:

The inevitable fact is, with the rhythm of generations a dramatic reversal comes to us all. We who once held our helpless children in our arms and nursed them and provided for their every need will one day be held in their arms as they nurse us at the end of our lives. This responsibility will come to us all. And when we sons and daughters do this, we are only “repaying [our] parents and grandparents.” We will be living out the fifth commandment. We will be putting our “religion [literally, “godliness”] into practice.” We will not have God’s approval without such loving family care—”for this is pleasing to God.”⁵

Obviously, the greatest example of one who cared for his widow is Christ. While Jesus was on the cross, he not only thought about the sins of the world, as he bore the penalty we deserved; he also thought about his mother as well. John 19:26-27 describes Jesus’ interactions with the apostle John and Mary, and how he provided for his widowed mother. It says,

So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, look, here is your son!” He then said to his disciple, “Look, here is your mother!” From that very time the disciple took her into his own home.

John 19:26-27

Application Question: How can believers care for aging parents?

As we consider Christ’s example and Paul’s exhortations to care for our aging family members, we must ask, “How? How can we provide for aging family members?” Paul says in verse 8 that if anyone does not “provide” for his family members, he is worse than an unbeliever. The word “provide” means “‘to plan before.’ It describes the forethought necessary to provide care for the widows in one’s family.”⁶ Like Christ on the cross, making provision for his mother, families must consider this as well. They should consider their aging family members when purchasing a home, budgeting (savings), securing life insurance, etc. God is pleased when we plan to provide for our aging parents (1 Tim 5:4).

To care for widows, the church must urge its members to practice their faith by honoring their fathers and mothers and, in general, caring for needy family members.

Application Question: How have you seen or experienced children providing for aging parents? How do you plan to provide for yours, if they are still alive?

The Church Must Evaluate the Needs of Widows

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God. But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day. But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach. But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:4-8

Now, it must be noticed that benevolence must not be given indiscriminately. The resources of the church are the Lord’s, and therefore, great wisdom and discernment must be used in distributing them. This is also true for Christians in general. Therefore, Paul gives requirements for the support of widows. They must be widows who are “truly in need” (v. 5).

Observation Question: What requirements did Paul give for supporting widows? Who are the widows who are “truly in need”?

Paul then describes the widows who are “truly in need” and eligible to receive support from the church. These principles apply not just to widows but to other situations where people are in need.

1. In order to receive support, the widows must be completely on their own (v. 5).

John MacArthur’s comments are helpful: “The perfect tense of the participle indicates a permanent state or condition of being forsaken and without resources. Obviously she is one who has no supporting family and the church has an obligation to such.”⁷

2. In order to receive support, the widows must be believers.

Paul said she “has set her hope in God” (v. 5). “The perfect tense of the verb elpizō (hope) again indicates a continual state or condition. Her settled attitude is one of hope in God.”⁸

Now, the church can and should help nonbelievers, but it is their first responsibility to help believers. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.”

3. In order to receive support, the widows must be godly.

Paul says she “has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day” (v. 5). This woman is living in prayer—communion with God—and she continually petitions him for help. Luke 2:37 describes a godly widow named Anna who never left the temple but prayed day and night to the Lord. When Jesus was brought to the temple as a baby, she prophesied over him.

To further support the need for godliness, Paul says, “But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives” (v. 6). Often the church is bombarded by requests for help. Sadly, these requests commonly come from those living in drunkenness, sexual immorality, financial irresponsibility, and sometimes even drug use. To support these people financially may actually harm and further handicap them. Sometimes with Christians living in rebellion, their dire situation is a natural consequence of their sin and a form of the Lord’s discipline (cf. Heb 12:6, Jonah 1). To help someone who is unrepentant might hinder them from truly repenting and turning to God.

Paul commands Timothy to use discrimination in who they support. In Thessalonica, some people were refusing to work but living off the church’s generosity. Paul says if a person doesn’t work, they shouldn’t eat (2 Thess 3:10). There is a place for saying, “No,” when individuals are not walking with God.

Corporately and individually, believers must use wisdom in supporting those in need. This includes seeking the Lord’s wisdom through prayer, as the Lord ultimately knows these people and what’s best. It includes asking questions and doing research when possible to see if a person has exhausted all their resources (work, family, etc.). It includes inquiring about one’s spiritual life and faithfulness to God.

Paul says, “Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach” (v. 7). These instructions are to be followed so that the church and individual Christians may be “beyond reproach” or not “open to blame” (NIV). If they support those who are not really in need or are in rebellion to God, it opens the door for public criticism. No doubt, being “beyond reproach” also refers to God’s displeasure over how we use his finances. Therefore, we must use wise discrimination. Are they really in need? Are they believers? Are they walking faithfully with the Lord?

Application Question: Why is it important to discriminate in the church’s mercy ministries? Are there times the church (or us individually) should support non-believers or believers who are in rebellion towards God? If so, when?

The Church Should Utilize the Ministry of Godly Widows

No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress—as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

1 Timothy 5:9-10

Interpretation Question: Why were the widows in verses 9-10 put on the list? What was their function?

Next, Paul talks about widows who could be registered or put on the list (v. 9). Who were these women? Some people believe that Paul is still talking about women who received financial support. However, if this were true, very few widows would be supported, as the requirements are very strict (at least sixty, well-known for good deeds, etc.). Some of these widows may have received financial support, but the primary focus seems to be their serving in some official capacity. This is clear by how the qualifications mirror the ones given for the elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 (cf. faithfulness to one’s husband, hospitality, etc.).

In addition, there is extra-biblical support for an official order of widows serving in churches. John MacArthur adds,

In the late first and early second centuries, Ignatius and Polycarp wrote of such an order. Tertullian, who lived in the latter part of the second and early part of the third centuries, also mentioned it. The third-century document known as the Didascalia, and the fourth-century Apostolic Constitutions also refer to an order of widows.⁹

Interpretation Question: What types of ministry did these widows focus on?

With their husbands gone and their children grown, these widows focused on serving women and children in the church and caring for those in needs. No doubt, they fulfilled Paul’s instructions to older women in Titus 2:3-5. He said,

Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.

Observation Question: What were the requirements for being on the official list of widows?

1. The widows needed to be at least sixty. Any widow could be supported financially who was really in need, a believer, and walking with the Lord, but only older widows could be put on the list. Sixty was the typical retirement age in the ancient world; at that point they retired from their activities to a life of contemplation.¹⁰
2. The widows had to be “the wife of one husband.” It can also be translated “a one-man woman.” It has a similar construction to the requirement for elders and deacons (cf. 3:2, 12) who needed to be a “one-woman man.” A “one-man woman” is somebody totally devoted to her husband. It speaks of purity in relationships with the opposite sex. Only a woman like this could be a good model to the younger women in the church.
3. The widows had to have a reputation of good works. He names five qualities of these good works.

Observation Question: What good works characterized the widows on the official list?

• They “raised children.” This referred to their raising godly children who followed the Lord. It also may have referred to caring for orphans—the ancient world was full of neglected children.
• They “practiced hospitality,” which means being “a lover of strangers.” These women opened their homes and cared for others.
• They “washed the feet of saints” which refers to humbly serving the needs of others. It also may refer to spiritually encouraging people, as Christ’s act of washing feet symbolized (John 13).
• They “helped those in distress.” If there was a need, they went out of the way to meet it.
• They devoted themselves to “all kinds of good works.” This could include prayer, teaching the Word, making clothes and cooking food for those in need, among other things.

This list is challenging. It should provoke both men and women to desire to have such qualities.

Biblical Retirement

This list speaks to us about retirement. Scripture doesn’t teach the type of retirement that the world aspires to. People work hard so they can travel the world and go fishing and hunting whenever they want. However, these instructions about the official list of serving widows teach us something radically different about retirement. Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean more leisure and entertainment. It should mean time to focus on serving God, the church, and the needy. God allows us to store up wisdom and experiences so that we can pass them down to future generations. If he allows us to rest from work in retirement, he allows it so we can focus on praying, sharing God’s Word, discipling, and helping others in need. Moses was eighty years old when he got on fire for God and started serving (Ex 7:7). It is never too late to get on fire for God and to faithfully use our gifts.

However, if we don’t prepare for retirement spiritually by growing in godliness, we won’t be as useful to God in old age (cf. 2 Tim 2:20-21, 3:16-17). Are you preparing for a biblical retirement—a focus on serving God and others?

Application Question: What are the common goals of most, including Christians, for retirement? How does the example of this order of widows challenge or inspire your thoughts of retirement?

The Church Should Instruct Younger Widows to Remarry

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge. And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us. For some have already wandered away to follow Satan.

1 Timothy 5:11-15

Observation Question: Why should younger widows not be put on the list?

Finally, Paul says that younger widows should not be put on the list, but instead, they should be encouraged to marry, have children, manage their homes, and to give the enemy no door to slander (v. 14). They should still be supported financially, but they should not be put on the official list of serving widows.

Why should younger widows not be put on the list?

1. Younger widows will most likely desire to remarry.

Though some might want to be devoted to serving, most likely loneliness and other sensual desires will cause them to want to remarry. Paul said, “But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge” (v. 11-12).

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by the widows bringing judgment on themselves by breaking their former pledge?

• Breaking their former pledge could mean that the widows on the list made a vow to remain single to focus on serving the Lord and that young widows would be tempted to break their vow to God.
• Breaking their former pledge could mean that these young widows would desire to marry so badly that they would compromise their faith by marrying an unbeliever. “Breaking their former pledge” can be translated to “cast off their first faith” (KJV). To marry someone outside of the faith is to cast off our first faith—our decision to follow and obey Christ. First Corinthians 7:39 says, “A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes (only someone in the Lord).” The consistent testimony of Scripture is that believers must marry believers.

What other reasons does Paul give for excluding younger widows from the list?

2. Younger widows often lack spiritual maturity.

In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul says, “And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.” When the spiritually immature are idle, instead of doing ministry, they often abuse that time and fall into various sins. When they do this, they give Satan an “opportunity” (v. 14). This is a military term meaning “a base of operations.”¹¹ It’s a strategic door for the enemy to cause havoc in the church and bring contempt from the world. It seems that some young widows were doing this, as Paul says that some were already following Satan (v. 15).

One of the ministries of the church to younger widows is to encourage them to remarry and protect them from the attacks of evil one.

A Message to Singles

Paul’s counsel to young widows also provides a message for singles in general. Just as young widows would be vulnerable to temptation in the single state, especially lustful temptation (i.e. “passions” in verse 11), so are most singles. It is God’s will for most to marry, and marriage provides some amount of protection from the evil one. Consider what Paul said to singles in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5:

Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NIV 1984)

Marriage helps guard Christians from temptation towards sexual sin. In marriage, couples must faithfully practice the sexual union in order to protect themselves. Again, Paul said that singles, because of the pervasive sexual immorality, should pursue marriage (1 Cor 7:2).

Getting married implies the need to prepare for it. These preparations include growing in spiritual maturity. Ephesians 5 says that husbands should wash their wives with the Word as Christ does (v. 25-27), and women should submit to their husbands as unto the Lord (v. 22). Preparations also include becoming financially independent, among other things. Genesis 2:24 says that a man is to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife (KJV). Because of temptations towards sexual immorality, Christian singles should prepare for marriage and consider getting married early.

This is important to hear in an age where marriage keeps getting pushed further and further out for educational, vocational, and financial concerns. Sadly, what’s happening is that more single Christians are just living in sexual immorality and following Satan like some of the young widows were (1 Tim 5:15).

In many cultures, Christians getting married at a younger age than the wider population is normative, and one of the primary motivations is purity. Purity needs to be considered by singles and their parents. Many, if not most, will struggle with purity (and the resulting consequences of failing to keep it) and therefore preparing for an early marriage is wise.

One of the roles of the church is to encourage young widows to get married, as it will protect them from evil. As a general principle, it is wise for the church to encourage singles to do the same.

Application Question: What is your opinion on the comment that Christians, in general, should consider getting married early, as a protection from the evil one?

The Church Must Honor the Role of Housewife and Homemaker

One question that must be asked as we consider this text is, “Why are we only talking about widows and not widowers? What about the men?” No doubt, the reason is because Paul expects the men to work and be financial providers. Most likely these widows were housewives, so they had no other means of support when their husbands died. Throughout Scripture it is at least implied if not directly taught that men will financially provide for the families and that wives will take care of the home and raise children. Titus 2:5 commands for the older women to teach the younger women how to be homemakers (or to fulfill “their duties at home”). Paul even calls for young widows in this passage to get married, raise children, and to manage their households (5:14). To further support the view of men as providers, we have the example of Christ and the church which symbolizes marriage. In Ephesians 5, Christ washes, feeds, and cares for his bride—the church. He is the provider, just as Paul calls husbands to be (v. 25-30).

In our culture, being a house-wife/home-maker is often looked down upon. Wives are called to focus on their career at all cost, and often children are shipped off to day-care right after birth. Our children are essentially raised from infancy by people who may or may not even know Christ. Being a home-maker and raising children is exalted in the Old Testament, as seen with the Proverbs 31 wife. It is taught by Paul to Titus and here to Timothy. This doesn’t mean that women can’t have jobs. The Proverbs 31 wife was industrious. But, it does mean that women shouldn’t neglect the best thing—raising godly children—for a lesser thing like career. In some homes, husbands may take that role if that is best for a couple, but the model seen throughout Scripture is wives excelling in that area and older women teaching younger women how to do it (cf. Titus 2:5).

Where the world dishonors house-wives and home-makers, the church exalts them. This is part of the reason the church cares for these widows who were probably housewives and therefore lacked financial support after their husbands died. This is an exalted role in the church because Scripture exalts it and because it is important for raising godly children (cf. Mal 2:15). As this role is de-emphasized in society, our children often suffer the consequences. No doubt, this is part of the reason we are raising a rebellious and immoral generation. No one is home to raise the kids; both mothers and fathers are absent—and it is often expected that day-care workers and school teachers raise them.

Here is a story about Scottish preacher Ian MacClaren and a conversation with a mother in his church. This story demonstrates both how home-makers often feel insecure about their ministry and yet how important it is.

As they were talking, she began to wipe her eyes with the corner of her apron, so Dr. MacClaren said, “What’s disturbing you?”

“Oh,” she said, “Sometimes I feel I have done so little and when I think about it, it makes my heart heavy, because really I’ve done so little for Jesus.”

“When I was a wee girl the Lord spoke to my heart and I surrendered to Him. And I wanted to live for Him, oh so much. But I feel I haven’t done anything.”

“What have you done with your life?” he asked.

“Oh nothing,” she said, “just nothing. I’ve washed dishes, cooked three meals a day, taken care of my children, mopped the floor, mended the clothes, you know, everything a mother does, that’s all I’ve done.”

MacClaren sat back in his chair and asked, “Where are your boys?”

“Oh, she spoke, “You know I named them all for the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. You know them all and you know where Mark is. You ordained him. He went to China. He’s learned the language and now he is able to minister to the people in the name of the Lord.”

“Where’s Luke?” MacClaren said.

“You know well enough where he is because you sent him out and I had a letter from him the other day. He is in Africa and says a revival has broken out at his mission station.”

“And Matthew?” he queried.

“He’s with his brother in China and they are working together. And John, who’s nineteen, came to me last night to say God has laid Africa on his heart. He said, ‘I’m going to Africa, but don’t worry about it, Mother, because the Lord has shown me that I am to stay with you until you go home to glory, and then I’ll go. Until then I have to take care of you.”

MacClaren looked at that elderly saint and said, “Your life has been wasted, you say?”

“Yes, it has been wasted.”

“You have been cooking and mopping and washing—but I would like to see the reward when you are called home!”¹²

Though the world defames this ministry; the church must exalt it, as Scripture does.

Application Question: How is the role of the housewife/homemaker often degraded in our society? Why does Scripture emphasize this role for women? Does this mean that women should not work? How can husbands encourage this ministry?

Conclusion

How should the church care for widows or those in need?

1. The Church Must Honor Widows and Women in Need
2. The Church Must Encourage Members to Care for Their Widows and Aging Family Members
3. The Church Must Evaluate the Needs of Widows
4. The Church Should Instruct Younger Widows to Remarry
5. The Church Must Honor the Role of Housewife and Homemaker

¹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 230). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

² Stott, J. R. W. (1996). Guard the truth: the message of 1 Timothy & Titus (p. 129). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 195). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 196). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁵ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 125). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 201). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁷ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 199). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁸ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 199). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (pp. 205–206). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹⁰ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 206). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹¹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 230–231). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

¹² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (pp. 208–209). Chicago: Moody Press.

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited. But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

1 Timothy 6:1-2 (NET)

How can Christians glorify God in the workplace? What should a Christian worker look like? In this passage, Paul challenges Christian slaves to work in such a way that God’s name and his Word would not be slandered (v. 1).

Each person is called to work. Some work as students, some work as teachers, some work as mothers, some as businessmen, etc. Everybody works for a living. The only difference is the pay. Some don’t get paid at all, some get paid a little, and some get paid a lot. What should the Christian’s work life look like?

Often, people think of work as a bad thing. Some may even think it is a result of the fall (Gen 3:17–18). However, work was given before the fall. It was Adam’s responsibility to till the ground and take care of the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:15).

In fact, Scripture teaches that we will work in heaven. In Luke 19:17, those who are faithful with their gifts and talents on earth will be rewarded with the task of overseeing cities in the coming kingdom.

Also, in Revelation 21:2, we see the holy city of Jerusalem coming out of heaven to the earth. Just the fact that heaven is called a city implies many characteristics about eternity. A city has commerce, art, education, and government. Heaven will not be sitting on a cloud doing nothing. It will be worshiping and serving the Lord together in the heavenly city and on the earth forever. It has always been God’s will for man to work.

Moreover, our God is a worker too! He creates and sustains the world by the power of his Word (Heb 1:3). He is not idle! He prays for his saints in order to save them to the uttermost (Heb 7:25). We serve a God who neither sleeps nor slumbers (Ps 121:4). He is always active in his creation.

Work is something we do here on earth and something we will also do in eternity. It is a way that we imitate God and bring honor to him. If work is something we will do throughout eternity, we must ask ourselves, “How can we work in such a way that God is glorified?”

It should be noted that for many Christians God has called for the workplace to be their primary mission field. It is where they will spend the most time and often where they will be around the most people. For the teacher, her mission field is her co–workers and students. For the businessman, his mission field is both his clients and co–workers. For the housewife, her mission is her husband and children.

It is in the workplace that many of us can spread the salt and light of Christ to the most people in an intimate way (cf. Matt 5:13–14). For this reason, this text is very important for us.

What should the Christian worker look like? In this lesson, we will study how Christian employees and employers honor God in the work place.

Big Question: How should Christian employees and employers honor God in the workplace and how should this be done practically at our current jobs?

Christian Employees Glorify God by Respecting Their Employers

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

1 Timothy 6:1

It should be noted that in this passage Paul specifically speaks to slaves serving their masters. In our contemporary context, this may not directly apply to us. However, we can still learn many lessons from this that apply directly to the employee and employer relationship. Before that, let’s talk about the institution of slavery and Scripture’s teaching on it.

Interpretation Question: Why does Paul address the slave-to-master scenario, and what is Scripture’s view on the institution of slavery?

Again, Paul starts off describing the relationship of a slave to his master. In the epistles, we commonly see passages addressing slaves (cf. Eph 6:5–8; Titus 2:9–10; 1 Peter 2:18). This is probably because many early Christian believers were slaves. Christianity tended to draw the poor, the slaves, and the women—those commonly mistreated. In a world of tremendous partiality and prejudice, Christianity was particularly attractive since in Christ all people have equal standing (cf. Gal 3:28). Christ himself even taught, “Blessed are you who are poor” and “Woe to you who are rich” (Luke 6:20, 24). The poor have always been drawn to the beauty of Christ.

Slavery in the Roman Empire was a common institution. It has been estimated that there were some sixty million slaves, which covered about half the Roman Empire. Slaves held every type of position; they were teachers, doctors, artists, musicians, and almost anything else you can think of. Some were born into slavery, some sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts, and some were taken forcibly into slavery.

It should be noted that Scripture clearly teaches that the slave trade was sinful and contrary to the Word of God. We see this in 1 Timothy 1:9–10 (NIV):

We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.

However, Scripture never sought the abolishment of slavery as an institution in the ancient world. Many poor people sold themselves into slavery to support their families.

In fact, Scripture permitted the institution of slavery and provided regulations for it. In Israel, after six years, a slave was supposed to be set free, and if he wanted to serve his master forever, he could put an earring in his ear to commit to this service (Ex 21:2–6). Similarly, Paul gave regulations for slavery as an institution throughout his writing (cf. Col 3:22–4:1; Eph 6:5–9).

It should be noted that even though Scripture never calls for the abolishment of slavery, it certainly has led to its abolishment throughout history. Christians in England were leaders in the abolishment of the slave trade in that nation. Similarly, Christians in America led the way to the abolishment of slavery.

Throughout Scripture, God’s plan to change the world was never by a human or political revolution. The Jews were looking for a messianic king who would abolish the powers of the Roman Empire. No doubt, some slaves were also hoping for Christian leaders, like Paul, to provoke rebellion against their masters. However, Christ came primarily to abolish slavery in the heart of man. He came to make man a new creation.

Slavery has been abolished by Christianity in many places around the world through changing the character of people. Scripture teaches the equality of all people—the equality of men and women. It teaches the need for proper respect in the workplace between masters and slaves. Scripture’s plan to change the world has always been by changing the inner man and his thinking (Rom 12:2).

Because of the teachings of Scripture, Christian slaves in the ancient world commonly went for a higher price than regular slaves. This is because they worked hard and were honest and respectful as if they were serving Christ and not man (Eph 6:5–8). This should be true of Christian employees as well.

Here in this text, Paul calls for Christian slaves to consider their masters “worthy of full respect” so God’s name will not be slandered (1 Tim 6:1). Again, this has applications for Christian employees.

Application Question: How can Christian employees give full respect to their employers?

1. Christian employees respect their employers by always working with all their heart.

Colossians 3:23 says to slaves, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.”

Work “with enthusiasm” can also be translated “heartily.” Christian employees should never be known for being lazy. They should work with all their heart because they are seeking to please the Lord.

Often, it is difficult to find motivation to work hard for an employer who is unfair or doesn’t treat people rightly. Sometimes, we may even lack motivation because we don’t like our job. However, we must still hear Paul’s words, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.”

As you can imagine, this type of work ethic among slaves would have probably incited a lot of persecution. If everybody else was slacking off and one slave was working hard, they would have called him the “master’s pet” or a “sell–out.” They would have mocked him and hated him.

This sometimes happens to Christians in the workplace as well. They have been excluded and shunned because of their work ethic. Clearly, Daniel was hated for his work ethic and the favor it brought. His co–workers hatched a plot to get him thrown into the lion’s den (Dan 6). Christians should be aware of the possibility of persecution for their labor.

No matter the situation, Christians should work heartily for the Lord and by doing this they give full respect to their employers.

Application Question: What are some reasons you at times struggle to do your job with all your heart? How is God challenging you to grow in this ethic?

2. Christian employees respect their employers by working hard at all times.

Colossians 3:22 says, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching—like those who are strictly people-pleasers—but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.”

Paul commands them to obey even when their master’s eyes were not on them. As with many companies, people often only work hard when the boss is around. When the boss is gone, they tend to work less. Paul said this shouldn’t be true of Christians. They should work hard all the time, even when nobody is watching. By doing this, they respect their employers.

3. Christian employees respect their employers by not complaining.

Titus 2:9 says, “Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back.” We live in a world where everybody complains in the workplace. They complain about their bosses, their co–workers, their pay, and the amount of vacation allotted to them, among other things.

Anybody who has worked in the workplace knows that it is full of complaining, even in Christian organizations. However, an employee who demonstrates full respect for their employer works without complaining. Look at what Paul taught in Philippians 2:14-15:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world.

When Christians do this in the workplace, they shine like a star in the night sky. It marks a Christian in a dark world, and it also demonstrates that they are children of God.

4. Christians employees respect their employers by working with integrity.

In Titus 2:9-10, Paul says:

Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

In those days, it was common for slaves to practice dishonesty and even steal from their masters. It’s not much different today with employees. They practice dishonesty by wasting their employer’s time. They are paid to work a certain number of hours a day, but instead of working, they play on the Internet or waste time in other ways.

Also, it is increasingly common for employees to steal from the workplace. They steal paper, pens, and anything else they can get. They say to themselves, “I’ve earned it.” In general, there is a tremendous lack of integrity in the workplace. Often, workers will “flat-out” lie to get what they want or to make up for their mistakes. There is very little integrity.

Sadly, Christians often aren’t much different. I heard a story about an employer who had a bad experience in hiring two seminary students. Every time he saw them, they were having conversations about the Bible or theology during work time. In fact, the employer once overheard one of them talk about a wonderful devotion he had while using the bathroom. The man said, “I just had the most wonderful time. I read three chapters of John in the john!”¹

Christians must respect their employers by practicing honesty and integrity; by doing this, they make the teachings of Christ attractive.

5. Christian employees respect their employers by developing wisdom and discernment.

In offering an employer “full respect,” certainly we must develop wisdom and discernment (1 Tim 6:1). At times, there will be commands that we shouldn’t obey. We should never obey anything that calls us to disobey God. The best way to respect our employers is by fully respecting God.

Therefore, Christians must develop wisdom based on Scripture so they can interpret what commands or expectations from leadership might conflict with the Word of God. They must be able to properly evaluate things like social and corporate drinking at bars, which can at times lead to drunkenness and other debauchery. They must be able to properly evaluate relational boundaries between the sexes. They must be able to evaluate what is unethical in the workplace and what would conflict with their conscience, since Scripture calls us to maintain a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:16). To offer full respect, we must have God–given wisdom and discernment.

Application Question: In what ways is God calling you to fully respect and honor your employer?

Christian Employees Glorify God by Serving with an Evangelistic Focus

Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

1 Timothy 6:1

When Paul says, “This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited,” no doubt, he is not just referring to employers respecting our faith, but ultimately coming to know God in a saving way. That should be one of our focuses as we work for the Lord. We should desire that our employers, co-workers, and those we serve would come to know Christ.

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” First Peter 2:12 says, “and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.”

Application Question: How can Christians serve with an evangelistic focus?

1. Christian employees serve with an evangelistic focus by being prayerful.

Colossians 4:3-4 says, “At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may make it known as I should.”

While serving, we should pray for our employers and co-workers. We should pray for blindness to be removed from their eyes, for open doors to speak with them about Christ, and for an opportunity to invite them to church, among other things. While working, we should live in prayer.

2. Christian employees serve with an evangelistic focus by being wise and waiting for opportunities.

Colossians 4:5 says, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.”

The word “opportunities” can also be translated “time”; however, this is not referring to chronological time but to seasons or opportunities to witness and share the faith. Often those come when co-workers are discouraged, struggling, or simply inquisitive about spiritual things. Those may be opportunities to pray with them, share Scripture, invite them to church, or even share the gospel. As Christians, we must always be looking for opportunities to be a blessing to those we serve or serve with.

3. Christian employees serve with an evangelistic focus by having gracious, salty conversations.

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.”

Often work environments are full of complaining, swearing, and ungodly talk. However, if we are going to be evangelistic at our work places, our conversations must be gracious—seasoned with salt. In ancient times, salt was a preservative—used to keep things from spoiling. In the same way, we must develop the ability to turn ungodly conversations into redeeming ones about faith, family, future, etc. If our words are no different than those we work with, we lose opportunities to shine as lights.

Are you working with an evangelistic focus?

Application Question: What types of opportunities has God given you to be a light at work or school? How can you more effectively share God’s grace with others?

Christian Employees Glorify God by Offering Special Devotion to Christian Employers

But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach them and exhort them about these things.

1 Timothy 6:2

Obviously, in Ephesus, some Christian slaves were not respecting their Christian employers. It wouldn’t be uncommon for a Christian master to attend a church where his slave was an elder or deacon. Some slaves must have reasoned, “What right does my master have to tell me what to do—we’re equal in Christ?” Or some might have expected special treatment. This may have caused some Christian slaves to rebel, work less diligently, or even disrespect their employers. The phrase “less respect” literally means “to think down.”² They undervalued the authority of their Christian employers. However, Paul corrects this and commands them to serve their Christian masters with a special devotion.

It is good to remember that being in Christ doesn’t change our place in society as a son, daughter, husband, wife, employer, or employee. Part of being made in the image of the triune God means to be in loving relationships that often include authority and submission. God has always dwelled in a perfect, loving relationship with God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. However, that loving relationship includes authority and submission; God the Son submits to the Father, and God the Holy Spirit submits to the other persons of the God-head. It is the same in society. Relationships function based on love, authority, and submission. This is seen in a child’s relationship with his parents (Eph 6:1), a wife to her husband (Eph 5:22), and an employer to his employee (Col 3:22). This is not inequality. All people are equal, but we have varying authority based on the positions we hold. This authority and submission reflect the relationships in the God-head.

Therefore, Paul commands Christian slaves to show special devotion to their Christian employers, as they seek to honor God’s name.

Observation Question: What reasons does Paul give for believers showing special devotion to Christian authorities?

1. Christian employers deserve special devotion because they are to be loved as fellow believers.

First Timothy 6:2 says, “Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.” Christian slaves should serve Christian masters with a special devotion because of their love for them. In John 13:34-35, Christ said, “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” As believers, we are commanded to love as Christ loved us—sacrificially. In fact, this love will identify us as true Christians.

First John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (KJV). Love for the brothers is a mark of genuine salvation and this love should be demonstrated in every Christian relationship, including with Christian employers. Therefore, as we have the opportunity to serve under Christian employers, we should go out of our way to serve and love them, and not work less or disrespect them.

Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.”

2. Christians employers deserve special devotion because they are devoted to the welfare of their employees.

Another reason Christian employees should serve with special devotion is because Christian employers should be seeking the welfare of their employees. The NIV translates 1 Timothy 6:2 this way, “Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.” Certainly, this is how it should be, but even when it’s not true, Christians should faithfully serve them. This verse has many implications about how Christian employers should serve employees in order to glorify God, which we will consider in more depth.

Application Question: Have you ever worked for a Christian employer? How was that experience? Why is there commonly a temptation to offer less devotion or to expect special treatment?

Christian Employers Glorify God by Being Devoted to the Welfare of Their Employees

Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.

1 Timothy 6:2b (NIV)

How should Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees in order to honor God? What should we look like in leadership positions?

Interpretation Question: How should Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees?

1. Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees by paying fair wages.

Jesus said, “for the worker deserves his pay” (Luke 10:7). Slaves did not typically receive monetary wages, but caring for them included giving them adequate housing, food, working conditions, and probably even medical support. It should be the aim of employers to adequately provide for their employees. Sadly, for most, the focus is getting the most work for as little pay as possible.

2. Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees by encouraging and rewarding them for their labor.

Romans 13:3–4 says,

for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.

One of God’s purposes for Christian employers is to encourage good deeds. They should reward integrity and hard work. By doing this, they reflect the character of God, who rewards those who do good (cf. Heb 11:6; 1 Cor 3:12–14).

In America, this is often practiced by the President. Medal of Honor winners, championship teams, or other heroes are flown to the White House to be congratulated. This is done to encourage good works. Christian employers should practice this as well.

3. Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees by giving them fair discipline.

Discipline has a negative connotation to it; however, it shouldn’t. Even God disciplines those he loves (Heb 12:6). A Christian employer must, at times, discipline his employees. This means they give employees constructive criticism or negative reinforcement to turn them from wrong and help them do what is right. Again, consider Romans 13:4:

for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.

Without proper discipline, employers may actually promote sin and lead their employees down the wrong path.

4. Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees by praying for them.

One of the best ways to care for one’s employees is to pray for them regularly. Praying for their salvation, blessing over their families, productivity, and integrity, among other things, should be common place for Christian employers.

5. Christian employers seek the welfare of their employees by modeling Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul says: “For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” As leaders, one of the best ways to serve our employees is to give off the aroma of Christ in everything we do—his kindness, love, forgiveness, and grace. When we spend a lot of time around something, we start to smell like it. If we spend a lot of time around food, smoke, or cologne, the smell starts to saturate our clothing. We should spend so much time with Christ that people can smell him and see him through us. The people we are serving through our leadership should see Christ in how we respond when they fail, when they succeed, and when they are discouraged. Our lives should exude an aroma that directs people to God. This is one of the ways we seek the welfare of our employees.

Application Question: As Christian employers, what is the proper balance between focusing on the task and on our people?

Conclusion

How can we glorify God in the workplace?

1. Christian Employees Glorify God by Respecting Their Employers
2. Christian Employees Glorify God by Serving with an Evangelistic Focus
3. Christian Employees Glorify God by Offering Special Devotion to Christian Employers
4. Christian Employers Glorify God by Being Devoted to the Welfare of Their Employees

¹ R. K. Hughes, Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ. (Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1989), 132.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 232). Chicago: Moody Press.

Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either. But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

How can we be free from the trap of loving wealth?

In 1 Timothy 6:3-5, Paul warns Timothy about false teachers in the church who cause conflict and think godliness is a means of financial gain. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, he continues that thought by encouraging Timothy to not love money because it is a trap with inherent dangers. Satan uses it to control and rule the world, and even to destroy many Christians.

Throughout Scripture, there are many warnings about the dangers of wealth. Moses warned Israel about the temptation to forget God after they entered the land of Canaan and became wealthy (Deut 6:10-12). Christ said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 19:24). He also taught that the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of riches tend to choke God’s Word and keep people from ever producing fruit (Matt 13:22).

The problem with wealth is that we tend to idolize it and put our trust in it. Paul will later address the wealthy in the church in 1 Timothy 6:17. He says, “Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.”

The Bible does not just warn us of the dangers of loving money, it also gives many tragic examples of those who loved it. Lot’s love for wealth led him to Sodom where he lost not only his wealth but his family—his wife turned to a pillar of salt and his daughters raped him. Achan’s love for money brought defeat to Israel and death to his family. Judas betrayed Christ for silver. Demas left Paul because he loved this present world—possibly referring to the wealth of it. Paul says that the love of money is a trap and some even wandered away from the faith because of it (1 Tim 6:9-10).

Now money in itself is not evil; it is neutral, as it can be used for good or bad. Abraham was wealthy but his wealth did not have his heart. Joseph and David were wealthy as well. However, they are exceptions. Early in John Wesley’s life, he said that he knew exactly four men whose religion did not decline because of wealth. Later, he corrected that statement and made no exception.¹ Very few can have wealth and not fall in love with it.

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” We can’t love both God and money—only one of them can be our master. No doubt, it is for this reason that Satan constantly tries to draw people after it through the TV, commercials, social pressure, and examples of the successful in society. Even with Eve, Satan essentially drew her away from God by wealth. This is a temptation for all.

How can we protect ourselves from the trap of loving wealth that injures so many? In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, we’ll see five principles that, if practiced, will help us gain freedom from the trap of loving wealth.

Big Question: How can one gain freedom from the trap of loving wealth according to 1 Timothy 6:8-10?

To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Pursue Godliness

Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

1 Timothy 6:6

Again, Paul is presenting a contrast with the false teachers who believed that “godliness” was a “way of making profit” (v. 5). When Paul said “godliness”, he meant false piety or pretense. False teachers pretend to be godly and profess religion in order to make money. Paul declares that true godliness with contentment is in fact great gain—though normally not financial gain. He essentially calls Timothy to not be like the false teachers. He was to turn away from the pursuit of wealth and instead pursue godliness.

This echoes Paul’s earlier challenge for Timothy to “discipline himself unto godliness because it has value for this life and the next” (4:7-8, paraphrase). If Timothy was to be kept from the temptation of loving and pursuing wealth which was dominant not only in the world culture but in the church, he needed to instead pursue godliness. Godliness means “god-likeness.” Where loving wealth tends to draw people into temptation and a snare (6:8), pursuing godliness is true gain. It provides blessing not only for our own life but also for our family and peers. In addition, it leads to eternal reward and riches.

How should Timothy pursue godliness? As 1 Timothy 4:7 says, he must make it his constant exercise. He must practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, time in the Word, fellowship with the saints, and serving. As he does this, it will deliver him from pursuing wealth and the temptations and traps that come with it.

It is very similar to Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” If we don’t transform our mind, we will be conformed to this world. In the same way, if we don’t pursue godliness, we will be vulnerable to the temptations of wealth.

As we consider this, we must ask if our primary pursuit in life is to “become godly” or to “become wealthy”? For many, wealth dictates which school to go to, which neighborhood to live in, which job to take, who their friends are, and who they marry instead of God. Christ said that we can only have one master—God or money. If we are going to gain freedom from the trap of loving wealth, we must pursue godliness. We must seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness (Matt 6:33).

Which are you pursuing—godliness or wealth?

Application Question: Why can we not pursue godliness and wealth at the same time?

To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Learn Contentment

Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

1 Timothy 6:6

Again, where false teachers used religion as a means of gain, Paul said that true godliness with contentment is in fact great gain. We cannot pursue godliness alone; it must be godliness and contentment. They come together.

Contentment is a virtue that alludes most—including Christians. Like the famous song by the Rolling Stones, people declare, “I can’t get no satisfaction!”

Application Question: How can we know if we are content?

1. We can tell if we are content by our shopping habits. Are we constantly shopping—needing more clothes, electronic gadgets, and things for the house? If so, we are not content.
2. We can tell if we are content by our response to material loss. If we have tremendous grief over the loss of a phone, a purse, an electronic device, or a house, then we probably aren’t content.
3. We can tell if we are content by our response to material gain. If we gain an inordinate amount of pleasure by gaining material things, then we probably lack contentment.

Application Question: Why is it so hard to remain content?

1. It’s hard to remain content because society breeds discontentment.

Eve had everything in the garden, but Satan approached her with the one thing she didn’t have—the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He tempted her with the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life until she had to have it. In the same way, the world system, which is run by Satan, constantly tempts all people. We need this body, this type of skin, this type of education, this type of job, this type of house, this type of car, etc. It says if we obtain these things we’ll be satisfied, popular, and accepted. If we don’t, we’ll be rejected. For these reasons, people are constantly depressed and discontent. They don’t like their phones, their jobs, their homes, or even their bodies. Furthermore, when one finally gets what the world says we must have, the world comes out with something new or a different standard to again feed the discontent. Like Eve, most people in the world are in a constant pursuit of something that they don’t have.

It’s hard to remain content because material things can never bring true contentment.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.” MacArthur adds,

Love of money and contentment are mutually exclusive. As a Roman proverb put it, money is like sea water, the more you drink the thirstier you get (Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, 132).”²

People have a God-sized gulf inside them that only God can satisfy. If we don’t fill it with God, we’ll try to fill it with everything else, which ultimately leaves us dry.

Application Question: How can we develop contentment?

1. To be content, we must recognize and rely on God’s sufficiency.

In 1 Timothy 6:6, the word for “contentment” Paul chose was typically used by stoics. It referred to a person who was unaffected by circumstances surrounding him. It can be translated “self-sufficiency.”³ However, Paul Christianized the word, when he used it in Philippians 4:11-13. He said,

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

Paul could be content in wealth or poverty because of Christ’s strength. Some might think it is easy to be content when having plenty, but this is not true. It is the elite wealthy who are most prone to commit suicide. What do you do when you have everything and yet it doesn’t satisfy you? Only relying on Christ can help the rich and the poor be content.

Something similar is shared in Hebrew 13:5. It says, “Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.’” How can one stay away from the love of money and be content? By recognizing and relying on God’s presence—he will never leave or forsake us. Again, the temptation with money or things is to rely on them and find our satisfaction in them; however, our real protection and satisfaction come from God. Relying on him delivers us from the rat race of more—more of this and more of that.

Are you relying on God or your wealth, career, or even some person? Relying on anything or anyone other than God will lead to a life of discontent because they can’t satisfy.

2. To be content, we must trust in God’s sovereignty.

Scripture teaches that God works “all things” according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11) and that he works “all things” for our good (Romans 8:28). If we don’t believe this, then we won’t remain content when going through various hardships. The reason Job didn’t blame God when Satan attacked his wealth, family, and health is because he saw his trials as coming from the gracious hand of God. He said, “The Lord gives and he takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21, paraphrase). He trusted in God’s sovereignty.

If we don’t trust in God’s sovereignty, we will always be in a state of discontentment. We’ll see evil people, Satan, and even chance working against us and maybe even thwarting God’s plan. It will cause anger, bitterness, and discontentment. To be content, we must trust in God’s sovereignty—he is in control of all things and working it all for our good.

Do you trust in God’s sovereignty?

3. To be content, we must learn to give thanks to God in everything.

One of our problems is that we often cultivate our own discontentment and others’ by constantly grumbling and complaining. By complaining and grumbling, our discontentment grows. However, Scripture says, “in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18). This is a discipline that we must practice when going through bad times and good times. Again, we can give thanks because we believe that everything is under the power of an all-powerful and all-wise God who works everything for our good.

Do you practice giving thanks or complaining?

By relying on God, trusting his sovereignty, and giving him thanks, we gain contentment. Are you content?

Application Question: How would you rate your level of contentment 1-10 and why? How is God calling you to grow in contentment?

To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Develop an Eternal Perspective

For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

1 Timothy 6:7

“Before Alexander the Great died, he said: ‘When I am dead, carry me forth on my bier, with my hands not wrapped in cloth, but laid outside, so that all may see that they are empty.’”⁴ The reality is that when we die, we leave everything behind. Sadly, most people store up wealth as though they are taking it with them. In view of this, Jesus said:

“Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:19-20

Christ’s logic was that we shouldn’t store up on this earth because everything we gain is temporary. It will eventually be destroyed or stolen (or left behind). Therefore, we should focus on storing up for eternity.

If we are going to be delivered from the love of wealth, we must recognize how temporary earthly wealth is and focus on eternal wealth. In Luke 16:9, Christ said: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the eternal homes.”

Instead of storing up wealth on earth to leave behind, we should send our blessings ahead. By using our money to expand the kingdom through giving to church and missions and practicing hospitality, we not only store up riches in heaven but gain friends there. Christ pictures a great heavenly welcome as those who have benefited from our giving greet us.

What is your focus? Are you storing up wealth in heaven or on earth? Only an eternal focus will deliver you from the trap of living for money.

Application Question: How can we practice the discipline of not storing our wealth on earth—what does it look like? How can we practice the discipline of storing our wealth in heaven—what are some wise ways to do this?

To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Learn to Live Simply

But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

1 Timothy 6:8

Observation Question: What does Paul say is necessary for contentment?

Paul says that to not love wealth, we must learn to be content with necessities like food and shelter. “Shelter” in the Greek simply means “covering” so it probably also refers to clothing. With food, clothing, and housing, believers should be content. These are the same things that Christ called the disciples to not worry about in Matthew 6. He said, “Don’t worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear for God knows that you need these things. Seek first God’s kingdom and all these things will be added to you” (paraphrase). God promises to provide our necessities, and therefore, we shouldn’t worry about them. He doesn’t promise us luxuries, only necessities, and we should be content with his provisions, even if they’re humble.

Paul is not establishing the maximum necessary for contentment but the minimum. God provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim 6:17). He wants us to have good things. And, many times he gives us those things. It is not God’s will for his people to live in extreme poverty; he promises to always provide our needs as we seek his kingdom first (Matt 6:33). Similarly, David declared that he had never seen the children of the righteous begging for bread (Ps 37:25). However, even when God chooses to only meet our necessities, we should be content and thankful.

Application Question: How can we live simply?

1. We must distinguish between wants and needs.

For many of us, we treat our wants like needs. If we can reasonably survive without them, then they aren’t needs. God has promised to meet our needs not our wants. Living simply starts with asking the question, “What are our needs?”

2. We must practice sacrifice.

As we distinguish between wants and needs, at times we should choose to go without. Christ commanded us not to store up riches in order to guard our hearts—for wherever our treasures are so our hearts will be also (Matt 6:19-21). Instead of getting a new phone or pair of shoes, we must ask the Lord if he would rather us give to missions or support somebody in need. Instead of purchasing a luxury car, maybe we get an economy car or a used one so we can give more. In order to live simply, we must practice sacrifice.

In what ways are you practicing sacrificial living?

3. We must discipline ourselves to spend less than we earn.

Sadly, this is something that needs to be said. Many people in trying to fulfill their wants, spend more than they make and go into all types of debt. The ease of spending with credit cards or taking loans (including student and house loans) makes this an enticing temptation. Many who are in debt will never get out of it. If we are going to learn to live simply, we must discipline ourselves to spend less than we make.

Proverbs 30:7-9 says:

Two things I ask from you; do not refuse me before I die: Remove falsehood and lies far from me; do not give me poverty or riches, feed me with my allotted portion of bread, lest I become satisfied and act deceptively and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I become poor and steal and demean the name of my God.

Have you learned to live simply? To do so, we must discern our needs, practice sacrifice, and spend less than we make. This will protect us from the trap of loving wealth.

Application Question: How is God challenging you to live simply? In what ways can you practice being more sacrificial?

To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Recognize the Dangers of Desiring It

Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

Finally, Paul warns Timothy about the dangers that come with loving money. “Love of money” translates “affection for silver.”⁵ Understanding the dangers of this love would help keep Timothy (and us) from following the path of the false teachers who pursued godliness as a means of gain.

Observation Question: What are the dangers of loving money?

1. Love of money causes people to fall into temptation and a trap.

The present tense of “stumble” means a continual falling.⁶ The desire to gain more wealth causes people to continually fall into temptations. The trap metaphor pictures a person as an animal being caught and controlled. In the same way, the love of money tempts and traps people—controlling their lives.

William MacDonald elaborates on this:

Desiring to be rich leads a man into temptation. In order to achieve his goal, he is enticed to use dishonest and often violent methods. Such methods include gambling, speculation, fraud, perjury, theft, and even murder. Such a man also falls into a snare or a trap. The desire becomes so strong that he cannot deliver himself from it. Perhaps he promises himself that when he reaches a certain figure in the bank account he will stop.⁷

2. The love of money leads people into many senseless and harmful desires.

People fall into senseless and foolish lusts like trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” If their friend gets a new phone, they must have one. If their neighbor gets a new car, so must they. This senseless desire often leads to harm as people fall into debt, jealousy, and even conflict.

How foolish is it for a person to purchase tons of clothes or shoes that rarely or never get worn? How foolish is it for a person to have garages and attics full of stuff that never gets used and yet still continually purchase new items? How foolish is it for people to work so hard that they neglect their family—leading their children to eventually resent them? How foolish is it for people to neglect God—the giver of every good gift including work—for career? And yet, this happens all the time. The love of money blinds and leads people into foolish and harmful desires.

3. The love of money plunges people into ruin and destruction.

When Paul says “ruin and destruction” (v. 9), he probably refers to ruin in this life and eternal destruction in the next. This interpretation is further supported as he describes some as wandering from the faith and piercing themselves with many griefs in verse 10. The consequences of loving money are damning. Jesus asked, “For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36).

To reinforce the dangers of money he quotes a famous ancient proverb: “For the love of money is a root of all evils” (10a). It has been found in varying forms in both Greek and Jewish literature.⁸

It must be remembered that one can choose the “root” but not the fruit. If we choose the root of loving money over God, since we can’t love both, it will produce hazardous fruits in our lives. Pastor Steve Cole illustrates this by showing how the root of coveting, as seen in the Tenth Commandment, can make us break the other nine (cf. Ex 20:13-17). Consider:

Commandment 1: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Either money is your god, or God is your God.

Commandment 2: “You shall not make for yourself an idol ...” Colossians 3:5, “Greed, which amounts to idolatry.”

Commandment 3: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” How many people have cursed when they have lost a lot of money?

Commandment 4: “Keep the sabbath day holy.” Many are too busy pursuing riches to set aside one day each week for the Lord.

Commandment 5: “Honor your father and mother.” It is common for the love of money to set children against their parents, or even to kill them to get their money.

Commandment 6: “You shall not murder.” How often murder is because of money!

Commandment 7: “You shall not commit adultery.” How often a woman goes after another woman’s husband because she wants his money!

Commandment 8: “You shall not steal.” Robbery, theft, and fraud wouldn’t exist if people did not love money.

Commandment 9: “You shall not bear false witness.” How many lie in order to make money!

So the tenth commandment, “You shall not covet,” is, indeed, a root sin that can lead to many other sins. The first step toward destruction is when we don’t root out of our hearts the weed called “the love of money.”⁹

What root will you choose—the love of God or the love of money? Loving God will cause you to fulfill the rest of the commandments. The root of loving money will cause you to break them. The root you choose predicts the fruit—either life or death. What will you choose?

Application Question: Why is the love of money so dangerous? How have you seen or experienced the negative fruits of loving wealth?

Conclusion

How can we be free from the trap of loving wealth?

1. To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Pursue Godliness
2. To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Learn Contentment
3. To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Develop an Eternal Perspective
4. To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Learn to Live Simply
5. To Be Free from the Love of Wealth, We Must Recognize the Dangers of Desiring It

¹ Accessed 9/10/2016 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-22-love-money-1-timothy-69-10

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 251). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 249). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2100). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁵ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 256). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 254). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁷ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2100). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁸ Stott, J. R. W. (1996). Guard the truth: the message of 1 Timothy & Titus (p. 152). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁹ Accessed 9/10/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-22-love-money-1-timothy-69-10