Tag: Truth

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 2

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1Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

‘The love of money is the root of all evil.’ The love of money – not money itself – is the root of all these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10. Even the love of it is not the root of all evil that has ever been. Neither Lucifer nor Adam fell because of love for money (3:6; Gen. 3:1-24; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). Cain (Gen. 4:1-26); Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1-38); David (2Sam. 12:1-31) and many others in Scripture went into sin for reasons other than the love of money. Not all men love money. Only some covet it and reap these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10.

‘Coveted’ [Greek: oregomai] covet (6:10) and desire (3:1; Heb. 11:16).

‘Erred’ [Greek: apoplanao, err (6:10) and seduce Mark 13:22]. Here it means to err totally from the faith in Christ they once had. They could not err or be seduced from a faith they never did have.

‘Sorrows’ [Greek: odune] Only here and in Romans 9:2. The allusion here is to the snare or pit, where the victim falls upon the many sharp stakes in the pit and is pierced through with them.

Having riches is not a sin, but having an attitude about it is most definitely. A lot of rich people have no values whatsoever, but they look down on those who have fewer riches than them. Their end is described in Scripture, such as Psalms 37 and 73, etc.

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 1

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1Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

‘They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.’ Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. Highmindedness (6:17). Wrong trust.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (6:4-19; Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

‘Snare’ [Greek: pagis] a net; trap; a pit dug in the ground, filled with sharp stakes, and covered over so that any man or animal who stumbles into it will be killed (3:7; 6:9; Luke 21:35; Rom. 11:9; 2Tim. 2:26).

‘Foolish and hurtful lusts.’ Too often, heaping up riches debases the mind, destroys godly traits, and causes selfishness, pride, and avarice which end in “destruction and perdition” (6:9-10).

‘Drown’ [Greek: buthizo] drown. Translated as “sink” in Luke 5:7.

To be continued…

Godliness with Contentment

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1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

‘Contentment’ we have the commandment of 1Thessalonians 4:11 to study to be quiet and to do our own business, and to work with our own hands. The thought is that of a disposition and life of peace, and contentment; even temperament; to be meek; and learn self-control in all things; not to permit anything to disturb or cause a display of temper tantrums or disturb the peace of others. There will always be a few idle, tattling people, who, instead of working, go from place to place carrying on gossip, meddling with the business of others, and causing splits or divisions. But if we want to keep on being content, we can never partake in such practices, we must do our own business, leave others alone, hold on to our peace, walk honestly toward the world, and work with our own hands so we would have no time to be idle (1Thess. 4:11-12).

Christ answered the soldiers in Luke 3:14 to be content with their wages. Our lives must not be lived to make money but to honour God and live accordingly. We cannot serve God and mammon – riches (Matt. 6:24) but we must seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness – to live without sin – and He will add all that we need to our lives (Matt. 6:33).

‘Godliness’ [Greek: eusebeia] Godliness with sufficient material blessings of food and clothing should make one content with life (6:6-8).

False Teachers

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1Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 

‘Teach otherwise’ – Anyone teaching anything contrary to the Words of Christ – that is the Gospel as given in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as the implementing of the Words of Christ as instructed in the 21 epistles as given to us from Romans through to Jude. We are commanded that we are not to greet or receive in our homes (interact socially – Psalm 1:1; 1Corinthians 5:9-13; 2Corintians 6:14 – 7:1, 1John 2:15-17; etc.) those who sin and do not obey the doctrine of Christ otherwise you are a partaker of their evil deeds (2John 1:9-11).

Twelve traits of false teachers: Rebellion against truth (6:3). Pride – inflated and puffed up (6:4). Ignorance of truth. Doting [Greek: noseo, to be sick; metaphorically, to be obsessed] over questions of the law. Debating – splitting hairs and pitting factions against others. Envying – sour tempers. Strives over doctrines. Railings – evil speaking. Evil surmising – suspicions. Perverse and vain arguments, rejecting the truth because of corrupt minds (6:5). Being destitute of truth but rich in fallacies and doctrines of demons (6:5; 4:1). Seeking personal gain – financial and recognition from others (6:5).

‘Wholesome’ [Greek: hugiaino] Translated as “wholesome” (6:3); “whole” (Luke 5:31; 7:10); “sound” (1:10; 2Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13; 2:1-2); and “health” (3Jn. 1:2). Here it means doctrines of healing and health, not only for the soul, but for the body, as in the passages above. These words of health are listed along with the doctrines of godliness, proving they refer primarily to physical healing. The doctrines of godliness refer primarily to the soul.

‘From such withdraw thyself.’ Christians must turn away from: False teachers – anyone that has their own opinions contrary to what God’s Word teaches (6:3-5). Disorderly brethren (2Thess. 3:6). Men who have forms of godliness, but deny its power (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Withdraw’ [Greek: aphistemi] Don’t stay with men who are false to convert them but get away from them and associate with those of true faith.

Servants and Masters

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1Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 

‘Servants’ [Greek: douloi] slaves or workers. Christian servants were to treat masters with honour and respect and to bring no reproach upon the cause of Christ. All workers must be treated fairly and kindly.

‘Believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.’ Christian masters were not to despise their servants for they were brethren and the owners’ equal in Christ (6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians and everyone must treat others with kindness and respect. The same rules count for us in a working relationship, we need to obey the Word of God in treating others as we want them to treat us (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7,8).

From Psalm 15 we have twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak the truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach from neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

In Matthew 18:23-35 we have a parable that illustrates the necessity of forgiveness and godly treatment of fellow Christians in the kingdom of heaven or realm of the profession in this age.

1John 3:13 warns that the world will hate us and we can not expect better treatment from the world than Abel received from Cain (1John 3:11-12) and in 1Peter 3:14 we have the warning that we will suffer for righteousness’ sake – all sufferings for doing right will work to our good (Rom. 8:28), providing we take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23).

Before God Part 2

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1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise, also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy (continues): Drink no longer water only or altogether, but mix a little wine with it for your stomach’s sake to strengthen your body (5:23). Greeks often mixed water with wine, about one part wine and two to three parts water. It was held that constantly drinking water injured the stomach. Timothy’s father was a Greek (Acts 16:1) and he had been used to wine, but because of Christianity, he had continued to abstain from it. Paul here permits him to use a little wine [non-alcoholic] mixed with water for his health. The advice was dietetic. We need not suppose, however, that Paul’s use of the word wine means that Timothy partook of anything intoxicating.

It must be understood that the Bible refers to two kinds of wine – the fermented or intoxicating kind, called strong drink (Pro. 20:1; Isa. 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9), and the unfermented or non-intoxicating kind like grape juice. Even juice in the cluster was called wine in those days. In Isaiah 65:8 we read, “the new wine is found in the cluster,” and we can be sure this would not be the kind to make anyone drunk (Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11).

The water situation may have had something to do with this advice to Timothy also. In Asia Minor, the water came mainly from cisterns which became stagnant at certain seasons.

‘Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.’ The sins and good works of some are manifest now because they are openly done, and the sins and good works of others are done in secret and will not be made manifest until the judgment (5:24-25). Consequences for all sin will however be meted out in this life already, and no one should ever think that anyone ‘gets away’ with sin – read Psalms 37 and 73 in this regard.

Before God Part 1

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1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 

‘Charge’ [Greek: diamarturomai] to call solemnly to witness. Translated as “charge” (5:21; 2Tim. 2:14; 4:1); “witness” (Acts 20:23); and as “testify” (Luke 16:28; Acts 2:40; 8:25; 10:42; 18:5; 20:21, 24; 23:11; 28:23; 1Thess. 4:6; Heb. 2:6).

‘Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Timothy charged before: God – one person of the Trinity; Jesus Christ – another separate and distinct person of the Trinity; and the elect angels – the ones who remained true when over one-third of God’s angels rebelled together with Lucifer (Rev. 12:4, 7-12; Isa. 14:12-14). The word “elect” proves some angels are chosen and others are not, the reason being that some rebelled and others did not.

‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy: Observe these things without partiality (5:21). Observe them without doing anything by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man. Do not hastily ordain any man to the ministry. Let each one be tested and proved faithful before the laying on of hands (4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:1-2). Do not partake of the sins of others or be responsible for their haste in ordaining unqualified men to the ministry (5:22). Keep yourself pure (5:22). The Greek word hagnos, here indicates purity from the fault of ordaining unfit men to the ministry (5:24). Congregations in all ages has suffered from this practice. Translated pure (5:22; Php. 4:8; Jas. 3:17; 1Jn. 3:3); clear (2Cor. 7:11); and chaste (2Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5; 1Pet. 3:2).

To be continued…

The Labourer

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1Timothy 5:17-20 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture said, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 

‘Elders’ are anyone that has served God truthfully for many years and has been exemplary in their daily walk (testimony) without any unrighteousness (1Timothy 3; Titus 3; 1John 3).

‘Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.’ Ruling elders, especially preaching and teaching elders are to receive double honour or wages (5:17-18; 1Cor. 9:6-14; Gal. 6:6; Heb. 7:1-10).

‘Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 25:4 and 2Corinthians 9:9.

‘The labourer is worthy of his reward.’ Quoted from Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. No one must work for free or expect others to do so. You will bring a curse over your finances when you ‘take’ from others with the intent not to reimburse them. That can even be other’s time that you waste. Remember the golden rule from Matthew 7:12: “whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”

‘Accusation’ [Greek: kategoria] bring a charge against; accuse (Luke 6:7; John 18:29; Tit. 1:6).

‘Before two or three witnesses.’ This states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians (Deut. 17:6: 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1).

‘Rebuke’ [Greek: elengcho] test; trial; examine; to convince, convict, refute, expose, to bring to shame the person reproved. It is found 17 times and translated as “convince” (John 8:46; 1Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jas. 2:9); “convict” (John 8:9); “tell one’s fault” (Matt. 18:15); “reprove” (Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2Tim. 4:2); “rebuke” (5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19).

Idle

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1Timothy 5:13-16 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 

‘Idle’ [Greek: argos] doing nothing; lazy. Translated “idle” (5:13; Matt. 12:36; 20:3, 20:6); “slow” (Tit. 1:12); and “barren” (2Pet. 1:8). We are commanded in 1Thessalonians 4:11 to study to be quiet, and to do our own business, and to work with our own hands.

‘Wandering about’ [Greek: perierchomai] to go about aimlessly as a vagrant. Translated “wander about” (5:13; Heb. 11:37); “vagabond” (Acts 19:13); and “fetch a compass” (Acts 28:13). Any form of idle communications or gossip is condemned in God’s Word as we see in 1Corinthians 15:33: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” and in Matthew 12:36: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Most people ‘get together’ in what is called socializing today where there is non-stop idle communication and gossiping – discussing others. Remember the truths of 1Peter 3:10-11 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

‘Tattlers’ [Greek: phluaros] silly talker; a fool; prater.

‘Busybodies’ [Greek: periergos] Translated as “busy-body” (5:13) and “curious arts” (Acts 19:19). Most people confuse caring for meddling and prying which is actually interfering in other people’s lives thinking they have the right to discuss their issues with whoever will listen or force their opinions on them disguised as so-called advice.

‘Marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.’ Four commands for young women: To marry (5:14; Heb. 13:4; 1Cor. 7:1-40). To bear children (5:14; Gen. 1:28). To guide the house (5:14). To give no ground to satan (5:14-15).

‘For some are already turned aside after satan.’ Seven steps in the fall of some women: Becoming insolent to Christ (5:11). Breaking Christian vows through unfavourable remarriage. Casting off first faith (5:12). Learning to be idle (5:13). Becoming tattlers. Becoming busybodies. Ending as followers of satan (5:15).

‘If any man or woman that believe have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.’ Christians who have widows must support them and not depend upon their congregations to care for them.

Well Reported Of Part 2

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1Timothy 5:9-12 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

‘Damnation’ – Condemnation [Greek: krima] a judgment; sentence. Translated “damnation” when meaning loss of soul (5:12; Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Rom. 3:12); “condemnation” (3:6; Jas. 3:1; Jude 1:4). It is used for men condemning Christ to death (Luke 23:40; 24:20); of God’s “vengeance” on rebels (Rev. 18:20); of “judgment” where the loss of the soul is meant (Matt. 7:2; John 9:39; Acts 24:25; Rom. 2:2-3; 5:16; 11:33; Gal. 5:10; Heb. 6:2; 1Pet. 4:17; 2Pet. 2:3; Rev. 17:1); of “power of judgment” to the saints (Rev. 20:4); of “going to law” (1Cor. 6:7); of “condemnation” of saints (1Cor. 11:34); of human and divine “damnation” (Rom. 13:2); and of men “damning” themselves (1Cor. 11:29).

It is not sinful to marry, but any marriage causing one to break their vows to God is to be avoided. Marriage is honourable to all (Heb. 13:4). Paul advises remarriage here, as a measure against the evils of 1Timothy 5:11-15.

‘Cast off’ [Greek: atheteo] Translated “cast off” (5:12); “reject” (Mark 6:26; 7:9; Luke 7:30; John 12:48); “despise” (Luke 10:16; 1Thess. 4:8; Heb. 10:28; Jude 1:8); “bring to nothing” (1Cor. 1:19); “disannul” (Gal. 3:15); and “frustrate” (Gal. 2:21). If one does this to his faith will faith save his soul despite his not having it?