1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9.But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses……17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us RICHLY all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Tim 6:1-12,17-19
Q & A:
- Why is there a tendency of a missing age group with young working adults (18-35 years old) in churches? Explain why we should not be trusting in uncertain riches especially through financial crisis or career disruption experiences, but to trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17; Deu 8:12-13, 17-18; 2 Cor 8:9; Psa 34:10)
- How should we behave in working under the authority of Christian and Pre-believer employers/bosses in order for our godliness to be seen? Discuss the lessons you have learnt from David’s acknowledgement that King Saul is God’s anointed and not trying to outshine his king/boss who is threatened with insecurity nor taking the matter into his own hand. (1 Tim 6:1-2; 1 Sam 29:5)
- What is our soul made up of? Knowing that the soul of man is the unrenewed part of us although we are born-again Christians, discuss if you have been a good keeper of your soul or what kind of person you have become in the course of your pursuit for success and riches with reference to your relationship with God and the family. Explain what the key is for you to have balancing godliness and riches. (1 Tim 6:9-10; 1 Tim 6:6-7; Phi 4:12-13)