Scripture--1 Timothy 4-1 Timothy 6
Observation: Here we go again!
First, in 5:3, does he really say only care for needy widows? I was confused there.
Then we get to chapter 6. This is the chapter that American Christians used to justify slavery. Paul says to teach that slaves should give their masters respect. I'm going to continue to see these scriptures as symbolic. That God is our master, and we should continue to submit to God our master. Does anyone else have ideas on how else to interpret these?
But I did like the warning of false teachers on 6:3-6! "3 If anyone teaches anything different and doesn’t agree with sound teaching about our Lord Jesus Christ and teaching that is consistent with godliness, 4 that person is conceited. They don’t understand anything but have a sick obsession with debates and arguments. This creates jealousy, conflict, verbal abuse, and evil suspicions. 5 There is constant bickering between people whose minds are ruined and who have been robbed of the truth. They think that godliness is a way to make money! 6 Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have."
Observation: Be careful of people who are leading you away from God! Those who say that God will reward you with MONEY just because you are good. Or those who would rather argue than love. Or those who just want the spotlight on them! And keep us leaders accountable! Don't let us fall into evil. Help us stay true to God! Talk to us if we are getting conceited or greedy! We need you as much as you need us! Don't ever forget that.
Prayer: God of forgiveness--Show us the evil in our lives. Forgive us for where we've fallen. Let us go and become better for you! In your son's name we pray! Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Emily!
August 14--2 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4
August 15--Titus 1-Titus 3
August 16--Philemon-Hebrews 1
August 17--Hebrews 2-Hebrews 4
August 18--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7
August 19--Hebrews 8-Hebrews 10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1
3 comments:
I think Paul's message about the widows is an economic thing. He didn't just preach/teach. He worked to help pay for what he needed and to help support the churches. So he is saying that if widows have families that should be taking care of them or if they are young enough to start over, the church shouldn't need to completely take care of them- economically.
Slaves- I think in our world we could look at some of these verses from an employee/employer point of view. Respect our employers and if they are Christian and are nice to us, don't take advantage of that, but still respect them as the boss.
I thought the verses 6:17-19 were timely. The rich are not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth that is uncertain. Put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything. Be rich in good deeds, generous, willing to share. (Worry less about our investments in the stock market and look to God for what we need.)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't the majority of slaves in Paul's time people who were debtors and, instead of being thrown in prison, were working off what they owed to the master? If anyone knows the answer, I'd love to hear it.
I agree, Mary, that Paul's take on the widows is a matter of economics. He continually mentions working hard himself when staying with communities of faith and not taking advantage of their resources. He definitely has a work ethic and values this in others.
Emily you know I have struggled with people around me that seem to just want to argue and instigate. Thank you for your prayer today. I feel that because of this and other studies of the word, I have learned to hold my tongue ALOT better than I used to.
Other verses I liked were that Godliness should not be a means of gain. That if you are "rich" you should be ready to give and willing to share. And last but not least 1 Tim 6:7 - We brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out!!! How many times have we repeated "you can't take it with you". Honestly I am not sure I realized this was "from the book" until today!
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