June 30, 2014

ENJOY GOD'S RICH PROVISIONS, BUT HOPE ONLY IN HIM

1 Timothy 6:11-21

Don Campbell
Monday's Devo

June 30, 2014

Monday's Devo

June 30, 2014

Central Truth

God intends for us to enjoy His creation, but not to place our dependence and hope on worldly possessions.

Key Verse | 1 Timothy 6:17

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

1 Timothy 6:11-21

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before 1 6:13 Or in the time of Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you. 2 6:21 The Greek for you is plural

Footnotes

[1] 6:13 Or in the time of
[2] 6:21 The Greek for you is plural

Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 6:11-21

From an early age I have been a rule-follower. I have never met a legitimate rule that I didn't like to follow. In the practice of law, Texas has over 820 Rules of Civil Procedure that I get to abide by!

Many people, including some believers, think that the Christian faith involves primarily complying faithfully with God's many rules, especially the "Thou Shalt Not" commands. Today's passage instructs that true faith, instead of embodying the drudgery of rote rule-following, involves the pleasure of enjoying all of God's created things, so long as we do not put our trust and hope in our wealth or "stuff," which we sometimes incorrectly assume that we created.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 and 5:18-19 declare that God has made everything beautiful in its time and that one of God's gifts is for man to find satisfaction in his legitimate work, so long as we revere Him. 1 Timothy 4:4 teaches that everything God created is good if we receive it with thanksgiving. Paul testifies that God supplies our provisions and fills our hearts with joy (Acts 14:17), and Jesus promises that if we ask in His name (that is, in accordance with His will), we will receive with joy (John 16:24).

So, God emphasizes that the Christian life does not consist of mindless rule-following, but, instead, should be filled with enjoyment of His created things, as long as we trust in Him. Are you trusting Him?

Discussion Questions

1. Are you a mere rule-follower, focusing on the "Thou-Shalt-Nots"?

2. Can you sincerely enjoy God's creation without depending on created things for your hope and future?

3. Are you thankful for God's provisions for you, and do you revere Him rather than yourself?