weathly

Paul is writing here to his “son in the faith” - Timothy.

He begins by talking about people who oppose or contradict their teaching about Jesus as Messiah.

But the interesting stuff happens right after that.

1 Timothy 6

2cTeach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These teachings promote a godly life.

4Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding.

Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words.

This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 These people always cause trouble.

Their minds are corrupt,

and they have turned their backs on the truth.

To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world,

and we can't take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money,

which is so unreliable.

Their trust should be in God,

who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good.

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need,

always being ready to share with others.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

When reading this, I always kind of have a “hmmmmm...” moment.

What is Paul saying about the wealthy?

And remember we live in the wealthiest country ever.

Even though most of us don't think of ourselves as wealthy, most of the rest of the world does.

So Paul is not necessarily talking here about the uber-rich.

Paul is pretty straightforward about those who have more than most.

The pity of it is that those who need to read this passage probably won't.

But those of us who don't think of ourselves as wealthy but actually are by the rest of the world's standards should think about what Paul says here.

And if we think about it, how then should we live?