This post is Day 23 in a series of studies about “Truth”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Truth – Day 23

These verses from Paul remind us of what we read yesterday. Both writers are keen to see their readers knowing the whole truth, and learning to recognise the work of the enemy in the midst of the people of God. Sadly, that is where the enemy can often be found.

1 Timothy 6:4-6

They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

The Thought

These verses from Paul remind us of James’s words yesterday. Both writers are keen to see their readers knowing the whole truth, and learning to recognise the work of the enemy in the midst of God’s people. Sadly too often, that is where the enemy can often be found. In the midst of God’s people.

There are preachers and teachers today who will dissect the meaning of a word to extremes in order to prove that certain Bible translations are not correct. This is an exercise for the brain, is extreme and may not be helpful. We all need Holy Spirit to help us translate what the Bible is saying into a relevance for our present day lives. And He will do that if we ask Him.

The last phrase here godliness with contentment is a great state to find ourselves in. The Lord will reveal to us if we have the wrong idea about something, and pastors and teachers are not called to judge us, but to encourage us on the right road, the path that leads to life.

The last verse in this chapter which is the last phrase of Paul’s letter encourages the young pastor to resist godless chatter, and opposing knowledge. That is a good word for all of us.

Action

Read 1 Timothy 6 today and pray that the Lord will speak to you through it. Make notes or underline the verses which shout at you, and read them in a different Bible translation.

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