April 6, 2008
Morning Service

I Tim. 6

 

Review:

1.       This morning we will finish the first letter the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy. 

2.       God has taught us in this letter to beware of false doctrine, and teachers.

3.       He has taught us how to behave ourselves in His house.

4.       He has taught us concerning the qualifications of Bishops, Deacons, and their wives.

5.       He has taught us about the mystery of Godliness.

6.       A description of false teachers, and instructions for the true teachers.

7.       How to treat all people.

8.       How to treat widows, and elders.

9.       How not to be prejudice.

This brings us up to date with chapter 6.  Let’s begin.

 

1Ti 6:1-21 KJVR  Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 

·        I’m sure there have been times when we have thought that we were under the yoke.  A yoke was a heavy wooden object, that you put on oxen’s necks to help them pull a load together. 

·        We are talking attitude here.  Most of us have had to work for someone else in our lifetime, not as slaves but employees.  This is the attitude God would want us to have toward our employers.

·        Plain, and simple, anytime you have bellyached, and griped, you were out of God’s will.

·        And when you did this, God and His doctrine were blasphemed.  You talk, and run down your employer, and the people around you, that hear you, know Christians shouldn’t be doing that.

·        Listen to Peter:  1Pe 2:18  “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”  So you see, even if masters are not good to you, you are still to be faithful to them.   This is what makes Christians different than the world.

THEN NOTICE:    

(2)  And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 

·        Your Christian employer should not despise, or mistreat you, for in the eyes of God you are brothers, and sisters.

·         But rather do them service, or do what you can to make their job enjoyable. Employee, you should be faithful, and you are beloved, by God.  Partakers of the benefits of salvation.          TEACH, AND EXHORT.  Eph_6:5-7; Col_3:22-25; 1Ti_6:1-3; Tit_2:9, Tit_2:10

(3)  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  (4)  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.  (5)  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

·        This is a rebuke to those who will not attain to the words of the Lord, which Paul says are wholesome words, and to His doctrine of Godliness.  Paul says this man is proud, knowing nothing,

·         But Doting = Regarding with excessive fondness.  

·        And the description of these men, Paul says “withdraw yourself.”

·        Do you see how God builds our discernment skills?  He fills our minds with His will, and then will bring it back to our remembrance when needed. 

(6)  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  I remember walking out of the service one morning and telling the preacher, “I can really relate to what the Apostle is talking about.”  I was so content, and satisfied with my walk with God.  There was such a peace in my life, brought about by total surrender to God.  I knew I was blessed.

Paul goes on to say:

(7)  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  (8)  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

·        Remember what Jesus said, “ Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  All these things, were food, raiment, and a roof over your head.

(9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

·        You remember the story of the rich young ruler.  He went away sorrowful because he could not give up all to follow the Lord.

(11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  (12)  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

·        FLEE WHAT THINGS?     Riches, foolish, and hurtful lusts.

·        Follow after, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  HOPEFULLY WE CAN SEE WHAT ATTRIBUTES GOD EXPECTS FROM HIS FOLLOWERS.

·        Paul says, Timothy you have a good reputation, work to keep it. 

·        FIGHT, the good fight of faith.  It most definitely is a fight.  Just as Jesus fought with the spiritual wickedness on the mount, and in the garden, we have a tremendous fight to fight.

(13)  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth ( or makes alive ) all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  (14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 

·        This charge is for all that would preach, and teach the Word of God.

(15)  Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  (16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 

·        NOW, I AM TELLING YOU ALL THESE THINGS, BUT THEN, HE WILL CONFIRM, BY HIS APPEARING, ALL THESE THINGS THAT I HAVE TOLD YOU, AND COMMANDED YOU.

·        JUST A GLIMPSE.    READ REV. 19:11-16.       SOME PICTURE, HUH?

(17)  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded; nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  (18)  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  (19)  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 

·        This is a charge to us all.  We are rich, and blessed beyond measure.  We are challenged to share, and to help others lest fortunate.

(20)  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  (21)  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

·        Can you since the plea, and concern?   O TIMOTHY.

·        What is committed to Timothy’s trust?  THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, THE KEYS THAT WILL UNLOCK THE DOORS OF HEAVEN TO WHOMSOEVER WILL.

·        AVOID DISPUTES, AND ARGUMENTS.  THE TEACHING OF THE BIG BANG THEORY.

·        AND IF YOU DO THIS YOU WILL NOT ERR IN THE FAITH.

 

GRACE BE WITH YOU.  AMEN.