October 4, 2009
Morning Service

I Tim. 6

 

Review:

1.       The main purpose of coming to I Timothy was to see what Paul had taught him, that he would be able to comfort, and establish the church at Thessalonica.

2.      Last week we saw how Paul taught Timothy how that all people should be treated.  Older men, older women, younger men, younger women, and widows.

3.      One of the statements that stands out to me is “If I tarry long, that you would know how to behave yourselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar, and ground of the truth.”

4.      To comfort, and establish the church wherever it meets.

 

We want to finish up I Timothy this morning, so bow with me in prayer.

Exhortation to Servants.

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.  (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. 

• As are under the yoke, designates that servants means slavery.  In many instances it doesn’t but here it does, because of the word yoke.
• Notice the attitude that a slave was to have.  Honor your master.  It is never taught that a Christian should be in rebellion, or have a spirit of envy, or jealousy, or hatred.  The Bible says that “rebellion is as witchcraft.”
• Slaves should be faithful, hard working, and loyal to their masters.  Why, so that the name of God, and His doctrine be not blasphemed.
• And especially if the master is a Christian, because they are brothers in the faith.  
• Listen to Peter;  1Pe 2:18 KJVR  Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
• Then Paul says, “these things teach, and exhort.”

Exhortation to Godliness with Contentment.

(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; 

• Exhortation to godliness should be the goal for all ministers of the Word of God.  Listen to Paul;  Eph 4:11-14 KJVR  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But if he doesn’t;

(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. 

• We can readily see the attitudes that God is not pleased with.

(6)  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  (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.  (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.

• Remember the rich young ruler that came to Jesus!  Wouldn’t turn loose of his wealth.

 

 

(11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

• We see again the attributes that pleases God in a person.  righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Paul tells Timothy;

(12)  Fight the good fight of faith,

• Paul said it like this to the Corinthians;  1Co 15:58 KJVR  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.   That’s fighting the good fight of faith.

lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

• Rom 6:23 KJVR  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Upon obedience to the gospel, we should never hesitate to give our testimony to those who would ask.

(13)  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth 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: 

• THE CHARGE;  Fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life.

(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. 

• John saw Him like this;  Rev 19:11-16 KJVR  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  (15)  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  (16)  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Exhortation to the rich.

(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. 

• The exhortation to use our wealth for the glory of God.

The fifth, and final charge;  “Guard What Was Committed.”

(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.

 

Almighty God, help each of us here this morning to continue to fight the good fight of faith, that we may lay hold on eternal life.