Hi everyone! I pray you all have been well since the last time we last spoke. It has been quite some time since I have quieted myself long enough to sit down and write this blog. The Lord has been good to me while I was away- each day I am reminded of how faithful He truly is.
Today, I would like to speak about a section of scripture in my bible called “The use of wealth.” (I will be commenting on 1 Timothy verses 3-10.) I stumbled upon this passage while I was going through my bible the other day and marveled at the wealth of information the 8 verses contained.
Let’s jump right in!
1 Timothy 6: 3-4 (KJV)
“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; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising,”
In this passage, Paul is warning Timothy of the type of teacher or believer that teaches of things other than Jesus Christ and godliness i.e. the things of this world. Paul is warning Timothy of these teachers and describes them as “proud” and “knowing nothing.” Instead of focusing on the things of Jesus Christ- holiness, righteousness, and godliness to bring forth fruit unto salvation; Paul is telling Timothy that these teachers who do not preach the things of Jesus Christ but that DO preach the things of this world, focus on “questions and strifes of words” to bring forth fruit of “envy, strife, railings, and evil surmising.”
Wow! What a drastic difference it makes in what we listen to, who we listen to, and what things we focus on. Paul is essentially telling Timothy that apart from the teachings of Christ- there is no mastery of understanding. I can gather from Paul’s ushering that the things the world teach will tear you apart friends! I wanted to pull apart this verse a little more to grasp a better understanding of just what we become when we teach or listen to the things of this world. Here are the definitions of the character traits that are listed in verse 4 that are expected, self-products of speaking evil words contrary to the things that God wants:
ENVY: Pain, uneasiness, discontent with pleasure in seeing another person depressed.
STRIFE: Contention in anger or enmity; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war.
RAILINGS: Expressing reproach; insulting.
(EVIL) SURMISING: To suspect; to imagine without certain knowledge; to entertain thoughts that something does or will exist, but upon slight evidence.
Wow. If all these things are the result of filling ourselves up with the teachings and doctrines of this world, then it’s no wonder that the majority of people in the world today are depressed, angry, and just downright miserable! These traits can be developed in ourselves as Christians as well if we are not careful to fill ourselves up DAILY with the Word of God. In addition, we need to continually fight for the power struggle over our souls in the daily attempt of maintaining a state of constant holiness through the Holy Spirit. Now, I am well aware of this power struggle and can indeed confirm to the entire inter-web the fact that: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. However, aside from that, if you are saved, you have the amazing power of God living inside of you to conquer these feelings before they start to produce a branch in your tree of personality and spirituality.
Acts 1:8 (KJV)
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”
Power people. That’s a PROMISE. Do not lose heart. I am convinced that the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you is far greater than any of us can ever believe or understand. Have faith in HIM to fight your battles for you. Have faith in HIM to get you through the tough day you are having. Have faith in HIM to take care of all your needs on a daily basis.
To save this blog post from being a bit long, I will end there today and make a PART II to finish up this topic of 1 Timothy 3-10.
Until next time; have faith my friends. God bless.
Lifted Vision Ministry 