THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL... (1 Tim. 6:10) As I was studying this morning ... I was thinking about the previous discussion on the downfalls of wealth ... and most importantly, about wealth changing our outlook on everything in life.
I think it takes a lifetime of grace and maturity in Christ to be totally content with just "food and raiment" ... but I think that is the only place to be (if not in reality, at least in the attitude of our hearts) where the "temptation and a snare" of wealth and gain will not "drown men in destruction and perdition". (1 Timothy 6:9)
In other words, when Christ asked the rich man to give all his wealth to the poor ... he would have responded "Yes Lord, I will do that and follow you" ... because he knew, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matt 16:26).
The instruction from Christ was really ... "Will you choose me or your worldly gain?" ... and the answer was one that lead to destruction and perdition. I've highlighted the parts that stand out to me in this these verses in 1 Timothy 6:
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.
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.
And here is our call as Christians:
11 But you, 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 you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give you charge in the sight of God …
14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My hope is that this will be an encouragement....we are all "in training" for life... and we never "arrive" (in this life) until we arrive with Christ. And that is promised and guaranteed through His blood at the cross.
I think it takes a lifetime of grace and maturity in Christ to be totally content with just "food and raiment" ... but I think that is the only place to be (if not in reality, at least in the attitude of our hearts) where the "temptation and a snare" of wealth and gain will not "drown men in destruction and perdition". (1 Timothy 6:9)
In other words, when Christ asked the rich man to give all his wealth to the poor ... he would have responded "Yes Lord, I will do that and follow you" ... because he knew, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matt 16:26).
The instruction from Christ was really ... "Will you choose me or your worldly gain?" ... and the answer was one that lead to destruction and perdition. I've highlighted the parts that stand out to me in this these verses in 1 Timothy 6:
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.
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.
And here is our call as Christians:
11 But you, 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 you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give you charge in the sight of God …
14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My hope is that this will be an encouragement....we are all "in training" for life... and we never "arrive" (in this life) until we arrive with Christ. And that is promised and guaranteed through His blood at the cross.
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