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Ephesus was a wealthy city, and the Ephesian church probably had some prosperous members. Paul advised Timothy to instruct them about how to regard and use their resources. But he also warned Timothy to be on his guard against those whose involvement in the church was based on greed. Paul's counsel fits our era just as well.

1 Timothy 6:5-11, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

1. If religion shouldn't be seen as a way to get rich, how can it be the source of great wealth?
2. How can the perspective of verses 7-8 help you distinguish between needs and wants?
3. To what extent can advertising to stimulate demand in our consumption-driven economy undermine the contentment urged in these verses?
4. How much do you think your outlook has been affected by this advertising?
5. How have you seen greed ruin marriages, friendships, or business relationships?
6. Why is trusting in the security of savings (v. 17) a trap?
7. What is the antidote for relying on accumulated wealth (vv. 18-19)?
8. Do you really share Paul's confidence (v. 17b) about how God relates to His children?

Ask God for satisfaction when your basic needs are met, acceptance of what He's doing in your life, and fulfillment in relating to others in His work.

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don't tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich. 6 Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. 7 After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

17 Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me grateful for Your past blessings, confident of Your future provision, and at peace with my current circumstances.

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