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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 contemporary world just as well.

1 Tim 6:5b-11, 17-19

1. if godliness 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. How do consumption-driven commercials and advertisements undermine the contentment urged in this passage?
   
4. How much do you think your outlook has been affected by 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) in a God who "richly gives"?

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.

1 Tim 6:5b-11

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. 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 the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Paul's Final Instructions

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

1 Tim 17-19

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in 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 generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

Copyright © 2009 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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