Living Testimony Wk 3: Provision

1 Timothy 6:6-19

Initial Thoughts

6:10 Not that money is the root of “all evil” but instead “all kinds of evil.” Money, like anything else, can be either used for the purposes or Christ or not

Paul warns of the “many pains” that come to those who are eager to be rich. Perhaps this comments on a behaviour that seeks to provide completely for one’s self. Money represents this illusion of self-reliance that must be denied in genuine, covenant relationship

6:12 “the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” reminds us of the necessity of confession in the presence of a community of faith

There is a juxtaposition of God’s riches to earthly wealth. It is only God’s riches that will bring “life that really is life.”

Questions

We may spend time in thankfulness for our riches. “Thank you God for this home, this job, this car, etc.” However, this behaviour could create a subconscious that struggles to see God outside of this provision. What would it look like to thank God for virtues, the things Timothy is called to pursue in vs. 11? “Thank you God for the pursuit of gentleness.”

Is there dignity in the naming of Pilate? How does his presence in the story indicate an intentional reminder to the religious community of the radical inclusion of Christ