What are You Pursuing? 1 Timothy 6

READ 1 Timothy 6

What are You Pursuing?

1 Timothy 6:11, "...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

The Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy about the need for and the blessing of contentment. Money and/or material items will steal our attention away from that which is spiritual if we are not careful. Paul reminds Timothy of the following:

·  We brought nothing into this world and we will take nothing out (vs. 7).

·  Those that seek to be rich fall into temptation and a snare (vs. 9).

·  The love of money is the root of all evil (vs. 10).

Paul instructs Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain (vs. 6). He teaches that we should be content with food and clothing (vs. 8). And finally, Paul speaks to Timothy about the things he ought to pursue. Paul lists six things we should pursue:

1.   Righteousness - in the context, he is speaking of living rightly and justly before others.

2.   Godliness - holiness in heart, spiritual in focus, changed by God.

3.   Faith – trusting the Lord as you build confidence in God and His eternal promises.

4.   Love - being filled with love for God, and for other people. All the commandments rest on these two truths.

5.   Patience - Bible patience always speaks of enduring through trials and difficulties.

6.   Meekness - this speaks of dealing with the issues of life with gentleness and humility.

I pray we all learn to pursue the things Paul taught Timothy. May we not be sidetracked by the things of this world. Rather may we pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.

Allow God to build your character into the likeness of Jesus Christ, and follow after the very things Paul mentions in today's reading.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How would you explain 1 Timothy 6:9?

2.  As you read this passage today, what did the Lord speak to you about most?

3.  If you were to be described by others, would they say you had a passion for wealth or a passion for the Lord? Why?

4.  Is it possible to love money and love God at the same time?  Why or why not?