1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are Paul’s Pastoral Epistles (much of what Paul writes about concerns practical matters of church life and organization).

Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia around 64 AD during his 4th missionary journey.

Timothy was young (30-35), acting as a liaison of Paul and providing Pastoral leadership to the Church at Ephesus (serving w/ Paul 15 yrs.)

This was a big assignment for Timothy, an important church with wealthy members.

Paul had previously spent 3 years in Ephesus.  This letter is 8 years later…

This letter represents the most complete summary in the bible of a Pastor’s Ministry and spiritual qualifications.

What we read are the affectionate words of a Father in the faith (Paul) to his beloved son/apprentice/liason/pastor in training.

A. Foundation (6:6-10)

• Perspective: Godliness + Contentment=Great gain

• The LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil

-Disordered love.  Jesus said:  “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money.” -Matthew 6:24

“Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” -Luke 12:15

Then Paul gives Timothy a clinic on biblical stewardship:

B. Dangers (6:17 )

1. Arrogance or haughtiness

-The challenges of being financially blessed and maintaining a posture of humility.

2. Misplaced Hope

-If money is your security, then you’ll never have enough.  

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!  Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder.” -Prov. 23:4-5 (MSG)

         -God is your security “Every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is mine.  If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is mine, and all it contains.” -Psalm 50:10-12

C. Duties (6:18 )

1. Do Good

-Gk. word ‘agathoergeo’ means “to do what is inherently, intrinsically good” “do gooder”

2. Be Rich in Good Deeds

-Idea is to abundantly furnish (including in this letter your own family, needy widows, leaders of the church, and other believers in need.

3. Be Generous and Willing to Share

-Idea connotes giving liberally, bountifully even sacrificially from an unrestrained heart.

C.  Delight (6:19 )

Delight is in the Present & Future

• Experience “the real life” NOW *Stories* 

• Laying up treasure in heaven

“The less I spent on myself and the more I gave to others, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become.” -Hudson Taylor

“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.” -Randy Alcorn

-EROI “Eternal Return on Investment” -Pastor Chris Hodges