HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 1464
1 T IMO T H Y 6
want to remarry. 12 Then they would be guilty of
breaking their previous pledge. 13 And if they are
on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will
spend their time gossiping from house to house,
meddling in other people’s business and talking
about things they shouldn’t. 14 So I advise these
younger widows to marry again, have children,
and take care of their own homes. Then the
enemy will not be able to say anything against
them. 15 For I am afraid that some of them have
already gone astray and now follow Satan.
16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives
who are widows, she must take care of them
and not put the responsibility on the church.
Then the church can care for the widows who
are truly alone.
• Neighbors
1 T IMOT H Y 5 :1 3
Gossip has been described as the art of
confessing someone else’s sins. From
tabloid newspapers to television talk
shows to the coffee hour at church, we
are almost universally drawn to listen to
or pass on the latest juicy tidbit about
so-and-so’s divorce, business failure, or
extramarital activities. Paul reminds us
that as believers, we have much better
things to do with our time. Plain and
simple, we are not to become involved
in gossip. We are, rather, to encourage
and build up one another in love. In
what situations are you most tempted
to gossip? What steps can you take to
refrain from this sinful habit? For the next
week, practice saying something nice
about the person whom you wanted to
gossip about.
• Money
1 T IMOT H Y 6 :6 -1 0
How we handle our money reveals
the condition of our souls. If we are
consumed with making and spending
money, our love for it may have outgrown
our love for God. If we are never content
with what we have, that attitude of greed
can infect all facets of our lives. If we
have a generous attitude toward money,
we are more likely to be generous in other
matters concerning the Lord’s people
and work. What is your attitude toward
money? How does that reflect your
attitude toward God?
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17 Elders who do their work well should be
respected and paid well,* especially those who
work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For
the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox
to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.”
And in another place, “Those who work deserve
their pay!”*
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an
elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded
in front of the whole church; this will serve as a
strong warning to others.
21 I solemnly command you in the presence of
God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to
obey these instructions without taking sides or
showing favoritism to anyone.
22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a
church leader.* Do not share in the sins of
others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a
little wine for the sake of your stomach because
you are sick so often.
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But
there are others whose sins will not be revealed
until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of
some people are obvious. And the good deeds
done in secret will someday come to light.
6
All slaves should show full respect for their
masters so they will not bring shame on
the name of God and his teaching. 2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being
disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the
harder because their efforts are helping other
believers* who are well loved.
False Teaching and True Riches
Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage
everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These
teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who
teaches something different is arrogant and
lacks understanding. Such a person has an
unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning
of words. This stirs up arguments ending in
jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.
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.
5:17 Greek should be worthy of double honor. 5:18 Deut 25:4;
Luke 10:7. 5:22 Greek about the laying on of hands. 6:2 Greek
brothers.