Category: Devotions

Paul’s instructions to his protégé are as important to us today as for Timothy. There are many times when we need to keep looking away from temporary kingdoms of this world that simply compete against each other, to an eternal throne, to the King of Kings, who sits in total victory because He has competed and won everything there is to win. It is there at the throne where we receive our purpose, our orders and where we find our ultimate hope.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴ to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6 v 12-16)

We fight with purpose. Our battle isn’t flesh and blood. It isn’t people. This is a spiritual battle we are in. Our daily choices and interactions reveal this.

We hold in our minds our past declarations of faith. Whether that be our baptisms, our testimony opportunities or even in the most difficult of times, like Jesus before Pilate, we declared who we were and what our purpose was. We bring that to our memory and we move forward on that declaration.

We know time is short. Struggles are temporary. There is a plan and it involves the appearing again of the King of Kings.

We worship God. As we magnify His attributes our problems are placed into perspective.

• He is the blessed and only Ruler. He is Sovereign. All authority comes from Him.
• He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is supreme over everything. Every President, leader, monarch answers to Him.
• He alone is immortal. Our immortality comes through His nature which is immortal.
• He lives in unapproachable light whom no one has seen or can see. The brilliance of His light cannot be survived to the state and being of humanity.

This is fuel for our fight, the good fight. It makes everything worthwhile. Our problems are temporary for we serve the eternal God with eternal purposes.

And so we declare confidently and victoriously, AMEN!

Paul has been writing about people who have been destroyed by what they pursued. But you …!

Paul has written about the love of money. But you …!

Paul has told of how people have wandered from the faith. But you …!

Paul has said of how people have pierced themselves with many griefs. But you …!

Paul is speaking to you and me. But you …!

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6 v 11)

There is a stark contrast. While others may be consumed by materialism and greed, Timothy is called to a different path entirely.
Paul’s choice to address Timothy as “man of God” is both tender and weighty. This title, used throughout the Old Testament for prophets and spiritual leaders, reminds Timothy of his calling and identity. It’s not just what Timothy does that matters, but who he is—a person set apart for God’s purposes.
This designation serves as both encouragement and accountability. Timothy isn’t just another church leader; he’s God’s representative, called to embody divine character in a broken world.

But you …  are different! You are not like anyone else. You are a man or a woman of God.

So get out from all this nonsense. Flee. Run away from anything that competes with your devotion to God.
Run away but run after also. Paul provides a list and says ‘get these things’.

In doing so, we discover that this isn’t merely about moral improvement—it’s about being the people God created us to be.

I am sorry for starting with a joke! But it’s Saturday!

An old miser, due to his terrible cheapness, had no friends nor family. Just before he died he called his doctor, his lawyer and a minister to come see him. They complied, and gathered together around his bed. “I always heard you can’t take it with you, but I am going to prove you can,” he said. “I have £90,000 cash hidden underneath my mattress. It’s in 3 envelopes of £30,000 each. I want each one of you to grab one envelope now and just before they throw the dirt on my grave,  you throw the envelopes in.” Weeks later, the three attended the funeral, and true to their word, each threw in their envelope into the grave. On the way back from the cemetery, the minister said, “I don’t feel so good about this, I am going to confess, I desperately needed £10,000 for a new church we are building, so I took out £10,000 and threw only £20,000 in the grave.”  The doctor said, “I, too, must confess. I am building a clinic and took £20,000 and threw in only £10,000.”  He looked ashamed.  The lawyer said, “Gentlemen, I’m surprised, shocked and ashamed of both of you. I don’t see how you could in good conscience hold on to that money. I threw in a personal cheque for the entire amount.”

We are born empty-handed and we die empty-handed. Paul knew this and he declares a sobering truth:

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6 v 7-10)

In a world obsessed with accumulating wealth, status symbols, and material possessions, these four verses from Paul’s letter to Timothy cut through the noise like a sword. 

If everything we own is temporary, how much energy should we really invest in accumulating more?

Contentment is not settling for less; it’s recognising when we have enough. 

The pursuit of wealth creates opportunities for compromise. How many people have cut ethical corners, neglected relationships, or abandoned their values in the name of financial gain?
The love of money breeds other destructive appetites—for power, recognition, control, and pleasure. These desires often lead us away from what truly satisfies the human soul.
Ultimately, the relentless pursuit of wealth can destroy not just our finances, but our relationships, our integrity, and our spiritual lives.
Perhaps the most misquoted verse in this passage is verse 10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Notice Paul doesn’t say money itself is evil, but rather the love of money. The Greek word used here suggests an intense affection or desire—making money an idol.
When we love money, it becomes our master rather than our tool. It shapes our decisions, priorities, and relationships. It promises security, significance, and satisfaction—but these are promises only God can truly fulfil.
Paul notes that some, “eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” The imagery is striking: people impaling themselves with sorrows in their pursuit of wealth. The very thing they thought would bring happiness becomes the source of their deepest pain.
We entered this world with nothing, and we’ll leave with nothing. But in between, we have the opportunity to find true contentment not in what we accumulate, but in the One who provides all that we truly need.

Big question. Would a little more of something help you to be a bit more happier?

In the context of a message which is still preached today, that of material prosperity, come 7 key words that counter that falsehood.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6 v 6)

Gain is not from stuff or even trying to use godliness to get it. But it is from godliness with contentment.

If you are satisfied with what you have, then you are rich.

If you have godly contentment, which the endless pursuer of material wealth can never arrive at, then you have arrived at having what you need, you have enough. You have something powerful; a settled confidence in God’s goodness that doesn’t need more stuff to feel secure.

We live in an advertising world which tells us, demands of us, our attention and our allegiance. Happiness is just one more purchase away. But we can resist this culture.

• We can pause before spending.
• We can be thankful for what we have.
• We can find our identity in Christ and not in possessions or experiences.

I believe in prosperity. A prospering of the soul. A prospering that cannot be robbed. It is a prospering that says, ‘I have enough, it is good, I am happy.’

The Bible isn’t just an ancient text. It’s not even the greatest text amongst all other texts. The Bible has living words that bring life. When the Bible is preached and taught then people’s lives are transformed. Those without hope are given hope. Those who are anxious are given peace. Those who are sad are given joy. That’s true isn’t it?

Paul would say that the preaching and teaching of the Bible isn’t the guarantee for these benefits, in fact, it can bring the opposite.

“These are the things you are to teach and insist on. ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6 v 2-5)

So what should we look for in a preacher and Bible teacher?

• They proclaim the instruction of Christ. That’s what Paul says. What comes out of their mouth came out of Christ’s, no change, no alteration, nothing to oppose it, no updates, it has to agree.
• In their communicating they are aiming for godliness. This is not some information sharing. These are the very words that carry true life to those who hear.
• They are known for their humility. They know they don’t know everything. They can be questioned and even challenged. They are a student first and a teacher second.
• They are not wanting to demonstrate how clever they are. Their only aim is to build others up not their own ego.
• Their preaching unites communities around the person of Christ.
• They are not preaching to gain for themselves in anyway, financial or other.

In an age of competing voices, social media platforms, and the pressure to be relevant, Paul’s words call us back to the primary responsibility of those who communicate the Bible.

Just don’t compete. But be consistent, faithful and true.

In Paul’s day, the Roman Empire’s economy was built on slavery. He doesn’t endorse it. But he instructs Timothy how Christians should live within it. For all kinds of reasons and circumstances Christians today find themselves in situations that they cannot change. So how do we live?

“All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.” – 1 Timothy 6:1-2

Protect the Gospel. If we behave badly in the situation then some will reflect that your Christian testimony is flawed and the gospel is no longer good news. Our conduct enhances or damages the credibility of the gospel we declare. Christians slaves should behave as men and women of God. Our work ethic, attitude, and character serve as a testimony to our faith. Shoddy work and constant complaints can discredit the gospel we claim to believe.

Pursue excellence even in easier situations. If those who lead in such environments, like the masters of slaves in Paul’s day, are Christians, then this doesn’t mean the ‘Christian slave’ slackens off hoping for preferential treatment. Rather they should be inspired to be the best they can be, even more so. The early church’s approach was revolutionary in its own way. By creating communities where slave and free worshipped together as equals, where masters were called to treat slaves justly (Ephesians 6:9), and where the inherent dignity of all people was affirmed, Christianity planted seeds that would eventually help dismantle slavery itself.

Our faith is most clearly seen outside of Church and in situations where it is most challenging. We have an opportunity to show what the gospel really does in changing lives. The world, our world, is watching how we live in situations we cannot change.

Paul has told Timothy not to be hasty in appointing leaders in church.  He recognises that this is a challenging task: how do you truly know someone’s character? How can you discern whether a person is genuinely qualified for spiritual leadership when some qualities—both good and bad—aren’t immediately apparent?

“The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.” – 1 Timothy 5:24-25 

What is his advice?

1. Look out for the obvious. There are neon signs. Impossible to miss ‘sins’. Even before the person is at the interview stage let’s say, their behaviours have preceded them. Don’t even consider their application, everyone knows, blatant errors and failures that disqualify them. However, for some their leadership selection is easier. Everyone can see they would be the right appointment. There is no denying they are the right choice.
2. Look under the surface. Paul says for some their ‘sins …trail behind them.’ How do you discover pride, greed or jealousy? If they’re there then they will be concealed, so you need to dig to discover them. However, for some, they carry such humility and don’t draw attention to themselves that we can’t immediately see their qualities, but they won’t be hidden forever. 

Take your time.

Ask around.

Pray for wisdom to see what God sees. 

Back in 2018 I became a Regional Leader within my denomination. There were two things that I focused on and still do; the work and the well-being of the minister. 

The verse we read today may look out of place in a section dealing with Church leadership, but if you believe, as I do, that the well-being is as important as the work of the minister, then pastoral care and practical wisdom are what every minister needs.

This brief sentence offers profound insights into pastoral care, practical wisdom, and the intersection of faith and physical well-being.

Timothy was apparently dealing with ongoing stomach problems and frequent illnesses. In the ancient world and in parts still today, medical knowledge was limited and clean water wasn’t always available, digestive issues were common and potentially serious. Here is what Paul says:

“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” – 1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV)

• Water can contain bacteria that brings disease and can even kill. It did and it still does. There are times when drinking water from a tap or a stream is not wise. 
• Thee are times then, when wine was safer than water because of the fermentation process. 
• Paul wasn’t permitting Timothy to commence social drinking. This was about his health. The amount Paul advises is key here.
• Paul doesn’t suggest calling for the elders for the anointing oil. He doesn’t even pray or suggest praying. But neither does he dismiss Timothy’s stomach issues as unimportant. 
• Look after your body, that’s what Paul says in a nutshell. Faith doesn’t replace common sense.
• Christianity is about the whole of life. It speaks into every area. 
• We need to be as concerned for our Pastors physical well-being as their moral and spiritual health.

Paul’s brief medical advice to Timothy continues to teach us about the holistic nature of faithful living centuries later.

We have to be careful when we appoint and release people into a ministry position. There are times when leaders occupy positions that they should never be in. It isn’t fair to those they are trying to lead nor is it fair to the appointed person. Who’s guilty? Well maybe it’s not the appointed leader or the complaining congregation. Maybe it was the leader who appointed them into the position in the first place.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” – 1 Timothy 5:22 (NIV)

Paul is clear, slow down when it comes to appointments. It is better not to fill a leadership position to a church or within a church than fill it with the wrong person. There can be many external pressures that can lead to poor decisions with lasting consequences because the need was shouting louder than the right person appointed. 

Why? 

The answer is in the second part of the verse.

When we hastily promote someone who proves unworthy or unprepared, we bear partial responsibility for the consequences of their actions. If it goes wrong then we who appointed them could be guilty by association if we were hasty in commissioning them.

This isn’t about perfectionism or expecting sinlessness from leaders. Rather, it’s about recognizing that endorsing someone’s ministry creates a moral connection between their actions and our judgment. If we knowingly overlook character flaws, ignore warning signs, or fail to provide adequate preparation, we become complicit in whatever harm may result.

This then is why Paul instructs us to keep ourselves pure, which is more than moral behaviour but about clarity of judgment, good motives in decision making and taking stand against any political pressure. 

There are times throughout his letters that Paul uses strong language and this is certainly one of them.  As you read this then imagine a courtroom scene as 3 witnesses are brought forward. God the Father, Christ Jesus and the elect angels are there, heaven is watching, is this for encouragement or to challenge? Probably for both. Here comes a charge. That is the strong word Paul uses. We had better listen up because heaven is behind this charge. This is not advice. This has to happen.

“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.” – 1 Timothy 5:21

In the context of all that Paul has said. Whether that be relationships, church discipline or how leaders are cared for or held accountable, be fair, be impartial, don’t show favouritism. 

Why does it matter?

1. It reflects God’s character.

When leaders show favouritism, they misrepresent the character of the God they serve. Our leadership should mirror divine justice—fair, consistent, and righteous.

1. It protects church unity.

Favoritism breeds division, resentment, and factions within the church. When leaders treat all people with equal dignity and fairness, it fosters unity and trust.

1. It builds credibility.

Leaders who consistently demonstrate fairness earn respect and trust. Their decisions carry weight because people know they’re based on principle, not personal preference.

Living out this principle is often more difficult than it appears. We naturally gravitate toward people who are like us, who affirm us, or who can benefit us. The pressure to show favoritism can be subtle—the wealthy donor, the influential family, the charming personality, or simply someone we genuinely like.

Paul’s solemn charge reminds us that our accountability extends beyond human opinion to the throne room of heaven. The “elect angels” who witness our decisions are the same beings who rejoice when justice is served and righteousness prevails.

I think also it best reflects the values of heaven. Perhaps that’s all we need to know.