Paul begins by talking about slaves (v1) – “Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.”
Slavery was commonplace in the Roman Empire; some were privileged and some abused. The Bible does not condone slavery as such, especially the latter category. Of course, when we talk about slaves, our first thoughts are for those who taken unwillingly and forced into labour. In fact, most people in employment, even today, are, in effect slaves, but most are treated well, sadly, some not so well. Some I know, particularly from other countries, were actually slaves, but treated very well, in fact, they were better off as slaves, they were well cared for and provided for.
Paul calls for those who are bond servants or slaves to respect their owners and serve them well. This was so that God would be glorified. All those in employment should work well as if they were working for the Lord. No matter who we work for and in what circumstances we must respect our employers and work well and remember that we are serving the Lord.
In Colossians 2:22-24 Paul make this clear, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
The Bible does not command slavery but permitted it. There is no call for revolution against it, but the gospel calls for transformation and both slave and owner would be changed by it. It was not uncommon for master and slave to attend church together, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. There could even be situations where a slave was an elder and the master a member of the congregation. A reversal of roles if you like but one which would glorify God and even do away with slavery.
Whatever our situation we should witness well for the Lord and point others to Him, rather than bringing disgrace on His name.
An interesting thought in v2 – “And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”
Paul considered that he had to mention those with masters who were believers. Why should there be a difference? It is possible that the slave might think that the Christian master shouldn’t be strict and should easier on them. Submission is still required, in fact, the slave should be more committed to serve their Christian master as a brother in the Lord. We should not expect special treatment because we are fellow believers. God’s will is for some to be masters and some to followers.
In Exodus 21 God gave instructions to Moses based upon the Ten Commandments which He had just given. God gave Moses further laws based upon the Ten given in the previous chapter. They covered a large number of subjects and Moses was to set these before the people (v1). These laws were also for the judges who Moses had appointed, and it covered the guidelines with which they were to carry out their judicial roles. God’s law is the basis for good and peaceful living and if we carried them out to the letter the world would be a better place, but sadly, we don’t, and it isn’t and that’s why Jesus had to come to be our Saviour. We are still fighting many of the injustices which these laws were given to eradicate.
God starts with the treatment of servants and slaves (v2-4). It is not surprising because that’s how He began the Ten Commandments – Exodus 20 v 2 – “I am The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” God had brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses did not institute slavery. It was in existence long before and God was in the process of eliminating it. God was showing them that everyone deserved respect and should be treated well. In a way all of us are servants and should treated with respect. The Bible accepts this, but it is clear that even slaves were to be treated well and so well that slaves would be loyal to their owners and employers and even commit themselves to service when given the opportunity to go free. Many of these slaves were not treated badly as we would imagine the term ‘slavery’. The idea of ‘human trafficking’ was not contemplated in the Bible. There was usually a very good reason for entering into ‘slavery’.
As I mentioned earlier, I know friends in some countries who had ‘slaves’ or ‘servants’ who were treated very well, even part of the family, paid well, given free board and provisions, respected and were more than happy to have a home and a job. Of course there would be exceptions.
“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.” (2-4)
These verses indicate that the position was not necessarily permanent. On the seventh year (year of jubilee) they could go free and take their wife with them if they were married when they arrived. If the master had provided the man with a wife after he arrived, and they had children, he had to leave alone. They had to stay with the master because they were his property until they had competed their obligation or been redeemed.
Various commentators suggest that this ‘slavery’ was really ‘covenanted labour’ or ‘indentured labour’ or even like a modern apprenticeship and was nothing like the slavery amongst other nations. It was never forced labour for life!
We then came to an amazing ceremony in verses 5 and 6 where the servant had a choice to leave or to stay. This was motivated by love for his master. This showed that many of them were very well treated. If, after six years, he wanted to stay and said that he loved his master, his wife and children, his master was to bring him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. This would indicate that the servant wanted to serve his master forever. He was not forced to say this, he was to say it ‘plainly’ which I take to mean, openly and freely out of love for his master.
One could say that the awl piercing his ear was like the nails piercing our Saviour. He, too, did it out of love for His Father and us. It also is a picture of us committing ourselves to the service of our Master, The Lord Jesus Christ, for ever.
We then come to the rights of a female slave sold by her father to a master with a view to marriage (v7-11). If she does not meet with her master’s approval, he must let her be redeemed. If the master didn’t marry her or didn’t give her to his son, he still had to treat her right. He must not deprive her of proper food or rights; she was to be treated more like a daughter. If the master failed to provide proper food, clothing, or marriage rights, he must let her go free without payment. He could not keep her as a slave if she wanted to go and be redeemed by someone else. He cannot sell her to another master. God was making amazing protections for such a female, unlike that of a slave.
Timothy was to teach these things and exhort people to obey them.
Warren Wiersbe relates the story of a young lady who had left a secular job to work for a Christian organisation. She had been there about a month and was really disillusioned. “I thought it was going to be heaven on earth,” she complained. “Instead, there are nothing but problems.” Wiersbe asked her if she was working just as hard for her new boss as she did in the secular job. The look on her face said, “No!” So, Wiersbe told her, “Try working harder, and show your boss real respect. Just because all of you in the office are saved doesn’t mean you can do less than your best.” She took his advice and the problems cleared up.
From slaves and servants, Paul moves to instructions about riches and wealth and to how we should live when we have such. These things, and everything else are governed by our attitude which leads to contentment and godliness. He begins by reminding Timothy about the truth of God’s word, both teaching it and practicing it. Failing to do so means that such a person exhibits pride and, “…. knows nothing but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” (v3-5)
These descriptions are not the best sounding words like obsessed with disputes over words, envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings corrupt and destitute. Such words are far from good, and certainly not encouraging towards godliness. They ‘suppose that godliness is a means of gain’. This is characteristic of those who misuse God’s truth. Their interest in the things of God is motivated by desire for wealth and comfort, and not for God’s glory.
There is also a severe warning, “if anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing,” (v3-5)
Not all false teaching is done from the platform, much is done in private conversations, and I understand that the wording of the warning includes both. It must be scriptural, namely sound doctrine. Writing to Titus (2:1-10), Paul refers to sound doctrine, and it is not deep theological stuff, but practical living, how we treat one another, and how we behave.
Paul warned against those who promote their own ideas and oppose the Word of God, even the words of Jesus Christ himself. There are several ways of opposing God’s Word – denying it, ignoring it, twisting it, and explaining it away. Many express an interest in God’s Word but do not obey it. Those who misuse God’s Word in any way Paul describes as those knowing nothing. He also refers to it as pride that their ideas are more important than the Word of God. These people are obsessed with disputes and arguments and useless wranglings. There is nothing wrong with asking questions in a genuine desire to know more and understand better God’s Word where there is growing in the knowledge of God, but where it is wrong is when there is envy, strife, reviling and evil suspicions, which lead to divisions and discontent. He goes even further by stating that these imposters are in it for the wrong reason – they suppose that godliness is a means of gain. They are in it for the money and I’m sorry to say that there many today who are doing just that. It is often known as Prosperity Gospel. They even go further by saying that everything will go well, no problems with cash, health or generally in life if you follow Christ. However, Jesus said that in the world you will have tribulations, and wrong teaching fails to prepare people for difficulties. The important thing is the glory of God.
This is so serious for the future of the church, Paul warns Timothy that he must “From such withdraw yourself”. These were dangerouspeople and should be avoided.
He then came to the true gain of godliness – “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (v6) Paul was not saying that there was no gain in godliness, but that it wasn’t material gain, it doesn’t come from possessions. In fact, there is great gain from a contentment in God. He is our all-sufficiency, and it doesn’t depend on our circumstances.
Paul testifies to this in Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Now there is nothing intrinsically wrong with possessions, but the way we rely upon them. We live in a consumer culture where we are told that we cannot manage with certain things. Obviously, some things are necessary to live, but the danger is that we idolise them. True contentment only comes by trusting in God, things which are eternal. Fame and fortune are temporary. People try to fill their needs with things, but our needs can only be met by a relationship with the living God. We used to sing many years ago, ‘This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.’
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (v7,8)
Someone has said that a baby brings no money into the world and even has no pockets to put it in. We can take nothing out with us when we die. We can prepare for death with insurance etc., but it is those who are left that benefit from it, we don’t. It is good that we use our resources for good whilst we are here. A millionaire dies exactly the same as the pauper, the millionaire might have a lavish funeral, but he doesn’t enjoy it.
People want more and more things in an effort to get satisfaction, but as used to be said in our house, ‘much wants more.’ The only true contentment is in Christ and that is eternal. So, perhaps in a way, we can take that with us, although it will be far better when we are with Him forever. Food and clothing should be enough for us here as basic needs.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (v9,10)
The desire to become rich is more dangerous than the riches themselves. The Bible does not condemn being rich. There were many people in the bible who were rich – Abraham, David, Solomon.
Some years ago, there was a popular song, ‘Money is the root of all evil, take it away….’ How people misquote verses from the Bible! This is one of the most misquoted. The most important phrase is missing- ‘the love of money….’ (v10)
Most commentators and modern versions translate the word ‘the’ as ‘a’, indicating that ‘the love of money is a root….’ Or one of several roots. Whilst the love of money is a great danger in that it is a root of all kinds of evil; many evils are not the product of the love of money. There are many other causes like greed, lust, hatred etc, but even some of those stem from a love of money.
The Bible does not say that money is evil or sinful, but it does warn of the dangers that come as a result of our loved Ngole it. We must be very careful what we do with it, and how much importance we attach to it. You’ve heard the saying – Money talks – sometimes it tells lies.
Verse 9 tells us three things about people who want to get rich –
- Fall not temptation. Being tempted is not sin, it is yielding to it is. Anyone who deliberately puts themselves in the way of temptation is a fool. At least four times the Bible says that we should ‘Watch and pray that do not enter into temptation.’ All temptation comes from the devil; he even tempted Jesus. James 1:13-15 states, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged and enticed. Then after the desire has conceived it gives birth to sin, and sin, to death.”
- Into a snare – a trap. What is the purpose of a trap? It is device for catching and holding an animal, often killing its victims. It is no fun being caught in a trap. It has been said that some people will do anything for money! How true that is.
There is the debt trap – often because we want something NOW. Buy now, pay later syndrome. We get things even though we cannot afford them and subsequently we fall into a trap.
There is the keeping up with the Jones’ trap – wanting what someone else as; the spending trap, often compulsive spending; the poverty trap. There are several causes of poverty. There are those who are poor through no fault of their own. They are born into it, or because of the evil deeds of others, like someone stealing what they have.
The Bible recognises and warns that our attitude to riches can lead to poverty -Proverbs 6:11 laziness – “So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.” Proverbs 28:19 “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!”
Proverbs 11:24, selfishness – “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.” Proverbs 28:22, “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.”
Proverbs 13:18 – lack of self-discipline – “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honoured.”
Proverbs 21:5 – warnings against those who want to make a quick buck, “The plans of the diligentleadsurely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”
Proverbs 22:16 – the get rich at all costs – “He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:6 “Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.”
These are few traps that await those who have a love of money and who have a burning desire to get rich.
- Not only do these people fall into temptation and a trap but also, “…. into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Because of which, “some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Some years ago (1992) the then Government Home Secretary, Kenneth Baker, when publishing the White Paper setting up the National Lottery said that this would improve the quality of life. How misguided he, and thousands of others are. At present Italy has the largest gambling industry in Europe, followed closely second by Britain grossing in 2023 at over £15 Billion. China is the largest in the world.
And yet people say they have no money! It is sad to see that many families are in abject poverty because their limited income is blown on gambling, drink, and drugs. All to often stories end in sadness where people could not cope with their new-found wealth made from gambling – marriage breakup and other tragedies. Many have stated that they wish they never had won it.
Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.” This verse highlights that money obtained through unethical means (like get-rich-quick schemes) will disappear,
After the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the soldiers were bribed (Matthew 28:12-15) “When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
Can you imagine soldiers admitting that whilst on guard of the most notable body they had ever been called upon to guard, even with Pilate’s seal on it, that they fell asleep and allowed some frightened disciples, who had previously virtually all run away, to move a great stone and steal a mummified body without one of them waking up in the commotion. Sounds ludicrous, but they accepted the bribe. I doubt if they would ever be employed as guards again. They would never be able to tell the truth because if they did, they risked their lives at the hands of those who had Jesus crucified, as they were ruthless and thoroughly untrustworthy. They were evidently paid enough. Money talks! Those self-same chided priests showed their character when Judas tried to give the money back, when he said, “I have betrayed innocent blood”. They weren’t interested in remorseful confessions, they didn’t care.
Later in Acts 5:2 we read of Ananias and Sapphira who lied about the amount of the sale of their land and what they were giving to the Apostles. They eventually dropped down dead. The lesson is there for us all to be honest in all that we do with our money and possessions.
How right the Bible is – ruin and destruction come as a result of us being lovers of money. Paul mentions it again in the second letter to Timothy 3:1,2,4,5 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money….” “… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
Money cannot buy: – peace of heart or mind, satisfaction, peace with God, wisdom, eternal life, or a home in heaven.
Proverbs 23:5 “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”
The writer of Ecclesiastes 1:3 states, “What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?” Or “All man’s labour has no profit in the end of this earthly life.” If all our labour is purely for this life, then it is vain. We are going to a place (those who have trusted in Christ Jesus for salvation) where there is no need for the sun, for “The Lamb is the light”. No point in labouring for earthly rewards, but rather, to lay up treasure in heaven. We can only lay up treasure in heaven if we know we are going there. All are not going to heaven, contrary to public opinion. If all are going to heaven, Jesus need not have died.
Before we leave the subject of riches and money, we jump to v17-19 where Paul has a final word to those who are
rich. He says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but
in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on
eternal life.”
He begins with the problem of pride, which is a grave danger with riches, where those who have riches look down on
those who have not or have less. Another danger is to trust in riches which are uncertain rather than to trust in God
who is absolutely certain. God gives us richly all things to enjoy. Those who have riches should do good and be ready
to give.
When we give, we give firstly to the Lord, not because we have to, there is no compulsion. Much is said about tithing, especially in certain circles, particularly those who are involved in the Prosperity Gospel and certain denominations. Sadly, they are seeking to feather their own nests, in my opinion, and using the argument that we will get money (riches) back the more we give. They are twisting the Scriptures for their own ends. I’ve heard of many in severe poverty who have been caught up in this idea, whilst the recipients of their money, wallow in opulence.
The tithe was commanded by God under the law. The twelve tribes of Israel were God’s chosen people and they were to sustain each other. More particularly, the Levites were to serve God and the people and did not have an inheritance like the other eleven tribes, therefore, the eleven tribes were to give a tenth to sustain the Levites. When we come to the New Testament, we are still urged to give, but to give, not under compulsion, but cheerfully and as we purpose in our hearts, and generously (see 2 Corinthians 9). I suppose that if a tenth was good enough for God, it should be for us.
We give because God has made us that way. By giving we cease to rely on riches. God doesn’t need our riches, but we need to give and share. Rather than holding on to our riches, which at best are temporary, it is more important that we ‘lay hold on eternal life’.
One who does good with his resources and is a giver, will keep from relying on what he has and trusting in uncertain riches which are temporary and not eternal.
Back to verses 11-16 Paul shows what rue riches are
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”
This is like a Benediction. It is an earnest prayer or plea on behalf of Paul to Timothy but not only to Timothy but to us. Paul refers to Timothy as ‘man of God’. What a calling! He was to fulfil his ministry as such and to show this by being different from those who lived for riches and material wealth. He then uses strong words – ‘flee’, runaway, avoid at all costs. He was to flee from those who misuse God’s Word and tell us to follow God for what we can get out of it. Rather, to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. This is not only for Timothy, but for we who would be men and women of God.
Fight the good fight of faith – not following the world will not be easy, we have to fight as in a battle. Totally committed to God’s way. To be a soldier means commitment to the cause, determined until we have the victory. The victory is assured because Christ has won and we are in his army, but that doesn’t mean that everything will be fine in this life. It requires a battle.
I only arrived towards the end of WW2, but we hear of lots of heroic battles. Lots of stories of those who enlisted, even underage, to fight for us against the enemy, whatever the cost. Many gave their lives. There have been so many heroes, battling against all odds. We are similarly called to fight the good fight of faith.
A soldier is of no use if not committed to the cause. We are to show our good confession in the presence of those looking on as witnesses. Timothy’s battle would not be easy, as we have seen in earlier chapters, neither is ours, but we are on the right side, because God gives life, and He is watching us too.
God gave life at creation and new life through the cross of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross bring us this life. He went through agony to do it, and He witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate. He stood for the truth whatever the cost. He was silent many times when falsehood and lies were put to Him, but He spoke the truth when appropriate. He told Pilate that he would have no power over Him unless given by God, and that He was voluntarily laying down His life.
Paul reminded Timothy who his leader was, the King of kings and Lord of lords, alone having immortality, unapproachable light, unseen by man, worthy of honour and power, not temporary but everlasting. No-one compares with Him. Amen – what else can we say but amen, I agree, so be it?
What greater army do we fight in? The fight of faith. We may not be able to win every battle here, but we look to life eternal. Our leader is the Lord Jesus Christ and He is the victor. We have something special to look forward to – Jesus will return in victory. The trials of this world will be over, and we shall be with Him for ever. He will come, not when we expect Him, but in His own time, and we must be ready for His coming. We are called to face the foe, but he is a defeated foe.
Paul’s final charge to Timothy, “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. (v20,21)
Paul shows his great affection for and trust in Timothy, but he knew of the dangers which he faced. He urged him to guard what had been committed to his trust what had been given to him by God. This was the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the truth. On the other hand, he was to avoid the vain babblings which come from men, full of contradictions and idle talk and to distinguish between the two. The idle babblings full of contradictions have caused many to stray from the faith, all the more reason why a man or woman of God should guard the trust given to us.
Timothy, as do all of us, need the grace of God, Amen.
