Early in the history of man, God recognizes the ability of man to accumulate wealth. God instituted tithing as a tangible way for man to practice stewardship. Tithing is the practice in which a man must start recognizing his God-given blessings. Jesus did not set aside the practice of tithing, but gave the warning that it is hard for a man who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. Paul added to this by saying, "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." We are also warned that "the love of money is the root of all evil." Our heart is with our affection. The person who has his affection on money cannot love God with all his heart, nor will he be a faithful steward of what he does possess. His love for money will take him away from God.

1Tim 6:1-2--- Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor,that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren, but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

The ordinary treatment of these verses would not require that it be related to stewardship. But think of it in such relationship, and a truth in keeping the topic emerges quite clearly.

The Christian slave is exhorted to render service worthy of God and Christian doctrine and not to take advantage of the fact that the master is a Christian. A great triangle is implied. At the base angles are the slaves and master. Above and uniting each of them is God. So the concern of the slave is not the relaxing of the vigor or efficiency of his life,but the service rendered as unto God. This is where stewardship begins---ON THE JOB.

There is little point of piously giving our tithe if we have defrauded in our employment. Our being stewards begin in our relationship with people we meet and talk to everyday.

What of the master? Has he no obligations? Those who are "faithful and beloved" will regard their possessions as God's, including slaves. The relationship would naturally ripen in a proper regard for personality as distinct from things. From this would arise a sense of obligation for the material as well as the spiritual well being of the slaves. There would also be a recognition of the fact that wealth per se does not make for contentment. Both master and slave ultimately find their contentment at the same eternal spring.

In verses 3-5 The apostles appeal is to the teaching of our Lord and to the doctine of godliness. Any other teaching is self centered. Anything self centered is ultimately destructive. Bad teaching often arises from self centered individual. Paul says such a man is "proud". Such man are full of conceit. They seek to secure a following by argument and contention. They disturb the peace.

1Tim 6:6-8---But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Paul argues that godliness with contentment is a great gain. His claim is simply this: "We brought nothing into this world, we must leave empty handed, therefore having the essential provision of food and raiment we should be content." Beginning with nothing, having found salvation through Christ (godliness)and being content with life's necessities brings great gain.

True contentment is a state of deep satisfaction. The person who displays this trait is often the subject of justifiable envy. Few people, living in the complexity of the present age, appear able to accept such simple formula for material satisfaction. It bears emphasizing, however,that contentment has more to do with godliness than with material display. How hard the lesson that riches never make for satisfaction!!! The happy rich man, in most cases, would also be happy if he were poor. Some of God's servants have found contentment even in deprivation. Paul often hungered and had insufficient clothing (2Cor 11:23-28); Jeremiah was an outcast; Job lost even his family and friends, yet was content with God. The bond between riches and happiness is more myth than fact.

1Tim 6:9-10--- But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

One thing common to all man is the setting of goals. Some, despite the advice of man even of Paul's stature, determined that riches should be theirs. They were not yet rich; but they desire to be. Paul speaks to them, wisely, warning that they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Setting riches as a goal can only mean that one is not free to pursue the higher more coveted goal of godliness. It is the desire, not the riches that proves the obstacle. "For the love of money is the root of all evil". A root is that which anchors and is the source of life. When the love of anything replaces the love of God, one's salvation is jeopardized. When love for God is displaced as the sharpest desire and drive of one's life, trouble sets in. Riches is an obvious choice. It is elemental. It certainly would rarely be the thoughtful person's choice. The greed for riches leads to various and sundry evils(V17). Greed for riches shows no respect for others, their properties, or their rights. Paul discloses in this discourse that some had already illustrated the pattern. They erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Their salvation was lost, and unhappiness was their lot. The temptation were too great.

1Tim 6:11-12--- But thou, O man of God flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Particularly for the Lord's servant, the man of God, the course is one of turning from material temptation to the weightier life of spiritual example. It is not sufficient simply to deny riches, but one is to establish a higher goals(righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness) as well.

And the choice is not an easy one. It is a battle. Fight the good fight of faith. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. And unless the enemy is engaged in battle and defeated there is no alternate way to lay hold on eternal life. It is a public battle. God's servant renounces material goals, and it is known of men. His is a good profession before many witnesses.

We are mere stewards....of possessions....whatever we have now belongs to God... material possessions, talents, ability even our life belongs to God. Whatever we have done or how we handled the things that are given to us temporarily...we will give account to God. Are we ready to give account? [ The End ]