Fast forward to the time of the writing of 1 Timothy (between 60 AD and 70 AD). Paul begins chapter 6 with some instructions for slaves and masters. Don't let your knowledge of slavery in America taint your view about slavery during Paul's lifetime in the Roman Empire. During this time, as much as half of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves. Slavery wasn't based solely on race or income. Think more along the lines of the indentured servant, who worked for his master to pay off a debt. The relationships were mostly amicable and fair. In 1 Timothy 6:1, Paul emphasizes to Timothy that slaves should cooperate with their masters "so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled." There goes that Paul again, always talking about honoring God and the need for sound teaching!
Allow me to touch on the issue of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Slavery that abuses and berates human beings is despicable to God. As believers, we should do everything we can to bring justice to the oppressed because that's what Jesus would do if he were walking the earth in 2015. However, we absolutely positively cannot, CANNOT, allow our fight for the spread of social justice in the world to surpass our efforts to spread to the ends of the earth the good news of the spiritual freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Luke 4:18-19, John 8:32, 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Galatians 3:28 proclaim the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ - a spiritual freedom that has nothing to do with our social standing. As believers, we must fight fervently to bring spiritual freedom to those who are in bondage as well as take a stand for those in social bondage.
Back to the Old Testament...They entered the Promised Land, undoubtedly exhausted from 40 years of wilderness-roaming. Many had lost confidence in Moses long ago and some surely doubted his successor, Joshua as well. But as they took their first steps in the land that they'd heard so much about, I'm sure their eyes began to scope the place out. Who knows what they were looking for, but if they were anything like us, they were trying to claim the best spots for themselves. Maybe one area had more shade trees. Maybe one area had a larger water source. Maybe one had a greater view. In Joshua 14, Joshua begins to divide up the land.
And then hundreds of years later, Paul pens words that could've been written straight to the children of Israel. He warns Timothy again about all the false teachers spreading a false gospel. They are concerned about their reputations and they mistakenly think that appearing "holy" and "godly" will bring them the accolades they desire. They stir the pot, making everyone else feel inferior so that they can feel superior. "But godliness with contentment is great gain..." says Paul. All the stuff of the world- the big shade trees and the lakefront property and the hilltop views- none of it makes you more godly. In fact, when we look at all the things we wish we could have, all the things we think we need, the Bible says we fall into a snare - a trap! Abundance breeds pride. More, more, more! The more we get, the more haughty and arrogant we become. And the more we want.
Run away, Timothy! Run away, Believer! Don't fall into the trap that makes you think you need more of anything. Run to righteousness. Run to godliness. Run to faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith, which is the fight for Jesus Christ. Don't get distracted. Keep your focus.
Paul continues in 6:17 and says "As for the rich in this present age...". That's us, you know. Check this out:
Now don't believe everything you read on the Internet. I have no idea if these statistics are true, but the idea behind them proves a good point. We in America are so stinkin' rich. So don't be haughty, Paul says. The reason for your wealth? "They are to do good, to be rich in good works to be generous and ready to share..." God gives us riches so that we may bless others and give generously. Instead, we flip on HGTV and complain that our granite countertops are the wrong color and our master bathroom doesn't have a jacuzzi tub and our floors are carpet, not hard wood.
So as Joshua divided up the land for the children of Israel, one tribe didn't get a share. All the others got a plot of land to develop and work and call their own. But the Levites were left out. Why? Check out Numbers 18:20.
And the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel."
God said "I AM YOUR PORTION." God had set Aaron and the tribe of Levi apart to be his priests. They would receive all of the offerings and sacrifices that the other tribes offered to the Lord. But ultimately, God tells Aaron that He HIMSELF is his portion.
So how does Paul end his first letter to Timothy? With a blessing of grace. With instructions to guard the deposit that had been entrusted to him. With a reminder that God is his portion. It was a treasure for sure. A very precious promise.
"My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:26
In Bible Study on Wednesday night, I referenced this video. Third world citizens read common complaints of first world citizens. It is eye opening, for sure. To see the youtube video, click here: First World Problems
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