1 Timothy 6:2–5
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 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 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 6:2–5 (NIV)
Amos and the verse I was assigned for my devotion didn’t “speak to me”, but Timothy eventually did. :) The beginning of the Bible verse above, These are the things you are to teach and insist on, is the end of Verse 2: I thought it important to include the beginning of verse 2 to identify “the things we are to teach and insist on.”
2. 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. 2 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.
A recent sermon series “Problem Passages” at The Table Community Church where Jane and I attend, addressed specific Bible passages, with our Pastor’s views on clarifying the “problem” in the passage. Two of these Problem Passages were:
Is there a sin that is unpardonable? 1 John 5:16
Am I really supposed to hate my parents? Luke 14:25 & 26
Based on Pastor Bill’s sermons addressing these “Problem Passages,” he spoke on some of the customs and ways of life during Biblical times. Although 1 Timothy was not part of the sermon series, I consider it a “Problem Passage.” For insight on slavery, relative to 1 Timothy 6:2 Wikipedia states:
“Many of the patriarchs portrayed in the Bible were from the upper echelons of society, owned slaves, enslaved those in debt to them, and consistently enslaved foreign men to work on their fields. Masters were usually men, but the Bible portrays upper-class women from Sarah to Esther and Judith with their enslaved maids.”
Basically, individuals, including those who were looked favorably upon by God, owned slaves, which was an acceptable practice. That leads me to wonder, if I should be considered “conceited and understand nothing, and have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind,” since I have a difficult time understanding and believing why the practice of slavery was ever acceptable and why 1 Timothy 2 is a “godly teaching.”
In effect, when having discussions with others who have differing views about “Problem Passages” I should embody the same grace Jesus showed, focusing on love, understanding, and supporting individuals as we explore our faith.
Questions for Reflection:
- Is godly teaching referring to the Old Testament teachings of “the Law?”
- How are we to “reconcile” the teachings of “the Law” to the “sound instruction of Jesus Christ?”
- Have you had discussions about “Problem Passages” in the Bible?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray for your guidance in my efforts to follow your sound instruction, especially with “Problem Passages” in the Bible. Help me to speak with gentleness and respect when discussing these passages with others, including fellow believers. Where I have questions, I pray that I will study Your Word and pray for answers.
In Your name I pray.
Amen.
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