READ: Jeremiah 47,48; Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Timothy 6
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6: 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.
OBSERVATION: “Money makes many things” is a popular saying. Some people wrongly
think that they can buy anything with money. Some Christians misunderstand
money itself as an evil thing. Here, Paul writes against false teachers who are
“people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and think that
godliness is a means to financial gain” (v.3-5). False teachers have false
motives; they will twist the truth and do anything for their gain. It is so
with those who go after money, with the love of money. A philosopher says, “Money is a great
servant but a bad master.” When money starts to control our lives, when the
love of money drives us, it becomes a root of all kinds of evil. John MacArthur
explains, “It is hard to imagine a sin that has not been committed for love of
money. Such love causes people to indulge themselves, show off, distort
justice, take advantage of the poor, lie, cheat, steal, and murder.” In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us, “No
one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money” (Mt.6:24).
The love of money
leads people to material greed. It never allows them to be happy with what they
have. Paul says, “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith
and pierced themselves with many griefs.” In verse 9, Paul gives us a picture
of the gradual decline and destruction of a person who goes after wealth. The bible says a greedy person will not
inherit the kingdom of God ( 1 Cor.6:10, Eph.5:5). We Christians should flee
from ungodliness and pursue what is appropriate for us (v.11). The Bible warns
us to flee from idolatry, sexual immorality, love of money, and youthful lusts
(1 Cor.6. 18; 10:14; 1 Tim.6:10; 2
Tim.2:22). For us, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (v.6).
APPLICATION: The Bible teaches against the love of money, not
against money. A Christian cannot serve God and money simultaneously. When I go
after money, I stop following Christ and living by his word. As a Christian, I
must flee from the love of money. I should pursue “righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, endurance, and gentleness,” for they have eternal value. God gives
me all that I need, not just money (Ps.23:1). I should remember the God who gives
me the ability to produce wealth (Deut.8:18).
I should use it wisely to store treasures in heaven (1 Tim.6:17-19).
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for giving my daily bread and
providing for all my needs according to the richness of your glory. Lord, give
me your wisdom to be wise in money matters. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 301
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