Verses 1-2
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This passage, today, speaks to employees and employers. The reason why it's so important to serve and respect your employer, as a believer, is because you will bring dishonor on the name of Jesus if you, as a follower of Jesus, behave dishonorably.
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See Titus 2:5 for another example of this.
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Remember that, as a representative of Christ, your conduct has the power to influence what people think about Christ. Keep your conduct honorable!
Verses 3-5
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Focus on Scripture (which comes from Christ), and the conversations that benefit a person's growth in becoming more like Christ.
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But mark and avoid people who claim to be godly or spiritual, and yet do not listen to Scripture and only cause arguments
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See teaching on 1 Timothy 1 for additional details.
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Verses 6-10, 17-19
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Verses 6-10. In God's eyes, a person with a truly rich life is one who is godly in character and content with basic necessities.
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Pursue these things. Focus on being Christ-like and content with basic necessities.
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Don't desire to be wealthy for your own luxury or self-gratification. This leads to all kinds of evil.
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Verses 17-19. However, beyond basic necessities, it is good to have a surplus of money, if you use it correctly.
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Simply use your leftover wealth to give generously to others; have “an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). This will fend off greed and materialism.
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Verse 19. Store up money for the service of others (and the kingdom), and you will be storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20-21). This will allow you to have money without letting it take your focus off of eternal life.
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Conclusion? Have money! For yourself, be content with a simple life. For others, have a lot to give and give a lot!
Verses 11-16
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Run from greed and materialism, develop Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22), and stay focused on the things that matter for eternity.
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Our lives are witnessed by God. Knowing how great God is, be serious about obedience to Him; make it your goal to follow the Word without sinning at all!
Verses 20-21
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Protect the gospel—and protect people from hearing harmful information—by avoiding useless talk.
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Keep things biblical! “Do not think beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6).
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Without this careful attention, people go astray.
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