Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

 1 Timothy 6:1-23

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.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

V1-2: as Christians, slaves are free people - but they are not to drag Christ's name in the mud by turning on their masters.

v3-21 Fight the good fight of faith: The subject of false teaching comes up yet again V3-5 gives us a none-too-happy picture of what Timothy had to contend within the church: questions, arguments, and endless disputes. The superior 'knowledge' claimed by these people soon grew into the full-scale heresy of 'Gnosticism', whose initiates felt free to discard some of the cardinal Christian truths, including the fact that Christ was truly human.

Some see religion as a road to riches. And Christians are rich - though not in money. Money is not wrong in itself, but the craving for money leads to all kinds of evil. "Rich Christians" count their wealth in terms of generous sharing, and well done to others.

As someone 'dedicated to God', Timothy will steer clear of the pitfalls of money. Faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness are his goals in the 'good fight of faith'. One day Jesus will return in glory; life is to be lived in the light of that fact.

Why?

To be a Christian is not to get more money, but because of the faith and blessing from the Lord, Christians could be live better than others for we are pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

How?

Keep our faith in Jesus Christ and be godliness with contentment is great gain.