A note from our Pastor:

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

1 Timothy 6:11

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week continues with the Apostle Paul’s focus on avoiding greed. He has previously written that the child of God should find contentment in having food, clothing, and shelter. In the immediate prior verse, he told his readers that the love of money causes all forms of evil actions. Throughout this teaching, the Apostle is focused on believers seeking after the things of God.

In our study verse, the Apostle turns his attention and message squarely to Timothy. That is not to say the message is not relevant to other believers. But the opening of this verse is stark in how directly it is pointed at Timothy. Timothy had been left to be the chief minister for the churches in Ephesus. Ephesus was a wealthy city and, thus, the congregation had the potential to be wealthy as well.

Timothy is advised to avoid seeking material wealth. He should also avoid situations where church teachings create strife or stray from Christ’s teachings. This instruction holds true for all ministers in any age. It should be carefully watched for in both direct and indirect actions and teachings.

After telling Timothy what to avoid, the Apostle identifies specific things he should seek after. Those items are righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. The first two items in the list are broad brush strokes. To seek after righteousness and godliness cannot be limited to the work within the congregation. Rather, it has to be in every action on a daily basis. In other words, the Apostle was instructing Timothy that he had to hold moral authority. The community should know that he prioritizes God’s moral standards. He chooses these over what is popular in the secular world.

The remaining four items — faith, love, patience, and meekness — are also to be implied in all aspects of life but they are specific things to pursue. To seek after faith is to remind others of the things hoped for in this life. To tell them of the completed and accomplished work of Christ. To seek after love and patience means meeting people where they are. You love them for who they are. You patiently walk with them as they find their faith. Finally, to walk with meekness was a very important instruction for one who had so much authority. No matter the era or circumstance, those with authority are tempted to see themselves lifted up. The Apostle was reminding Timothy that with authority meekness as a deliberate action was all the more important.

The words in this verse were directly written to Timothy by his father in the ministry. But they are also guiding words for ministers and others today.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah