BY: Jenny Barthow
DATE: Sunday 24 July 2022
BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
1 Timothy (Chapter 6, verse 11)
1 Timothy (Chapter 6, verses 2-10)
EXCERT:
In an age of freedom, do we ever need to run away from anything? How do we decide? Listen to some ancient wisdom as a father figure instructs his protege about what to avoid at all costs. Paul urges Timothy to run away from…
- Always being a Contrarian – Paul urges Timothy to avoid false teaching, unhealthy controversies & quarrels (v2-5)
- Always being a Consumer – Paul reminds Timothy that wanting to get rich leads to a whole host of problems (v6-10)
Both of these attitudes are about ME. A ‘contrarian’ attitude argues about everything, because they simply want to show how impressive they are. Of course, exploring the truth is important and to be encouraged. And yet, in a connected world of conspiracy and controversy, the temptation is always there to embrace radical new ideas that have little foundation but seem attractive because they are contrary to everything else. Paul reminds Timothy to run away from this desire that simply divides. And a ‘consumer’ attitude simply wants to get rich, whatever the cost. Paul reminds Timothy that living like that – rather than being content with what you have – ends up costing far more than we realise.
Bible Study Questions
Over the summer we invite you to use the below questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk. Ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.
#1
Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?
#2
Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?
#3
RESPONSE QUESTION. As a result of the talk, what:
a. Changes do you want to see?
b. Truths do you need to remember?
c. Actions do you need to take?
