the Third Week after Easter
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
1 Timothy 5:17-25; ; 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Paul continues to explain to Timothy how he ought "to behave in the house of God" (1 Timothy 3:15). Several are concerned in this vital question: God Himself – it is His house, Christ Jesus, and finally the elect angels, called to consider the wisdom of God as seen in the church (v. 21; Ephesians 3:10). Now this "manifold" wisdom must also appear in the varied details of assembly life: the responsibilities of the flock toward their elders, the behaviour of the servant of God in settling difficult cases, the instructions given to servants . . . (1 Timothy 6:1-2). How much disorder arises as soon as one is no longer subject to wholesome words – words, not of Paul or Timothy, but of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3; 1 Thessalonians 4:2-8).
Godliness with contentment is in itself gain, a great gain within the reach of all (see 1 Timothy 4:8). Our civilisation is based on the creation and satisfaction of constantly changing needs. In spite of everything, the greedy heart of man remains unsatisfied (cf. vv. 9, 10 with Psalms 49:16-20). Let us thank the Lord for guaranteeing us our needs (v. 8). We shall always be satisfied with what He gives us, if the Giver Himself (who is the great Object of godliness) fully satisfies our hearts.
