Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.

Today, we study the Book of 1 Timothy chapter 6.

6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke (or, "let all those who are under the yoke as slaves"): This gives instructions to slaves of unbelieving masters, while verse 2 instructs slaves under Christian masters. The name of God refers to His reputation.

6:2 Christianity creates equality of standing before God. Because some believing slaves felt there should also be social equality, they despised their Christian masters. Christians slaves are not to despise their believing masters; rather do them service [but serve them all the better]. Because they are faithful, and so on, may be translated, "Because those who partake of this good service [the slaves' fine work] are believers and dear to God." The phrase these things refers to the contents of this epistle. Timothy is to teach (explain the letter's truths to the church) and exhort (urge the people to comply with Paul's instructions).

6:3 Consent not means that one does not agree with or adhere to. Wholesome words are teaching that are sound (correct) and promote spiritual health. Doctrine which is according to godliness is doctrine that is in accord with, and leads to, godliness.

6:4, 5 These verses may be rendered, "He is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a morbid interest about controversies and disputes over words, from which come envy, strife, defamation, evil suspicions, constant irritations between men who are morally corrupt in thinking, bereft of the truth, and who suppose that godliness is a means of financial profit."

6:7 And it is certain we can carry nothing out (or, "because we are unable to carry anything out"): Man enters the world at birth possessing nothing, in order to teach him that he will exit the world in the same manner--taking nothing with him. This is a divine means of showing man that material wealth is relatively insignificant, he should pursue the important things mentioned in verse 11.

6:8 This verse prevents the wrong understanding of verse 7, that material possessions have no place in the Christian's life. By figure of speech food and raiment stand for all of life's basic necessities. These are all the believer needs, and having these he can be content.

6:9 They that will be rich are those whose ambition is to be rich.

6:10 The root of all evil means a root or source of all kinds of evil. The love for money is not the only source from which evils come. Coveted after means that some have "striven after" money as the goal of life.

6:11 Flee these things means shun a love for money (verse 10) and the striving for material wealth (verse 9) with all its resulting woes. Follow after means pursue. Righteousness is practical correctness, conforming to God's will in one's thinking and acting. Godliness is proper reverence for, and obedience to, God. Faith is a trust in God that grows stronger. Love is a maturing affection for God and man. Patience is perseverance or steadfastness in life and service. Meekness is gentleness.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor