READ: 1 Timothy 6 (Focus vs. 6-12 & 17-19)
MEMORY VERSE
“We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:7
BACKGROUND
It’s common for those who are traveling overseas for the first time to pack a lot of stuff. The fear is being so far from home and needing something. But a recent article speaks of the problems of overpacking.
It advises leaving behind shampoo and hair dryers (which most hotels have) and not bringing extra shoes and books, which are bulky and heavy. The writer notes that when you wind up lugging heavy luggage over Europe’s cobblestone streets, you’ll wish you didn’t bring so much with you.
In a way, it’s an apt metaphor for the travel advice the apostle Paul provides: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).
He ties this to the problem of possessing too much: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation,” and he warns that extra baggage is “a trap” leading to “ruin and destruction” (v. 9).
People of faith have a different travel destination where all that’s needed is provided by God—“everything for our enjoyment” (v. 17).
It might be good for us today to remember that what we accumulate in life is meaningless. We can’t take it with us. By being “generous and willing to share” (v. 18), Paul says we “lay up treasure . . . for the coming age.” This is the best travel tip of all, the secret to “life that is truly life” (v. 19).
Kenneth Petersen*
INSIGHT
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he instructs him in how to deal with false teachers (1:3-4) and to teach believers in Jesus the right doctrines so they can live lives that honor Him (4:6-7). The apostle urges believers to pursue contentment to overcome greed and materialism (6:6-10).
He also warns the rich not to be proud or to trust in their wealth, but to trust only in God, who richly gives us all we need “for our enjoyment” (v. 17).
Echoing Christ’s instructions to store our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), Paul says to use our wealth “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
How might you “pack less” for eternity? What treasure might you store up for heaven?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
(Let’s) remember that what we accumulate in life is meaningless. We can’t take it with us.”
PR’s TAKE
We can have things in this life but we can’t let things have us. Pr – Adapted
Things don’t reproduce. Invest in lives, and you will get a good return for your investment. Pr
Ultimately it’s only what we do in the name of the Lord lasts.
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me to change anything unhealthy in my relationship with things and possessions. Help me to be generous with others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“TREASURES IN HEAVEN”
Have we laid up our treasures in heaven?
The land where no moth shall consume,
No beautiful links shall be riven,
No frost blight the lily’s fair bloom.
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Never to perish, nor fade away;
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Are we laying up treasures today?
Have we laid up our treasures by caring
For those who are lonely and sad?
Each gift and each happiness sharing,
To make others grateful and glad.
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Never to perish, nor fade away…
Have we laid up our treasures by trusting
The Father, whose help is no nigh?
Our lives to his counsel adjusting,
And serving the Master on high?
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Never to perish, nor fade away…
Have we laid up our treasures in heaven,
Rich treasures of faith, hope and love?
If so, what bright stars shall be given,
What blessings await us above!
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Never to perish, nor fade away;
Wonderful treasures, heavenly pleasures,
Are we laying up treasures today?
