Exploring the Scripture
In the verses before today’s lection, Paul asserts that anyone teaching something other than the words of Jesus is conceited and promotes controversy. False teachings lead to envy, arguments, and seeking “godliness [as] a means [of] gain,” or religion for profit (v. 5). Our lection begins by affirming that godliness does lead to gain—spiritual gain—but only if one is self-sufficient and content with a simple, selfless lifestyle. The following instructions intend to help disciples live in the proper relation to wealth and work toward a Christian lifestyle in the here and now.
Those who yearn for riches are never content. “…the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (v. 10). Money itself is not condemned. Rather, Paul condemns the love of money. When chasing riches becomes the center of existence, it is idolatry. Wealth beyond basic food and clothing has little value to satisfy.
Those with wealth are to recognize God as the source of riches. They are to “do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share” (v. 18). Early Christians, like their Jewish predecessors, understood wealth as a blessing to the community, not the individual. Generosity promoted the enjoyment of a “life that really is life” (v. 19). Those who squandered their riches on themselves, without providing for the poor, the widows, and those less fortunate, were misusing God’s bounty.
The faithful seek “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” (v. 11), which form the essence of eternal life. We are called to live a Christian lifestyle, confessing Christ before witnesses, just as Jesus held true to his proclamation of God’s kingdom in the court of Pilate. Paul challenges his hearers to stay faithful and true until Christ’s return, which will occur in God’s time.
Jesus alone “has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light” (v. 16). The Greeks understood immortality included existence from the beginning of creation through the end of time. Christians believed only Christ was immortal, living in God’s light from the beginning to the end of the ages.
Humans are not immortal. God grants eternal life, not immortality. Eternal life includes existence with the Divine after death. But more importantly, it is a quality of divinely living the faithful embrace in the here and now. Eternal life begins with the coming of Christ and transforms the present reality through generosity and service to others.
Life as a disciple is a whole-life dedication of mind, body, and spirit to the ways of Jesus Christ. Paul clarifies that this is not an easy life but requires discipline, vigilance, and constant effort, like a warrior fighting a good fight for a good cause. Serving others, fostering community (including the marginalized), and making time for prayer, meditation, and worship are the characteristics of true life that lead to inner peace and contentment. Such is the life we embraced when we confessed Christ as Lord and covenanted with him in baptism.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- The love of money for its own sake is idolatry.
- Those with wealth are to bless the community generously.
- God grants eternal life, not immortality.
- Eternal life is a God-centered life that serves others, enriches the community, and provides peace and security.
Questions to Consider
- When are you tempted to use your financial resources selfishly? How do you deal with the temptation?
- How does your congregation use its wealth to bless the community?
- When have you experienced eternal life amid your daily existence? What can you do to increase the frequency of living eternally?
- What metaphor from your life could you substitute for the phrase, “fight the good fight of the faith”?