In the passage this morning, Timothy was told by Paul to tell those who are blessed with wealth to keep perspective. The church is comprised of people who are on many different levels of income and standing in the community. Several books in the New Testament address this because in the first century, as now, people tend to assign value to a person on the basis of their economic standing.

As we continue in Chapter 6, Timothy is warned not to pursue what false teachers pursue. As you remember, verses 3-10 warned of false teachers who sought power and money. They were willing to abandon the truth to personally enhance their own positions.

Don't go to church, be the church.Video 1 MeChurch http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/42/MechurchVideo 2 Is this church your home? http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/15651/Is-This-Church-Your-Home

When we come to the passage we’ll be looking into this morning, we find biblical insight as to why false teachers do what they do – at the root of it is selfish pride. False teachers are those who depart from God’s Word. This morning we see from God’s Word why they do what they do and what the consequences are for them and those who follow their teaching.

The work place is an excellent test of our faith. We will undoubtedly encounter challenges that will require us to make a split second decision about what is ethical and what best represents our Lord. Often there are personality dynamics that require grace, forgiveness, and integrity. Perhaps one of the most challenging situations is 'how do I respond to those who are in authority over me?'1 Timothy 6 addresses the issue of dealing with those in authority over us. As believers we need to act in a manner consistent with God’s Word when we have unbelieving bosses and then as we shall see, refrain from abusing our common bond in Christ with Christian bosses.

In several passages of scripture, the Word of God gives counsel concerning how the church is to view their leaders and how they should be treated.

God’s word gives sound, practical counsel as to how people in the church should view others and treat others in the community of believers.

Commitment to Biblical relationships glorifies God, edifies believers and mystifies pagans.

Have you ever been told to do something but then not been given what you need or allowed to get what you need to pull it off? It’s extremely frustrating. When God calls us to do something He will always equip us to do it. This morning we’re going to see that we all have a role in the church body. For Timothy, it was to serve as the pastor at Ephesus. However, Timothy struggles with timidity and even a lack of confidence at times. Rather than shrinking away from his calling, Paul encouraged him to give it his all. But being in the place God has called you to be and serving effectively doesn’t mean we lay back and “let go and let God”. As we’ll see this morning we need to invest ourselves in God’s Work. Where there are obstacles we need to persevere. In the text we’re considering today we’re going to see two important keys to overcoming the challenges of ministry.

As believers it is not only important that we know God's truth, but also that we live it out. This is true for all of us, but it is particularly true for leaders in the church. Paul wanted to remind young Timothy that he needed to serve the Lord by reminding others of the truth, but then practice what he preached. In order to live God's truth we need to have the right motivation to stay the course. In the text this morning, we'll see three motivations for living the truth.