Paul is winding down his letter to “Pastor Timothy” and because, in a way, he’s passing the torch to him, he’s challenging him as a “man of God” to think, speak and live faithfully the truth of God. In 1 Timothy 6:11-14 Paul lists four characteristics that distinguish us as people of God.

What brings you contentment? (a state of peaceful happiness). If it seems hard to come by it may be because you are finding it in “earthly things, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). Instead, our text says, find contentment in Godliness. A person finds true contentment int he love of God not in the love of money.

God says He sent the Jews to Babylon (Jer 29:7, 20). The Jews were there as a punishment for their sin. But now that they were there, they were to turn the tables and be a witness of God’s grace to evil people who were their neighbors and friends. They were to see themselves as God’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). In our whole new world, the church is sent by God. How do we live in Babylon? God gives the Jews five instructions on how to live in Babylon and they are very applicable. today. Remember, assimilation without contamination!

We are living in a whole new world! How can Christians relate to this new world where we have lost our home field advantage? The Jews in Jeremiah’s days were in the same predicament (unfortunately caused by their disobedience). One way is to be aware of the false teachings that are plaguing Christianity (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Another is written in a book I’m reading by Erwin Lutzer called “The Church in Babylon.” He calls it “infiltration without contamination.”

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). In 1 Timothy 5-6:2 Paul has painted a picture of the church in action, in which every person, young and old, male and female, needy and sufficient, weak and strong, follower and leader, is cared for, loved and nurtured by one another. The church is action however, does not stop at the door of the church but extends its reach even to our workplace as seen in 1 Timothy 6:1-2.

God chose the Hebrew nation to bring us Jesus. Then God chose the church to bring Jesus to the world. 1 Peter 2:9-10 summarizes the responsibility of the church. Since God put all of His marbles in the church and its mission, He gives us guidelines as to how the church should best operate. To do that, He starts with the leadership. Why? Leaders set the standard!! They serve, love, protect, pray, preach, teach and lead. In 1 Timothy 5:17-21 Paul tells Timothy to remind the church of their role regarding the care for their leaders.

The strength of a small church is relationships and community. When a church is under 200 it is likely that we know most everybody that walks through the doors. We are also mostly aware of the needs of those involved. When someone goes missing someone usually notices. In 1 Timothy 5, fourteen of the twenty five verses have to do with taking care of widows in the church. As far as I can tell, I don’t think that has been a problem in our church. If we limit our text today to widows only, its application to the church today is limited. So let’s expand it to care for the entire church family.

“This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine!” The best way to confront error is by shining my light so that others can see Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells Timothy of the errors being taught in the Ephesian church ( Tim 4:1-5), but in verses 6-16, Paul prefers to major on the “light” of Biblical principles and an exemplary life. He’s calling all Christians to “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

There are two worldviews, God’s and Satan’s (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground. You can’t fence sit. Whatever is not from God (discovered in God’s Word) is from the devil. There is God’s truth and Satan’s lies. Paul continues to teach Timothy how to discern the two worldviews. The key phrase in our text is the sad statement, “Some will abandon the faith.” The first 5 verses of chapter 4 show their error and verses 6-16 show Timothy how to respond.