Money itself isn't evil, it is simply a tool. But when we desire it, or anything else, above our love of God, we find ourselves on dangerous ground. We must be so satisfied with our all-sufficient Savior that we can truly say we are grateful for what God has blessed us with in all areas of our lives.

We must study and know scripture so that we may be able to discern the lies, false teachings and half-truths that false prophets and teachers will put forth…now, more than ever.

Older men are called to exhort, encourage and hold accountable younger men and vice versa. The same is true for older women and younger women who are believers. In all areas of life, we are called to remain pure and to strengthen one another in the Lord.

In 1 Timothy 6:1-2, Paul reminds believing slaves in Ephesus that they are to show the glory of Christ in their current situation even though it is deplorable to God. It is never acceptable for one group of people to enslave another. Still, God expects believers to live their lives in ways that point people to Christ and shares the saving Gospel.

In this section of 1 Timothy, Paul lays out four responsibilities of the church related to elders/pastors if the church is to restore and maintain healthy leadership.

In Paul's discussion with Timothy on the church's responsibility to support widows, we see much more than simply guidelines on the topic, but rather a call to personal responsibility in our own lives and how that relates to glorifying and growing in Christ.

In our continued study of 1 Timothy, we see there are four commitments of a life of lasting impact: (1) Fulfill your calling from God; (2) Continue to make progress; (3) Pay attention and (4) Persevere. We must do all we can to ensure our lives are lived with the utmost integrity. The only safe motion for a Christian is forward motion.

As Paul directed Timothy, so the scripture still directs believers today. We are called to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity of the saving, transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy to confront false teachings and false prophets so that heresy and falsehoods would not be present within the body of Christ. We are also encouraged to be disciplined in our study of scripture. For while physical training is good, spiritual training is profitable for the present life as well as for the life to come.

The constant threat of those departing from the faith serves as a reminder that we are living in the last days. As Paul reminded Timothy, we must also know and boldly defend the truth, starting with our own hearts.