which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
A Charge to Keep—6:13–16
13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
The Rich in this World: Rich in Good Works—6:17–19
17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Farewell: Grace—6:20
20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.
Grace be with thee. Amen.
1. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
1 Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise our God forevermore
Saints and angels, earth and heaven,
Worship, bless Him and adore:
O declare His glory now
Till to Him all nations bow!
2 Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Tell the sovereign, boundless love
Of our God, th’Almighty Father
Who in mercy, from above
Gave His own beloved Son
For the sins which we had done!
3 Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Sound the Name of Jesus Christ,
God th’incarnate Son, our Savior,
Only Prophet, King and Priest
Who to save us, once hath bled,
Died, and risen from the dead!
4 Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Now the Holy Spirit laud
Who through prophets and apostles
Breathed the oracles of God,
Witness with the written Word
Unto Christ our risen Lord!
5 Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
One true living God proclaim,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Who possess the Sacred Name
Of Jehovah: at His throne
Bow and worship Him alone!
8.7.8.7.7.7.
Preparatory Reading: Old Testament: Genesis 12 New Testament: Matthew 1 Psalm: 1
1 Timothy : Reading the entire Epistle
The Book of God is in my hand—the Holy Scriptures. Let me pray that God may be pleased to give me freely the mind of Christ in these words which the Holy Ghost teaches. And let me prayerfully, slowly, thoughtfully take up and read this whole Epistle that I may give more earnest heed to the great salvation, and the great Savior it reveals.
Savior Jesus! Cleanse and purge me as a vessel fit and meet for Thy use, my Master! How can I “make full proof” of Thy call and “my ministry?” Thou hast set Thy servant and Apostle Paul as a “teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” He has written by Thy Spirit to instruct Timothy, “how to behave in the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the ground and pillar of the truth.” To him he declared, “Commit the same unto faithful men able to teach others also.” And so in my hands through Thy churches’ instruction, I hold my Bible, and in it hold this Epistle. Help me give myself wholly to these things, and continue in them, that my progress may be clear to all. Use this meditation, line upon line, precept upon precept, that I may take heed to myself and to the doctrine, and so to save myself and all who hear me (2 Tim 2:21; 4:5; 2 Tim 1:11)
A Prayer for Illumination
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts:
Heaven and earth is full of Thy glory!
How excellent is Thy Name in all the earth,
Who hast exalted Thy glory above the heavens.
Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name:
Thy Word is truth:
Almighty Father, only-begotten Son, Holy Spirit of God
Thou art Jehovah, which dwelt in the bush:
Who hast given the Law by Moses,
Who spakest by the Prophets,
Who in these last days hast spoken to us
In Thy Son Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth:
No man hath seen Thee at any time;
No man can look upon Thee and live.
Thou hast spoken: we have heard only a voice.
Thou art neither in the fire, the wind or the earthquake,
But in a still, small voice.
