Paul’s concluding instructions to Timothy are quite stark. In this letter Paul identified many problems which threatened to corrupt the church: love of money, foolish desires, discontent, friction, evil suspicions, malicious talk, strife, envy, false doctrines, conceit, and arrogance – to name only those which are mentioned in this chapter.
The Christian life is not a playground but a battleground. However, it is not a violent struggle against people who do not believe in Jesus, or against people who hate you … because Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). Ephesians 6:12 says that our struggle is against unseen foes: Satan and his demons who manipulate the world to reject Jesus, and persecute believers, tempt the church to disbelieve God’s Word, and stir up our fleshly nature to please ourselves rather than God who made us.
Paul had just told Timothy to flee from ungodliness, pursue righteousness, fight against Satan’s lies and hold onto eternal life (1 Timothy 6:11-12). It was to be his character witness to the life of Christ within him, as well as his spoken witness of the gospel in a hostile world. In his lifestyle Timothy was accountable to God the Father and God the Son.
Wealth gives power to those who hold it: even to believers in Jesus. Also, wealth gives pride space to breed; and without a keen sense of spiritual discipline it will make even the strongest believer become arrogant. It is folly to assume that money will make the future secure (Luke 12:16-21). Although Christians know that money cannot bring a happy future, we often manage our finances as though that was true.
Money can put a strangle-hold on the heart of any believer unless they understand that it does not belong to them. God gives as He chooses; we are only trustees and not owners of God’s gifts. It is not wrong to have money – what is wrong is for it to become an idol, assuming that the more we worship it, the more it will protect us and our futures. Paul had previously told Timothy to command wealthy people not to place their future security in their money or possessions (1 Timothy 6:17).
Truth is God’s property; but He places it into the hearts of human beings as part of God’s common grace to human beings - to live it and teach it for the benefit of all. It is a special gift to people who believe in Jesus who is the Truth (John 14:6). Although Timothy had received the truth about Jesus, he had to keep it pure and undiluted so that it would not become a ‘false gospel’ which would dishonour Christ and be useless to others (Galatians 1:6-9).