Rightly Handling the Word

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Knowing the Word of God and being able to teach it well is fundamental to the leadership of God’s people. All of the work of the church, indeed the church’s very identity, is fueled by the bible. In it alone is God’s will revealed, and only when the Word is brought to bear on every aspect of life can God’s people be equipped to prosper in every good work that our Lord has for us. This is why the scriptures are central in both the worship and witness of the church, and why the ability to rightly handle the Word can not be minimized. Although this passage specifically addresses church leaders, the principle is equally applicable to the laity as well.

How to be Rich

[9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

[17] As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. [18] They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, [19] thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Rich Christians must be free from the love of money and generous with what they have. This is not to say that they must throw away their money on people and causes that would not use it to the glory of God. Like any tool or gift that God provides for His Kingdom use, money must be used with wisdom and prudence. But this perspective must not become an excuse for hoarding or inaction. To be rich in money is indeed a blessing, but to be rich in good deeds is to be rich indeed to all eternity. Whether we have much or little, our job is to be stewards of God’s Kingdom, ruled by Kingdom priorities.

God’s Household

[14] I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:14-15

The church is not a building, nor is it a social gathering, club, or civc organization. The church is the household of God, the gathered family of God’s covenant people. And, as such, revealing God’s design for human life, it upholds the truth of the gospel.