Letters From PaulSample

PREPARE

Take a moment to quiet your heart as you set aside today’s distractions.

Ask God to prepare you to read and receive his holy Word.

READ: 1 Timothy 6:3–10

Dear Friend,

Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions, and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. They think that religion is a way to become rich.

Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.

Hang in there,

Paul

REFLECT

In this letter, Paul focuses on the dangers of pride and false doctrine. He denounces one of those false teachings by telling Timothy and the church in Ephesus that religion is not a way to become wealthy. He cautions us against loving money and points us toward contentment as we look to God to provide for our needs. How can you look to God to provide for you today?

Paul mentored Timothy, who served as his messenger to many different churches. Who in your life has been a spiritual mentor? Is there anyone in your life to mentor or encourage in the things of the Lord?

PRAY

Paul tells us that “religion does make us very rich if we are satisfied with what we have.” Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the blessings he has given you. Be specific in your thanksgiving. Ask God to grant you satisfaction and contentment.