September 16 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 6:

¹Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
²And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
³If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine 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.
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, unrebukable, 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.
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.
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.

Devotional

What do people usually follow after? What are they striving for? Is it not for earthly things? And among the earthly things, is it not especially money, or riches, which they seek? And it is just that, in this connection, that the apostle warns against. He says, "But 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." But who thinks of this, when riches increase? Men imagine that their happiness will increase with their riches. Just the opposite is true. "For 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."

Paul exhorts Timothy: "But thou, O man of God, flee these things." Surely then we, too, should give heed to this admoni­tion, and we, as well as Timothy, should follow after righteous­ness. Our life of faith should manifest itself in righteous acts. "Godliness." We should live piously and reverently toward God. "Faith." Our faith in God and in his promises should be firm and should not waiver. "Love." God loved us first with great unspeakable love. Surely we should love him in return with our whole heart, and our love to the brethren should be fervent. "Patience" or steadfastness. "Be patient in tribulation." "Meek­ness." Be of a mild and gentle spirit and disposition. Let us shun all evil, be content with what we have, follow after these Christian graces, and lay hold on eternal life. Thus may we live to God's glory, and be a blessing to our fellowmen.

Prayer

Merciful God and Father, look down in mercy upon us, for we are sinners, and by nature inclined to all evil. We are so prone to cleave to earthly things, and are even enticed by evil lusts. O God, incline our hearts to that which is good. Adorn us with all Christian graces. May we never be stumbling blocks to Thy children; but may they see our good works, and glorify Thee, our Father in heaven. Forgive us all our sins, and help us to live unto Thee. For Christ's sake. Amen.

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Scripture in Devotional: 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

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