THE LOVE OF MONEY

PROCLAMATION

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In this sixth and final chapter of this first letter to Timothy, Paul continued the discourse which he began in chapter five.  Paul begins by telling Timothy how he should treat slaves and how they should treat their masters. (1 Timothy 6:1-2)  Then he tells him about riches and personal gain and ends with a statement regarding the love of money being the root of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)  He ends the chapter with a final charge to Timothy telling him basically to keep the faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-21)

 

APPLICATION

There is nothing wrong with money of itself, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil.  Those who covet money will do wrong to family and friends in order to get more of it.  The desire to acquire money will cause people to take advantage of anyone and everyone for their personal gain.  It is the pursuit of ill-gotten gain which is the problem that has led to sinful behavior. (1 Timothy 6:9)  Additionally, those who acquire large sums of money tend to put their faith in their money rather than in God.  Money is just the means to an end, a medium of exchange.  Don’t sell your soul in order to get it.  The greatest personal gain is godliness and contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6)