THE LOVE OF MONEY

PROCLAMATION

“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.”  1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

 

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 the sixth and final chapter of this first letter to Timothy, Paul continued the discourse which he began in chapter five regarding how he should treat people.  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 follows this 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 itself, it is just a medium of exchange.  However, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil.  Those who covet money will do wrong to family, friends, and strangers 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.  Don’t sell your soul in order to get it.  The greatest possible personal gain is godliness and contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6)