1 Timothy 5:17-6:10: Honor & Contentment, Together

This passage is the second half of interrelated teachings on the ways that God’s principles in 1 Timothy 1-4 overflow into relationships. In ch.5, Paul charged followers of Jesus to love everyone, to care for people in vulnerable situations, and to honor servant leaders within the church family. In these verses, Paul charges Christians to honor leaders outside the church as well (in these verses, specifically “masters”— those with power, position, and money), to be content in whatever station of life God has you in, and — by doing these — to be godly.

Some of Paul’s words here are hard to digest. But he ends this passage on a note of grace, trusting that these good works will be revealed — at least in the end. And this leads us to humble ourselves & rest in the truest example of humility & best good work, that of Jesus on our behalf.

Here’s the first half of these principles, from 1 Timothy 5:1-16.