Further on we are told that we are to care for our relatives, especially widows. Our parents have done much for us and we can give something back to them by caring for them as they get older. God is pleased with that. Paul strongly comments that people who don't care for their relatives, especially "those in their own household "are worse than unbelievers!" That makes a very clear statement on the value of treating family well.
In Chapter 6 Paul writes about slaves and masters. While we don't have much of that in our experience today, I believe we can apply it to our employers. In general, we show respect to those who give us a way to provide for ourselves and our families. Again, Paul is using the word "masters." If our masters (employers) are believers we should respect them, for if we don't our actions shame God and His teachings.
Paul tells Timothy to teach the things here in 1 Timothy and we as readers can hear that we should learn these things. If they are important enough to be taught, they are important enough to be learned. Learning such things will promote a godly life. Learn from the teachings of Scripture and those teachers of the truth. Pay no attention to those who teach something that opposes the teachings here because it will only stir up great trouble.
Seek after godliness with contentment as it will bring great wealth, or might I say it has great value to and in your life. Many chase after great wealth and putting all your time in pursuit of that can lead to temptation to compromise to gain wealth. That compromise and lust for wealth can lead to the love of money which as we are told is the root of all evil. Trace all evil and it is rooted in loving wealth more than anything else. When money is loved it takes the place of loving others and loving God. That love grows into a priority overshadowing other good things that should have our utmost attention and effort.
Paul's final words to Timothy are acknowledging him as a man of God and instructs him as such to run from evil things. To not pursue those things but to pursue righteousness, a godly life with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. A great list for us to pursue. He wants those who are rich to be taught not to be proud and not to trust in their money. Their trust should be in God. God gives all good things and they are gifts from God. They are to use their wealth to do good to others, share and be generous to those who are in need.
Last, avoid foolish discussions with those who oppose these truths with their so-called knowledge as some have been led astray by such foolishness. We need to hold onto what is right and true and not give an ear to teachings and discussions that oppose what we know to be right and of God.
I close with Paul's closing line " May God's grace be with you all".
October 1 moves us even closer to completing our goal in the New Testement. Let's continue on with the study of 2 Timothy again, written to Timothy by Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ. This selection is only 4 chapters so it is a bit of a break timewise.
If you feel you have the time or are encouraged to, add one chapter of Proverbs and read it for a week or two, then move on to the next chapter. Proverbs are short, exciting and are filled with wisdom. I started doing that a while back and am enjoying it greatly.
Keep going, you are doing great!