“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
This passage is within Paul’s first letter to Timothy, but this, as well as many other admonitions within it, are not intended solely for Timothy. In fact in 6:2 Paul tells Timothy: “Teach and urge these things.” The specific context of our passage has to do with false teachers who were merely using teaching as a means to monetary gain. Their motives were not pure in the least! (see v. 5).
Paul goes on to explain that real gain is found in the delightful combination of godliness mixed with contentment. These qualities bring greater satisfaction, and unlike material things, they will do us well even beyond the scope of this life! Concerning material gain, Paul said, “for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (v. 7). Thus, Paul urges God’s people to find contentment in the most basic materials of life: food and clothing (v. 8). Life is not about the material but preparation for eternal life!
In contrast with the proper attitude, those who “desire to be rich” (v. 9) desire that which leads them in harm’s way. This “desire” is an inordinate affection, or “craving” for money (v. 10), which is senseless, and replaces one’s primary focus upon Christ and the pursuit of righteousness (see v. 11).
Now let’s focus on a couple aspects of verse 10 that we have not brought out to this point.
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Secondly, Paul makes it clear that the love of money has been the cause of some leaving the faith and bringing heartache upon themselves. It is ironic that putting money or material things as the number one object of one’s affections is a selfish desire, but one that turns into more of a curse than a blessing (compare to James 5:1-6). Additionally, there can be no doubt to the possibility of Christian apostasy as the apostle Paul describes those in this error as those who “have wandered away from the faith.” Yes, Christians can leave the faith!
It should likewise be noted that the principle spoken of here in verse 10 (and in the context) demands more than not loving money. The idea is that we love God and that we are in genuine pursuit of righteousness (see v. 11).
Perhaps a fitting commentary on this and conclusion to this study is what Paul says in Galatians 6:8, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” May God help us to grow to be more contented in the things of this world and less content with where we are spiritually! Don’t be a Demas (see 2 Tim. 4:10; see also 1 Jn. 2:15-17).
Daren Schroeder
