1 Timothy, Day 5
1 Timothy 6:3 – 19 | Being a 4F Christian Soldier
In army-speak, “4F” means that a person has failed to meet the medical requirements — either mental or physical — for joining the army. It means one is unfit to be a soldier, even if one should don the uniform (which must have been acquired improperly). Fun fact: This dates back to the Civil War, when recruits who did not have 4 front teeth to tear open gunpowder packets were rejected.
The Christian life is sometimes related in military terms (2 Timothy 3:3 – 4; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2). Believers, those in leadership positions and those not, are in a war, and the good soldiers are the ones who fight with spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:18). One who is not spiritually prepared is, well, a 4F soldier.
Paul’s first letter to Pastor Timothy is a church constitution and mission statement with very high standards — for church leaders, church members, and church doctrine. A brief survey of church websites reveals the startling and sad fact that few churches have a doctrine or belief statement, making one wonder what their purpose is and if they will ever wade out of the shallow end of the doctrinal kiddie pool.
1 Timothy 6:3 – 19 is a military manual for a genuine 4F Christian soldier; only, in this case, the 4 Fs are a badge of honor, indicating successful training in four areas: false teachers, financial truth, fleeing temptation, and future treasures. Paul tells Pastor Tim to urge these things, not just teach them (6:2).
False teachers (Verses 3 – 5) are set forth as arrogant, empty-headed troublemakers who like to argue, antagonize, abuse, and cast aspersions on victims who do not know the truth. Who cannot name one or two prosperity preachers who bilk desperate yet undiscerning victims under religious pretenses? Know your enemy.
Financial truth (Verses 6 – 10) can save many a man or woman from being “pierced . . . with many pangs” (Verse 10). True gain is not found in conning others but in contentment. Money, in itself, is neutral, just bits of paper and metal. But the love of money is fertile soil for all kinds of pointless evil. Pointless because we leave this world the same way we came in: empty-handed.
Fleeing temptation (Verses 11 – 16) and running toward profitable goals like godliness, faith, and love (which cannot be bought) make for a good confession in the presence of God and others. Wealth and fame may make one King of the Hill on Earth, but God has the final say and deserves all glory and honor. He alone is worth pursuing. Amen.
Future treasures (Verses 17 – 19) are not like temporal riches. For earthly wealth, “When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). Instead of piling up these feathery fortunes, the rich should spend their time doing good works for others, thereby stockpiling eternal treasures and building a good foundation, sturdier than any bank building. The “good life” doesn’t come until after death.
True life is serving others, not expecting or urging others to serve you. “Sound teaching has the church’s best interest at heart, whereas false teachers are self-serving” (Moody Bible Commentary, p. 1903). Be a good 4F Christian soldier — put some teeth into your spiritual life!
Salute,
Alan Allegra