WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 21)
1 Timothy 6:6-19
The Life that IS Life
Additional Scriptures
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; Luke 16:19-31
Preparation
For the Disciples’ Generous Response Focus Moment, you will need a single dollar bill and a flip chart, poster, or large writing surface that all can see.
Prelude
Song of Gathering
“As We Gather” CCS 73
OR “Kum ba yah, Seigneur” CCS 75
If this version of the song is unfamiliar to your group, consider singing along with the vocal recording on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House.
Welcome, Joys and Concerns
Call to Worship: Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15
Song of Praise
“Praise to the Living God” CCS 8
OR “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” Sing several times. CCS 86
Morning Prayer
Response
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Reading: “In This New Moment,” CCS 504
Peace Prayer
Spirit of the Moment,
We confess our thoughts are like a conductor’s baton, hopping, swaying, and jumping. Rarely do we dwell in the moment without great effort. But peace is there in that moment when we are in tune with the life around us.
Strengthen our ability to be fully present in each moment of pain, destruction, and fear. May we fully see our ties to each of your beloveds. May pain draw us closer to one another. For in that space and in that moment, we find and share peace.
Tension strengthens the knot where two ropes join. Empower us to embrace this power-giving tension. From our strength together, may we move toward justice. In the name of Jesus, who is with us in each moment, Amen.
—Tiffany and Caleb Brian
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Consider reading from The Message or The Inclusive New Testament.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Testimony
Ask someone to share a brief testimony about a time when they had their basic needs taken care of and felt blessed or when they felt the urge to give generously of time, talents, treasure, and testimony without thought of return.
Song of Gratitude
“For Thy Gracious Blessing” CCS 126
Repeat several times. This song may be sung as a two-, three-, or four- part round. OR “Give Thanks” CCS 134
Focus Moment
Show a single dollar bill and ask participants to make up a story of the journey this bill has been on from its initial printing until your possession of it. You may want to illustrate the suggested journey on a flip chart or large poster for all to see. If there is a gifted artist or illustrator in your group, ask them to draw the dollar’s journey as it evolves. The journey could be created using these or other questions of your choosing. Pull in references from the theme scripture in 1 Timothy as appropriate.
· What was the first thing for which this dollar was used?
· What was something negative or harmful for which this dollar was used?
· What was something positive or generous for which the dollar was used?
· What famous person held this dollar?
· What difference did this dollar make in someone’s life?
· How did the dollar get in my possession?
When the journey is complete, ask participants to spend a moment to consider their dollar bills; then, conclude with this prayer:
Generous God,
We are grateful that we have dollars to help meet needs. We ask forgiveness for times when we have used our dollars in greedy or hurtful ways. We praise the giver of all we enjoy and honor those generous with their time, talents, treasure, and testimony. Amen.
Statement
God’s generous compassion is limitless. As we open our hearts to courageously and generously share by placing money in the offering plates or through eTithing, we join the movement of God’s compassion in the world. God shares abundantly, we share faithfully, others share generously, and God’s love and compassion grow endlessly.
If you have participants joining the worship online, remind them that they can give through www.CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at www.eTithing.org (consider displaying these URLs).
Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Ministry of Music or Congregational Song of Reflection
“We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” CCS 301
OR “My Gratitude Now Accept, O God/Gracias, Señor” CCS 614/615
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
Morning Message
Based on 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Pastoral Prayer
Song of Sending Forth
“To Be Your Presence” CCS 351
OR “Your Cause Be Mine” CCS 639
OR “He Came Singing Love” CCS 226
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 21)
1 Timothy 6:6–19
Exploring the Scripture
In the verses before today’s lection, Paul asserts that anyone teaching something other than the words of Jesus is conceited and promotes controversy. False teachings lead to envy, arguments, and seeking “godliness [as] a means [of] gain,” or religion for profit (v. 5). Our lection begins by affirming that godliness does lead to gain—spiritual gain—but only if one is self-sufficient and content with a simple, selfless lifestyle. The following instructions intend to help disciples live in the proper relation to wealth and work toward a Christian lifestyle in the here and now.
Those who yearn for riches are never content. “…the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (v. 10). Money itself is not condemned. Rather, Paul condemns the love of money. When chasing riches becomes the center of existence, it is idolatry. Wealth beyond basic food and clothing has little value to satisfy.
Those with wealth are to recognize God as the source of riches. They are to “do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share” (v. 18). Early Christians, like their Jewish predecessors, understood wealth as a blessing to the community, not the individual. Generosity promoted the enjoyment of a “life that really is life” (v. 19). Those who squandered their riches on themselves, without providing for the poor, the widows, and those less fortunate, were misusing God’s bounty.
The faithful seek “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” (v. 11), which form the essence of eternal life. We are called to live a Christian lifestyle, confessing Christ before witnesses, just as Jesus held true to his proclamation of God’s kingdom in the court of Pilate. Paul challenges his hearers to stay faithful and true until Christ’s return, which will occur in God’s time.
Jesus alone “has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light” (v. 16). The Greeks understood immortality included existence from the beginning of creation through the end of time. Christians believed only Christ was immortal, living in God’s light from the beginning to the end of the ages.
Humans are not immortal. God grants eternal life, not immortality. Eternal life includes existence with the Divine after death. But more importantly, it is a quality of divinely living the faithful embrace in the here and now. Eternal life begins with the coming of Christ and transforms the present reality through generosity and service to others.
Life as a disciple is a whole-life dedication of mind, body, and spirit to the ways of Jesus Christ. Paul clarifies that this is not an easy life but requires discipline, vigilance, and constant effort, like a warrior fighting a good fight for a good cause. Serving others, fostering community (including the marginalized), and making time for prayer, meditation, and worship are the characteristics of true life that lead to inner peace and contentment. Such is the life we embraced when we confessed Christ as Lord and covenanted with him in baptism.
Central Ideas
- The love of money for its own sake is idolatry.
- Those with wealth are to bless the community generously.
- God grants eternal life, not immortality.
- Eternal life is a God-centered life that serves others, enriches the community, and provides peace and security.
Questions for the Speaker
- When are you tempted to use your financial resources selfishly? How do you deal with the temptation?
- How does your congregation use its wealth to bless the community?
- When have you experienced eternal life amid your daily existence? What can you do to increase the frequency of living eternally?
- What metaphor from your life could you substitute for the phrase, “fight the good fight of the faith”?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 21)
1 Timothy 6:6–19 NRSVue
Gathering
Welcome
Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This span is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and a faith community.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world. Breathe your Spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.
As we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light. It emanates from them, as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace. We join our prayers together this day, offering them for our world and all in need. May there be peace. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Body Prayer
Read the following aloud:
Body prayer is experimenting with different postures for prayer. The purpose of this practice is to figure out God’s voice within you as you hold your postures in stillness. With each posture you may feel something different stirring inside you.
Show the group members three postures they will experience for this spiritual exercise:
· First posture: Head bowed with arms at your sides and hands facing upward.
· Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched in front and hands facing forward.
· Third posture: Sitting with your head facing upward.
Say: With each chime you hear, you will move into the next posture. You will not say any words aloud during the prayer, instead focusing on what type of prayer wants to emerge from within you during each posture.
Lead the group in three deep cleansing breaths as preparation. Ring a chime.
First posture: Head bowed with arms by their sides and hands facing upward (one minute). Ring a chime.
Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched in front and hands facing forward (one minute). Ring a chime.
Third posture: Sitting with head facing upward (one minute) Ring a chime.
Ask participants to share their experience and which position was most meaningful.
Sharing Around the Table
1 Timothy 6:6-19 NRSVue
Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Today’s lectionary verses come near the end of 1 Timothy, and the author is giving final instructions. Once again, he seeks to combat a variety of false teachings from Gnosticism that were infiltrating the Christian community in the second century. Before our verses, the author rails against teaching that does not agree with the words of Jesus, as they do not support a moral, godly way of life. The community is warned against the assumption that the practice of its faith is the way to financial success.
Verses 6–10 and 17–19 deal with the topic of money and material wealth. The author asserts that greed motivates those who promote and support some false teachings. He then instructs church leaders on the proper attitude to take toward money. Contentment, or self-sufficiency, is advanced as an appropriate approach to life. Greed and love for money can be destructive as “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (verse 10).
While the desire for wealth can be risky and corruptive, wealth is not condemned. A proper attitude toward wealth is necessary, one which does not value material goods over a loving and generous God, the source of all things. Wealth allows the rich to do good deeds when handled responsibly.
While greed is evil, wealth is not inherently evil. Though the wealthy may have challenges because of wealth, they are not urged to rid themselves of their riches. Rather, they’re to share them and be generous. By such actions, the wealthy will receive “life that really is life” (verse 19). Those who squandered riches on themselves, without providing for the poor, the widows, and those less fortunate, were misusing God’s bounty.
The author also counsels Timothy to shun false teachings. Instead, Timothy is urged to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and gentleness. Acknowledging the difficulty of discipleship, the author uses the image of a dedicated athlete who works hard to train for competition when he encourages Timothy to fight the good fight and honor his confession (that probably occurred during his ordination to serve in ministry) that was made before many witnesses.
Timothy is reminded to keep his Christian calling, especially the call to minister, until the manifestation of Jesus, which will happen in God’s time.
Questions
1. The text is rich with insights on the proper attitude toward wealth. What understandings are useful to you? Whom do you think qualifies as wealthy?
2. How does the idea of stewardship apply?
3. How might the Enduring Principles of Grace and Generosity and Responsible Choices apply to these passages?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. You also may give at CofChrist.org/give.
This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 346, “Lord, Whose Love”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Planting supplies are needed:
· pots (one that is too small, and one that is just right)
· seed
· soil and sand
· trowel and a fork (or some other “not great” tool for digging)
· watering cans (one filled with water, and one filled with some other liquid)
Say: Today I need your help with something. I would like to grow a plant, but I’m not sure what to do. A lot of choices have to be made. I know some will help my plant grow, and others won’t. Can you help me figure out which choices I should make?
Ask participants the following questions. As they answer each question work through the planting process based on their suggestions. After each question, show each option and talk through the pros and cons of each. After the participants decide on the option they think best, ask them why it was the best choice.
· Which pot should I put my plant in?
· Should I plant my seed in soil or sand?
· Which tool should I use to dig a hole for my seed?
· Now that my seed is planted, which liquid should I use?
Say: Wow! Thank you so much for helping me plant my seed. I can’t wait to see how big it grows! I’m so glad you were willing to help me make choices that will help my plant grow big and strong.
We face choices every day. Some choices can help us grow and live in ways that spread joy, hope, love, and peace to others. Other choices won’t help us grow and can cause pain to others. God wants each of us to grow and spread joy, hope, love, and peace. What are some choices we have to make to grow?
Allow time for participants to share their answers and discuss the alternative choice in each situation.
There sure are a lot of choices we have to make! But after talking with each of you today, I am excited to see your choices, and I can’t wait to watch you grow!
Optional: Provide each participant with supplies to plant their own seed.