Pastor John Wright

It is very hard to hear these Scriptures this week. We want to hear these texts from points of thinking that we as Christians should life in control of society. It becomes more interesting, and perhaps helpful, to hear these texts as a people trying to survive as a minority. To do this let's start with the 1 Timothy passage and then move to the OT text and end with the Gospel.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

There are two different groups of people in this text, it seems to me, and two particular people. The first is the "recipients" of the letter -- us; then "everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions." The two persons are "the author" and "Jesus Christ". The author instructs "us" by pointing to Jesus Christ, and instructing "us" to take "everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions" to God. What does it mean that "we" are not "everyone", especially the kings and those who are in high places? Given this, why is it that we are to pray? What is the relationship behind "us" and "everyone" and Jesus and God?

Amos 8:4-7

In this passage there is the "you" and the "needy"? Who does this relate to the passage from 1 Timothy? What is the problem between the you and the "poor of the land"? Read in light of 1Timothy, who is the "you" and the "needy"? How does this allow us to hear this passage?

Luke 16:1-13

To whom does Jesus ask his disciples to associate with in his story? Why? How does this person deal with his finances? Why should one make friends with dishonest wealth? What is the good of wealth? Why cannot one serve God and wealth?

If one hears this from the perspective of peole who are controlling society, it sounds different from a minority trying to survive. What do these passages suggest about discipleship and wealth?

Enjoy!