Nothing In and Nothing Out 1 Timothy 6:7

When Paul the apostle gave Timothy a description of people who “consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”, one of their traits was to “suppose” that “gain is godliness”. Timothy was to “withdraw” himself from these people and understand that “godliness with contentment is great gain”. In chapter six and verse seven of his letter to Timothy, Paul shared the reason why “godliness with contentment is great gain” as he wrote of bringing “nothing into this world” and being “certain we can carry nothing out” where we read:

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

The verse begins, “For we brought nothing into this world,...” Paul began with the word “For” which means “because, since and on account of” “we brought” or “bring or lead” “nothing” which means “none, nobody and not one thing” “into this world” or “universe, earth or dwelling place of man”. In other words, when we were born, we didn't bring one thing with us.

The verse continues, “...and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Paul continued with the Greek phrase “dynamai ekpherō oude tis ekpherō”, and by the repetition of the word “ekpherō” which is the word for “carry”, we see Paul's emphasis on this idea. The English translation is, “and it is certain” which means “clear, evident and manifested” “we can carry” or “be able, capable, strong and powerful enough to bring” “nothing out” or “bear forth, lead or bring none, nobody and not one thing from here”. No one will “carry” anything away from this life, and we are and can be “certain” of that fact.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, let us go back in our minds to the time we entered this world and realize, we had nothing with us when we arrived. Though we do not remember that actual event, we know we were totally dependent upon someone else to provide for us as we had nothing of our own. God Almighty was and is responsible for our being in the first place, and when we came into the world, we had “nothing” with us. Every relationship, material possession, position, place or activity was obtained after our birth. As we reflect upon this idea, let us be reminded that when we leave this world we will go out in the same manner we came. Whatever is gained in the mean time will be left behind, and as has been shared by others, “there are no uhaul trailers behind the hurst when we leave this world”. Therefore, knowing this, how should we be toward others, material possessions, positions, places and activities? Let us allow the Lord Jesus to help us realize “there is only one life. So soon it shall pass. And only what's done for Christ will last”. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit add His truth to our lives.

Next time Paul tells with what we should be content, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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