Paul begins this chapter discussing the yoke of slavery; though referring to people who are slaves, one may apply this concept to spiritual slavery where one is living a yoked life. Spiritually, being under the yoke can mean being a slave to worldly desires and concerns. For example, the love of money leads to evil and straying from the faith. He states that those disagreeing with the Lord’s words have a morbid disposition for arguments and disputes, producing the negative consequences of envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people, leading into the trap of ruin and destruction. After a while, there seems to be no way out of the trap. This is living a yoked life.

 
In Paul’s exhortations to Timothy, he contrasts this with true life; of course, we know that true life first involves being yoked to Christ. (Matt. 11:28-30) Paul continues by providing the steps to live that true Christ-yoked life. First of all, “Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain,” (v. 6) If we have food and clothing, we are to be content with that. We are to pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, and gentleness, keeping His commandments. (v.11-12)

Paul advises, “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.” (v.18-19) These are the elements creating a true life.
Paul’s final words are, “Grace be with all of you.” (v. 20) It’s the key to a true life, from the saving grace of Christ to the grace that rescues us from sin and ruin. To go from a yoked life to true life requires taking the grace that God offers. Make every effort to win it!

 
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