1 Timothy 6
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1Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed. 2Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 13I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 14that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 15which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen. 17Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; 19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life. 20Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge; 21which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world."”
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Summary
1 Timothy 6 offers practical instruction and ethical guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves, especially focusing on relationships and personal character. Paul instructs servants to honor their masters, stressing the importance of respect and integrity in all forms of authority. He warns against false teachings, especially those that result in envy and strife. The chapter emphasizes contentment and the dangers of a love for money, highlighting that true gain comes from godliness with contentment. Paul encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, urging him to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life. He provides instructions for the wealthy to not be arrogant nor place their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God and be generous. The focus is on the eternal significance of right living and the impermanence of material wealth.
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Chapter outline
How 1 Timothy 6 unfolds
1 Timothy 6:1–2 Instructions for Bondservants
Paul urges bondservants to honor their masters to uphold God's name and doctrine, emphasizing respect even for believing masters.
1 Timothy 6:3–5 Warning Against False Teaching
Those teaching different doctrines are criticized for being conceited and causing strife, revealing the dangers of corrupt minds.
1 Timothy 6:6–10 The Value of Contentment
Godliness combined with contentment is depicted as true gain, contrasting the destructive nature of greed and the love of money.
1 Timothy 6:11–16 Encouragement to Timothy
Paul instructs Timothy to pursue virtues and fight for faith, reminding him of the importance of remaining blameless until Christ's return.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 Advice for the Rich
Timothy is to instruct the wealthy to avoid arrogance and to focus on good deeds, emphasizing an eternal perspective.
1 Timothy 6:20–21 Final Instructions and Blessing
Paul urges Timothy to guard his teachings against false knowledge, concluding with a blessing for grace.
Key verses
1 Timothy 6:6-7This key verse succinctly captures the chapter's central message about the value of godliness combined with contentment.
Main themes in 1 Timothy 6
godliness and contentment
The theme of godliness and contentment appears in verses 6-8, emphasizing that true wealth comes from a life of godliness. The chapter complicates this theme by contrasting contentment with the destructive pursuit of riches. Ultimately, it illustrates that a focus on godliness leads to eternal rewards, rather than temporary material gain.
ethical living
Ethical living is highlighted in verses 1-2, where Paul instructs bondservants to honor their masters. This theme is further developed as he warns against behaviors stemming from false teachings, indicating that ethical conduct is foundational to the Christian life. The chapter emphasizes that ethical living is not only about personal behavior but also reflects one's faith.
warnings against greed
Warnings against greed surface prominently in verses 9-10, where Paul describes the dangers associated with the desire for wealth. The chapter develops this theme by linking greed to spiritual ruin and advising Timothy to flee from such temptations. This focus on greed serves to remind readers of the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.
eternal perspective
The eternal perspective is woven throughout, particularly in verses 11-12 and 19, where Paul speaks of laying hold of eternal life. The chapter calls Timothy and others to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly riches and to invest in eternal significance. This perspective reinforces the idea that true fulfillment comes from faith and good works.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Timothy 6
- 1 Timothy 1Both passages address sound doctrine, emphasizing the importance of teaching the truth to preserve faith.
- Matthew 6This passage echoes the teachings on not serving wealth and the importance of heavenly treasures over earthly.
- Philippians 4It connects by reflecting on contentment and reliance on God's provision in all circumstances.
- 2 Timothy 2This develops the call to endure hardship and remain faithful, similar to the call to fight the good fight.
- Hebrews 13It connects through its encouragement to maintain ethical behavior and focus on eternal values.
- 2 Timothy 4Both passages emphasize guarding the faith and remaining blameless in the face of opposition.
Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Timothy 6
- How does Paul instruct bondservants to view their masters?
- What consequences does Paul associate with false teachings?
- What does 1 Timothy 6 say about the love of money?
- What virtues does Paul encourage Timothy to pursue?
- How are the rich instructed to behave according to this chapter?
- What does Paul mean by 'guard that which is committed to you'?
- How does the chapter connect godliness to contentment?
1 Timothy 6: frequently asked questions
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