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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