1 Timothy 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Timothy 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Bondservants are told to count their masters worthy of all honor, to avoid blaspheming the name of God and doctrine (vv. 1-2). Those with believing masters should serve them well.

Key verse

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.”
1 Timothy 6:6-7 (WEB)

Outline

1 Timothy 6:1–2 Instructions for Bondservants
1 Timothy 6:3–5 Warning Against False Teaching
1 Timothy 6:6–10 The Value of Contentment
1 Timothy 6:11–16 Encouragement to Timothy
1 Timothy 6:17–19 Advice for the Rich
1 Timothy 6:20–21 Final Instructions and Blessing

Discussion questions

In v1, what are bondservants instructed to count their masters as worthy of?
What is the warning about those who teach a different doctrine in v3?
In v10, why does Paul emphasize that 'the love of money' is a root of evil?
In v12, what does Paul mean when he urges Timothy to 'fight the good fight of faith'?
When have you felt tempted by 'foolish and harmful lusts' mentioned in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Timothy 6: Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 1, Philippians 4.

Before next time: read 2 Timothy 1.