1 Timothy 6
1 Timothy 6 is the final part of Paul’s pastoral encouragement to Timothy. This chapter consists of the relationship between slaves and their masters (verses 1–2), a warning about false teachers (verses 3–5), the importance of godliness and contentment (verses 6–10), encouragement for Timothy (verses 11–16), and instruction for the rich and the final urging (verses 17–21)
1verseLet 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.
2verseThose 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.
3verseIf 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,
4versehe is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
5verseconstant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
6verseBut godliness with contentment is great gain.
7verseFor we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.
8verseBut having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9verseBut those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
10verseFor 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.
11verseBut you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12verseFight 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.
13verseI command you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
14versethat you keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15versewhich at the right time he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
16verseHe alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17verseCharge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
18versethat they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
19verselaying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
20verseTimothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,
21versewhich some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
Encouragement for Slaves and Their Masters (Verses 1–2)
In the social structure of the time, the relationship between slaves (servants) and their masters was ordinary. Paul urges slaves to respect their masters and explains that this is a way to prevent the name of God and the gospel from being brought into disrepute. If the master is a believer, they should treat him even more as a brother, yet they must be careful not to neglect their responsibilities in their role.
A Warning Against False Teachers (Verses 3–5)
Paul warns against those who teach other doctrines. They stir up controversy, regard godliness as a means of profit, and leave only quarrels and conflicts among people. He urges them to pay attention so they do not stray from the sound truth and true godliness.
Right Attitudes Toward Godliness, Contentment, and Money (Verses 6–10)
Paul says that godliness brings great gain, but it is so only when there is contentment. We must remember that we brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out with us. Meanwhile, he warns that the love of money can be the root of all kinds of evil and teaches that instead of chasing wealth, we should choose contentment and self-control.
Personal Encouragement for Timothy (Verses 11–16)
Paul encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness as “a man of God.” He also urges him to fight the good fight of faith and to take hold of eternal life. He then tells him to follow the excellent testimony of Jesus Christ, proclaiming God’s glory and sovereignty, and he concludes with strong encouragement.
Instruction for the Rich and the Final Charge (Verses 17–21)
Paul urges those who are rich not to be arrogant and to set their hope only on God. They should use their resources for good works, and they must work hard to be generous and to do good deeds, and “to lay up for themselves a good foundation for the future”
Points for Meditation
- What is the relationship between godliness and contentment?
- What does it mean to become “a man of God”?
- What kind of mindset and attitude do I have in the face of wealth, success, and desire?
Apply It to My Life
- How can I practically live out godliness and contentment in the place where I am?
- Let’s reflect on what should be higher priority in my life than possessions or social status.
- Think about how fighting the good fight of faith could show itself in my everyday life.
This is the last chapter of 1 Timothy.