1 Timothy 6
BSB1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. 3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. 6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: 14 Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. 16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, 19 treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge," 21 which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.
Study Notes — 1 Timothy 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Timothy 6
- Themes from 1 Timothy 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Timothy 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Paul instructing slaves to honor their masters, whether they are believers or not, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God. He then warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and the danger of departing from the faith. Paul also provides guidance on how to handle wealth and material possessions, encouraging believers to trust in God and live a life of contentment. He concludes the chapter by charging Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:20-21.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of Paul's first letter to Timothy, which was written to provide guidance and instruction to Timothy as he ministered in the church at Ephesus. The chapter is situated in the larger context of the letter, which emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, faithfulness, and obedience to God. The chapter's themes of contentment and the dangers of wealth are also reflective of the broader biblical narrative, which warns against the love of money and the dangers it poses to one's spiritual well-being, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:10-18 and Proverbs 28:20.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God and living a life of contentment, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions. We are called to examine our own hearts and motivations, and to seek to live a life that honors God and promotes the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter teaches us to be content with what we have and not to love money, because it can lead us away from God. We should trust in God and live a life that honors Him, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. We should also be careful not to listen to false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, and instead hold to sound doctrine, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
Voices from the Church
“The love of money is a disease that infects the soul, and it is a root of all kinds of evil, as the apostle says.”
— John Calvin
“The pursuit of wealth and material possessions is a snare that can lead us away from the faith, and we must be careful to trust in God and live a life of contentment.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Instructions to Slaves (6:1-2) — Paul instructs slaves to honor their masters, whether they are believers or not, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God.
- Warning Against False Teachers (6:3-5) — Paul warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine.
- The Dangers of Wealth (6:6-10) — Paul highlights the potential dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and living a life of contentment.
- The Charge to Timothy (6:11-16) — Paul charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return.
- Conclusion and Final Charge (6:17-21) — Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and living a life of faithfulness, and charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith.
Core Doctrines
- The Dangers of Wealth
- This chapter teaches that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and that it can lead us away from the faith.
- The Importance of Sound Doctrine
- The chapter emphasizes the need for sound doctrine, which is centered on the person and work of Christ, and warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel.
- The Importance of Trusting in God
- The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and live a life of contentment, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
- The Role of the Pastor
- The chapter provides guidance for pastors, such as Timothy, on how to minister to their congregations and promote sound doctrine.
Lessons from 1 Timothy 6
- The Importance of Contentment — This chapter teaches us the importance of being content with what we have, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
- The Dangers of False Teachers — The chapter warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, and emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and live a life of faithfulness, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
- The Role of the Pastor — The chapter provides guidance for pastors on how to minister to their congregations and promote sound doctrine.
- The Charge to Guard the Deposit of Faith — The chapter charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return.
Themes from 1 Timothy 6
- Contentment — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being content with what we have, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
- Sound Doctrine — The chapter warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, and emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine.
- Trust in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and live a life of faithfulness, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
- The Role of the Pastor — The chapter provides guidance for pastors on how to minister to their congregations and promote sound doctrine.
- The Charge to Guard the Deposit of Faith — The chapter charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some potential dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, and how can we avoid them?
- What is the importance of sound doctrine, and how can we ensure that we are promoting it in our own lives and ministries?
- How can we cultivate a life of contentment and trust in God, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions?
- What are some ways that we can guard the deposit of faith and promote sound doctrine in our own lives and ministries?
- How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives and ministries, and what are some potential challenges or obstacles that we may face?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Instructions to Slaves (6:1-2)
| 6:1 | Paul instructs slaves to honor their masters, whether they are believers or not, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God. |
| 6:2 | He emphasizes the importance of treating masters with respect and dignity, regardless of their faith. |
2. Warning Against False Teachers (6:3-5)
| 6:3 | Paul warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine. |
| 6:4 | He describes the characteristics of false teachers, who are proud, ignorant, and contentious. |
| 6:5 | He warns against the dangers of false teaching, which can lead to spiritual ruin and destruction. |
3. The Dangers of Wealth (6:6-10)
| 6:6 | Paul emphasizes the importance of being content with what we have, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions. |
| 6:7 | He reminds us that we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. |
| 6:8 | He emphasizes the importance of having food and clothing, and being content with these basic necessities. |
| 6:9 | He warns against the dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, which can lead to temptation and spiritual ruin. |
| 6:10 | He concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and living a life of faithfulness, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions. |
4. The Charge to Timothy (6:11-16)
| 6:11 | Paul charges Timothy to flee from the love of money and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. |
| 6:12 | He reminds Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return. |
| 6:13 | He charges Timothy to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 6:14 | He reminds Timothy to keep the commandment, and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return. |
| 6:15 | He describes the future appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, which will be a time of great glory and revelation. |
| 6:16 | He concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light. |
5. Conclusion and Final Charge (6:17-21)
| 6:17 | Paul charges those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain. |
| 6:18 | He encourages them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and willing to share. |
| 6:19 | He reminds them to store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of life that is truly life. |
| 6:20 | He charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith, and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return. |
| 6:21 | He concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, and by expressing his confidence in Timothy's ability to guard the deposit of faith. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Timothy 6?
The main theme of 1 Timothy 6 is the importance of contentment and the dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Paul emphasizes the need to trust in God and live a life of faithfulness, rather than pursuing wealth and material possessions.
What is the role of the pastor in promoting sound doctrine?
The pastor has a crucial role in promoting sound doctrine, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:3-5. They must be careful to teach the truth of the gospel, and to warn against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel.
How can we cultivate a life of contentment and trust in God?
We can cultivate a life of contentment and trust in God by focusing on the things that are truly important, such as our relationship with God and our service to others, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. We must also be careful to avoid the dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, and to trust in God's provision and goodness.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:10 → Matthew 6:24 | The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, and Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and money, as seen in Matthew 6:24. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 6:3 → 2 Timothy 4:3 | The warning against false teachers in 1 Timothy 6:3 is echoed in 2 Timothy 4:3, which warns against the time when people will not endure sound doctrine. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:6 → Philippians 4:11 | The emphasis on contentment in 1 Timothy 6:6 is similar to the teaching of Philippians 4:11, which says that we can be content in any situation through Christ who strengthens us. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:12 → 2 Timothy 4:7 | The charge to Timothy to fight the good fight of faith in 1 Timothy 6:12 is echoed in 2 Timothy 4:7, which says that Paul has fought the good fight and finished the course. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:15 → Titus 2:13 | The description of the future appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ in 1 Timothy 6:15 is similar to the teaching of Titus 2:13, which says that we are waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 6:17 → James 1:10 | The warning against arrogance and the emphasis on doing good in 1 Timothy 6:17 is similar to the teaching of James 1:10, which says that the rich should take pride in their humiliation, because they will pass away like a wild flower. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 6:20 → 2 Timothy 1:14 | The charge to Timothy to guard the deposit of faith in 1 Timothy 6:20 is echoed in 2 Timothy 1:14, which says that we should guard the good deposit that was entrusted to us. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 6:10 → Proverbs 28:20 | The warning against the love of money in 1 Timothy 6:10 is similar to the teaching of Proverbs 28:20, which says that a faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 6:3 → Deuteronomy 8:10-18 | The warning against false teachers in 1 Timothy 6:3 is similar to the teaching of Deuteronomy 8:10-18, which warns against the dangers of forgetting God and trusting in one's own wealth and power. |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 6:6 → Psalm 37:16 | The emphasis on contentment in 1 Timothy 6:6 is similar to the teaching of Psalm 37:16, which says that a little that the righteous has is better than the abundance of many wicked. |
Sermons on 1 Timothy 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers |
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(Costa Rica) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story abo |
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Please Sir Save Me! by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a gold miner on a ship that gets caught in a storm and starts sinking. A little girl asks the miner if he can swim, and he realizes |
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recou |
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Christ a Stranger (1984 Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of time people have for prayer and Bible study due to their busy lives and distractions. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizi |
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(Pdf Book) Apostolic Foundations by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of the term 'apostolic' in the church, arguing that its loss threatens the very foundation of faith. He calls for a restoration of apost |
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Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Timothy 6
In this chapter, Paul provides guidance on how to handle wealth and material possessions in a way that honors God. He warns against the love of money, which is a root of all kinds of evil, and encourages believers to trust in God and live a life of contentment. Paul also emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, and warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel. He charges Timothy to guard the deposit of faith, and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter provides important lessons on the dangers of wealth and the importance of trusting in God, and it encourages believers to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10-21. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Dangers of Wealth
The chapter highlights the potential dangers of pursuing wealth and material possessions, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and living a life of contentment.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
Paul emphasizes the need for sound doctrine, which is centered on the person and work of Christ, and warns against false teachers who promote a distorted view of the gospel.
The Charge to Timothy
The chapter concludes with a charge to Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to trust in God, who is able to keep him safe until the day of Christ's return.