1 Timothy6

The chapter begins by instructing servants to honor their masters, whether believing or not, to prevent blasphemy against God's doctrine. It warns against false teachers who equate godliness with material gain, advocating instead for godliness with contentment as true wealth. The text strongly cautions against the love of money, identifying it as the root of all evil, leading to destruction. Timothy is exhorted to flee these worldly desires, pursue righteousness, and faithfully guard the truth entrusted to him.

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Instructions to Slaves and Masters

Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

Warning Against False Teachers

If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

Godliness and Contentment

But godliness with contentment is great gain:

for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;

but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.

But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Timothy’s Personal Charge

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;

that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.

Instructions for the Rich

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

Final Exhortation and Benediction

O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;

which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.

Study Notes for 1 Timothy 6

Verse 1

In the Roman world, slavery was a social reality. Paul instructs Christian slaves to act honorably toward their masters, even non-believers, so that the gospel message is not discredited or blasphemed by poor conduct.

Verse 2

When the master is a believer, the slave must not exploit the 'brotherhood' relationship to avoid service. Instead, they should serve diligently, recognizing that their service benefits fellow believers.

Verse 3

Paul defines false teaching not just by content, but by its opposition to 'wholesome words' (sound doctrine) and the practical piety ('godliness') taught by Christ.

Verse 4

False teachers are characterized by intellectual arrogance and a preoccupation with useless, contentious speculation ('questions and strifes of words') that lead only to division and moral decay.

Verse 5

The core motivation of these heretics is financial exploitation. They engage in ministry not for truth or devotion, but 'supposing that gain is godliness,' confusing spiritual purpose with material profit.

Verse 6

This verse presents the true source of wealth: spiritual devotion combined with satisfaction in one’s circumstances. True 'gain' is not material, but spiritual and psychological peace.

Verse 7

A theological basis for contentment, rooted in mortality. Since material goods are temporary and cannot be taken into eternity, attachment to them is futile.

Verse 9

The danger lies in the *desire* ('will to be rich') rather than wealth itself. This intense covetousness leads to moral compromise, tempting the believer into destructive actions.

Verse 10

This famous statement identifies the *love* of money (greed, covetousness) as 'the root of all evil'—meaning, the source of every kind of moral and spiritual ruin. This desire leads believers away from faith and causes deep emotional pain.

Verse 11

'Man of God' is a title used in the Old Testament for prophets and spiritual leaders, emphasizing Timothy’s high calling and moral responsibility to flee corruption and pursue Christ-like virtues.

Verse 12

'Fight the good fight of faith' uses athletic imagery (agonizomai), urging Timothy to strive intensely in his ministry and personal life to secure the eternal reward to which he was called.

Verse 13

Paul heightens the solemnity of the charge by invoking God and Christ as witnesses. Christ’s 'good confession' before Pilate (John 18:37) serves as the model for Timothy’s own fearless testimony.

Verse 14

Timothy is charged to uphold his duties faithfully until the Parousia (the second coming of Christ), underscoring the enduring nature of his pastoral responsibilities.

Verse 15

Paul breaks into a magnificent doxology (a statement of praise) stressing the absolute sovereignty and power of God, who alone determines the timing of Christ’s return.

Verse 16

This verse emphasizes God’s transcendent and inaccessible nature ('dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto'), contrasting the absolute immortality of God with the fleeting nature of human life.

Verse 17

Paul addresses the wealthy members of the Ephesian church, warning them against two dangers: arrogance ('highmindedness') and misplaced security in unstable material wealth. Their trust must be in God’s provision.

Verse 18

The antidote to the dangers of wealth is practical Christian stewardship. The rich must actively pursue generosity, charity, and sharing as their primary 'good works.'

Verse 19

By using their earthly wealth generously, they are investing in their eternal future, 'laying up in store' spiritual capital that secures their true hold on eternal life.

Verse 20

'Keep that which is committed to thy trust' (the 'deposit' or parathēkē) refers to the apostolic gospel tradition and sound doctrine Timothy received. He must guard this truth against 'science falsely so called' (gnōsis pseudōnymos), a reference to destructive, speculative heresies.

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1 Timothy6

Instructions to Slaves and Masters

Warning Against False Teachers

Godliness and Contentment

Timothy’s Personal Charge

Instructions for the Rich

Final Exhortation and Benediction

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