1 Timothy 6

In this chapter, Paul gives Timothy instructions concerning relationships, particularly between slaves and masters, as well as warnings against false teachers and the dangers of loving wealth. He encourages Timothy to pursue righteousness and fight the good fight of faith, emphasizing the importance of keeping God's commandments until the return of Christ. Paul ends the chapter by giving specific exhortations to the rich and a closing charge to Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him.

1 Timothy 6:1 (NKJV)
"Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed."

Paul instructs slaves, particularly Christian slaves, to show respect and honor to their masters, regardless of whether their masters are believers. By doing so, they preserve the reputation of the Christian faith and prevent any negative perceptions that might harm the name of God or the teachings of Christianity.

1 Timothy 6:2 (NKJV)
"And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things."

Paul addresses slaves with Christian masters, reminding them not to take advantage of the shared faith to offer less respect. Instead, they should serve their believing masters even more diligently, knowing that their service benefits fellow believers who are dearly loved by God. Paul urges Timothy to teach these principles to the church.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NKJV)
"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself."

Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who reject the teachings of Christ and stir up unnecessary debates and conflicts. These individuals, full of pride and devoid of true knowledge, use religion as a means of personal gain. Their actions lead to envy, strife, and suspicion within the community. Paul instructs Timothy to distance himself from such individuals, emphasizing that true godliness is not about material gain.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Paul reminds Timothy that true wealth comes from living a godly life with contentment. He contrasts the desire for material possessions with the reality that we came into the world with nothing and will leave with nothing. Therefore, having the basic necessities of life—food and clothing—should be enough for believers to feel content and grateful.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV)
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Paul warns of the dangers associated with the desire for wealth. Those who chase after riches are often led into temptation and harmful desires that can lead to spiritual ruin. He specifically states that the love of money—not money itself—is the root of all kinds of evil, causing many to stray from the faith and bring upon themselves deep sorrow and regret.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NKJV)
"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

Paul contrasts Timothy’s calling with the previous warnings about wealth and false teachings. He exhorts Timothy to actively flee from greed and worldliness, and instead, focus on virtues like righteousness, faith, and love. Timothy is also encouraged to persevere in the faith and hold firmly to the eternal life promised to him, remembering his public confession of faith.

1 Timothy 6:13-14 (NKJV)
"I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing."

Paul emphasizes the importance of obedience and perseverance by reminding Timothy that God is the source of life and that Jesus Himself maintained His faithful confession before His trial under Pilate. Timothy is encouraged to keep God’s commandments without any fault until the return of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:15-16 (NKJV)
"Which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."

Paul reflects on the sovereignty and majesty of God, declaring that Christ’s return will occur in God's perfect timing. God is described as the supreme ruler, the only one possessing immortality, and dwelling in light so glorious that no one can approach or behold it. Paul concludes with a doxology, offering honor and praise to God’s eternal power.

1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV)
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy."

Paul instructs Timothy to warn wealthy believers not to be proud or place their trust in material wealth, which is unstable and temporary. Instead, they should put their hope in God, who is the true source of all blessings and provides for His people generously.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NKJV)
"Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Paul advises the rich to focus on doing good, being generous, and sharing with others. By investing in acts of kindness and charity, they store up lasting treasures in heaven, which serve as a firm foundation for their future and help them secure eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (NKJV)
"O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen."

In his final charge to Timothy, Paul urges him to protect the truth of the gospel entrusted to him. Timothy must avoid pointless debates and false teachings that masquerade as wisdom but lead many away from the faith. Paul concludes with a blessing of grace, affirming his pastoral care for Timothy.