1 Timothy Chapter 6

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Introduction

This chapter embraces the following subjects of counsel and exhortation: --

(1.) The kind of instruction which was to be given to servants, 1 Tim 6:1ff. They were to treat their masters with all proper respect, 1 Tim 6:1; if their masters were Christians, they were, on that account, to serve them with the more fidelity, 1 Tim 6:2; and any opposite kind of teaching would tend only to stir up strife and produce dissatisfaction and contention, and could proceed only from a proud and self-confident heart.

(2.) The advantage of piety and of a contented mind, 1 Tim 6:6ff. The argument for this is, that we brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out; that our essential wants here are food and raiment; and that, having enough to make us comfortable, we should be content.

(3.) The evils of a desire to be rich, 1 Tim 6:9, 1 Tim 6:10; evils seen in the temptations to which it leads; the passions which it fosters; and the danger to religion itself.

(4.) An exhortation to Timothy, as a minister of religion, to pursue higher and nobler objects, 1 Tim 6:11ff. He was

(a) to avoid these worldly things; he was

(b) to pursue nobler objects.

He was to follow after righteousness, and to fight the good fight of faith. To do this, he was to be encouraged by the assurance that the great and only Potentate would, in due time, place the crown on his head.

(5.) The duty of those who were rich -- for it is supposed that some Christians will be rich, either by inheritance, or by prosperous business, 1 Tim 6:17ff. They are

(a) not to be proud;

(b) nor to trust in their riches so as to forget their dependence on God;

(c) to do good with their property; and

(d) to make their wealth the means of securing eternal life.

(6.) A solemn charge to Timothy to observe these things, and not to be turned from them by any of the arguments and objections of pretended science, 1 Tim 6:20, 1 Tim 6:21.

Text

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

2: And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. edit

3: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; edit

4: He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, edit

5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. edit

6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. edit

7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. edit

8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. edit

9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. edit

10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. edit

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

12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. edit

13: I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; edit

14: That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: edit

15: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; edit

16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. edit

17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; edit

18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; edit

19: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. edit

20: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: edit

21: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. edit