1 Timothy 6

Summary

 

1 Timothy 6 addresses issues related to the Christian attitude toward wealth, the dangers of the love of money, the pursuit of godliness, and the need to guard the deposit of faith. Paul encourages contentment, warns against false teachings, and urges believers to fight the good fight of faith.

 

1. Attitude Toward False Teachers (1 Timothy 6:1-5): Paul instructs Timothy on how to approach the issue of slaves and their masters within the Christian community. He warns against false teachers who promote controversy and quarrels rather than godly edification.
2. Contentment and Warnings Against the Love of Money (1 Timothy 6:6-10): Paul emphasizes the value of godliness with contentment, stating that it is a great gain. He warns against the love of money, as it can lead to various evils. Paul famously declares that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and some have strayed from the faith in their pursuit of wealth.
3. Fight the Good Fight of Faith (1 Timothy 6:11-16): Paul urges Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. He charges Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith" and lays emphasis on holding fast to the confession of faith. Paul describes God, who is immortal and invisible, and emphasizes His sovereignty and authority.
4. Instructions to the Wealthy (1 Timothy 6:17-19): Paul provides instructions for those who are wealthy. They are not to be haughty or to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God. They are encouraged to be generous, ready to share, and to lay up treasures for themselves in heaven.
5. Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You (1 Timothy 6:20-21): Paul concludes the letter by urging Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and to avoid irreverent babble and contradictions that can lead people away from the truth.

 

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