Aditional Warnings

1 Timothy 6:1–21 (NLT)

1 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching.

2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped 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. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.

This chapter continues Paul’s explanation of the church’s ministry to different groups in the fellowship, particularly those that might cause problems.

I. To Slaves ( 1 Timothy 6:1–2)

1 Timothy 6:1–2 (NLT)

1 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching.

2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

A- Have the right attitude toward masters.

1- Slavery was an integral part of ancient life;

a. it is estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire.

b. Many slaves found Christ, but their masters often remained unbelievers; therefore the Christian slaves might be prone to disobey or claim freedom because they were Christians.

c. Paul urges them to be good testimonies to their unsaved masters that their masters might learn to respect the name of God and His Word.

d. Then again slaves who had believing masters would be tempted to take advantage of them, and this behavior Paul prohibits.

See Eph. 6:5ff, Col. 3:22ff, and 1 Peter 2:18–25.

(Ephesians 6:5ff (NLT)

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

(Colossians 3:22ff (NLT)

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord.

23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

1 Peter 2:18–25 (NLT)

18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel.

19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.

20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls

II. To Troublemakers ( 1 Timothy 6:3–5)

1 Timothy 6:3–5 (NLT)

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

A- Doctrine is important!

1. “Don’t worry about doctrine,” some people say; “the important thing is spiritual unity.”

2. Paul refutes that lie in this section: whenever there is disunity in a church, it is because somebody does not really believe and practice the Word of God. Those who were teaching false doctrine and who would not agree to Paul’s teachings were to be noted and dealt with.

B- Perverting doctrine creates disunity in the church.

1. The apostle clearly pictures these people who cause trouble in the church.

2. They are proud; they want to be “important people” in the church. Yet they are ignorant, “knowing nothing” (v. 4). Furthermore, they are sick; for the word “doting” actually means “diseased, sickly.” Having rejected the healthy (sound) doctrine, they have made themselves spiritually sick. Instead of feeding on the truths of God’s Word, they feed on empty questions and the meanings of words; and all of this leads to envies, strife, constant turmoil, and not to godliness. These people are “deprived” (destitute) of the truth; their only goal is personal profit. If they can use religion to further their own goals, then that is all that concerns them.

3. Note that Titus 3:10 commands that a troublemaker (“heretic,” meaning one who causes factions and divisions) is not to be permitted membership in the church after he or she has been warned two times. Troublemakers who move from church to church ought not to be received back into the fellowship after the second offense.

Titus 3:10 (NLT)

10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

III. To the Rich ( 1 Timothy 6:6–19)

1 Timothy 6:6–19 (NLT)

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped 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. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

A- Real wealth is found in the path of godliness. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

1 Timothy 6:6–8 (NLT)

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

1. The thought of “gain” in v. 5 leads Paul into a discussion of the Christian and wealth.

2. Using godliness to try to secure gain will never bring contentment; but a godly life, which is a contented life, is certainly great gain to a person. How important it is to have the right values!

B- Having a focus upon pursuing wealth is dangerous. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NLT)

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped 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. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

1. It is easy to misinterpret vv. 9 and 10. In v. 9, Paul is warning those who will to be rich, that is, who set their whole attention on securing wealth. This kind of person is bound to fall into temptations and snares and will eventually sink into destruction.

2. Think of all that Lot lost when he set his eyes on the rich plains of Sodom! Or all that Haman lost (see the Book of Esther) when he set his heart on riches and honor! What does a man need for contentment? Very little: food and raiment and a godly life.

3. Think of the poverty of Christ, yet He made many rich (2 Cor. 8:9).

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)

9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

4. Verse 10 does not teach that money is the root of all evil, or even that the love of money is the root of all evil; but that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Money itself is not neutral; it is basically defiled. Jesus called money “unrighteous mammon” (Luke 16:9, 11), and Paul called it “filthy lucre” (1 Tim. 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7, 11).

Luke 16:9 (NLT)

9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.

Luke 16:11 (NLT)

11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?

1 Timothy 3:3 (NLT)

3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

1 Timothy 3:8 (NLT)

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

Titus 1:7 (NLT)

7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

Titus 1:11 (NLT)

11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money.

Money can be invested for eternity by bringing Christ to lost people, or it can send a man to hell by becoming his god.

You find both examples in Luke 16.

Every one of the Ten Commandments can be broken because of money.

Because of a desire for money, people have denied God, blasphemed His name, stolen, lied, murdered, committed adultery, and so on.

A lust for material things makes people wander (err) from the faith, and this leads to shipwreck. They look for pleasure but find pain and sorrows.

C- The man of God is to make the pursuit of godliness his prime objective. (1Timothy 6:11-16)

1 Timothy 6:11–16 (NLT)

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

1. Paul then injects a warning to Timothy, because Christian leaders can be led astray by false values and a desire for material gain.

Demas forsook Paul because he loved the world (2 Tim. 4:10);

Judas sold Christ for thirty pieces of silver.

2. Note that Paul called this youthful pastor a “man of God” (v. 11).

What an encouragement! Note too the three exhortations: flee, follow, fight. Flee these things—pride, covetousness, false teachings.

Sometimes the finest thing the Christian soldier can do is run. In 2 Tim. 2:22, Paul commands him to “Flee youthful lusts.”

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT)

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

This is what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tempted him (Gen. 39). But it is not enough to flee. We must also follow, and we must also fight. Paul points to the wonderful example of Christ when He made His courageous witness before Pilate. “We serve the King of kings!” writes Paul. “Be faithful until He comes. When He comes, He will honor you for your good work.”

D- The rich are to be instructed on the godly use of their wealth. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NLT)

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

1. Things to avoid.

2. Things to do.

Verses 17–19 form a positive instruction to the rich, telling them how to use their riches for God’s glory. Note that he calls them “rich in this present world.”

It is possible to be rich in this world but not rich toward God (see Luke 12:13–21).

Luke 12:13–21 (NLT)

13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?”

15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.

17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’

18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.

19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

First, these people must be humble, accepting their wealth as a stewardship from God.

They should keep their eyes on the Giver and not put their trust in the gifts.

God wants His own to enjoy the blessings of life; the word “enjoy” is in the Bible! In Christ, we have “all things to enjoy” and they are given to us “richly”! But these material blessings are not only for enjoyment, they are also for employment—to be used for the glory of God and the winning of souls. Money should be used for good works; it should be shared (communicated); it should be invested in things eternal, laying a good foundation for the time to come. “Treasures in heaven” is the way Jesus put it in Matt. 6.

IV. To the “Educated” ( 1 Timothy 6:20–21)

1 Timothy 6:20–21 (NLT)

20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.

A.

“Science” in v. 20 means “knowledge,” but to Paul it was a false knowledge. He was no doubt referring to the Gnostics (see introduction to Colossians) who claimed to have “full knowledge” about the universe, not too different from some of our philosophers today. These false teachers at Ephesus were disturbing young Timothy with their high-sounding theories and their questions about the Word of God; so Paul warned him not to get involved with this “profane and vain babbling”! The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (see 1 Cor. 1–2).

What is Timothy’s responsibility? To “guard the deposit” that God committed to him through Paul. God had given the Gospel message, the deposit of truth, to Paul (1:11), who had in turn committed it to Timothy (1:18–19). Timothy was to guard it (6:20) and pass it on to others (2 Tim. 2:2). This is the task of the church today; may we be faithful to guard the deposit and pass it on to others!