1 TIMOTHY 6:3–21 Paul’s Contrast: Corrupt Teachers, Godly Teachers, and Godly Stewards

I. FALSE TEACHERS (vv. 3–5)

A. Their Message

They teach “a different doctrine.”

They reject “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

They distort, deny, or add to Scripture.

The Red Letter Heresy

Some today claim only Jesus’ “red-letter” words are authoritative. This produces:

A selective, partial gospel

Rejection of apostolic authority

Doctrinal instability

The very “different doctrine” Paul condemns

Biblical truth: All Scripture is Christ’s Word (John 10:35; 14:26; 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Pet. 3:15–16).

B. Their Fruit

Their doctrine does not produce godliness.

C. Their Attitude — Pride

MacArthur: pride is the core trait; “puffed up like smoke,” “blowing hot air.”

D. Their Mentality — Empty Speculation

They “understand nothing.”

Obsessed with questions, controversies, word-battles, and intellectual posturing.

MacArthur: their “deeper insights” amount to foolishness before God.

Example of Word Quarreling

The argument that “only the red letters matter” is a modern example of the same harmful quarreling about words Paul condemns.

E. The Biblical View of Jesus’ Words

Jesus affirmed all Scripture (Luke 24:44; John 10:35).

Jesus is the eternal Word (John 1:1).

Apostles speak with Christ’s authority through the Spirit (John 14:26).

Rejecting apostolic writings is rejecting Christ (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Pet. 3:15–16).

F. Their Effects

Envy

Strife

Slander

Evil suspicions

Constant friction

Destruction of unity

G. Their Spiritual Condition

Depraved mind

Deprived of truth

H. Their Motive — Greed

MacArthur: false teachers imitate Balaam’s love of money; Simon Magus; they use “godliness” as a money-making scheme.

II. THE DANGER OF LOVING MONEY (vv. 6–10)

A. True Wealth

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Contentment must be learned.

Philippians 4:11 — “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

B. Wealth Is Temporary

We bring nothing in.

We take nothing out.

C. Simplicity of Life

Being content with food and covering marks spiritual maturity.

D. The Trap of Greed

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation, a snare, harmful desires, ruin, and destruction.

Greek: buthizō — “to sink, submerge, drown.” Pursuing riches drags a person to the bottom, especially when through illegitimate means.

E. Vocation vs. Illegitimate Gain

False teachers pursue wealth apart from legitimate work. They treat “ministry” as an avenue of personal enrichment.

Paul taught the opposite:

1 Thessalonians 4:11–12

Live quietly

Mind your own affairs

Work with your hands

Walk properly before outsiders

Be dependent on no one

Money gained through honest vocation is good; money pursued through manipulation or idleness is destructive.

F. Love of Money

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Causes wandering from the faith and great personal grief.

MacArthur: money is like a gun — not evil itself; the sin is greed.

III. THE MAN OF GOD (vv. 11–16)

A. What He Flees From

Pride

Greed

False teaching

All sin

Greek: pheugō (present tense) — continual fleeing. “These things” refers specifically to the money-related evils in vv. 9–10.

B. What He Pursues

Righteousness

Godliness

Faith

Love

Perseverance

Gentleness

C. What He Fights For

“Fight the good fight of faith…”

MacArthur: Being God’s spokesman means warfare — against flesh, Satan, the world, and even lethargic Christians. Paul told Timothy: “Suffer hardship as a good soldier” (2 Tim. 2:3). Paul’s epitaph: “I have fought the good fight…” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Greek: agonizomai — “to agonize,” used for soldiers and athletes; discipline, focus, continuous struggle (present imperative).

D. What He Is Faithful To

Keep the commandment unstained.

Persevere until Christ’s appearing.

E. His Motivation — The Glory of God

God is the life-giver

God is Sovereign

King of kings

Lord of lords

Immortal

Invisible

Dwelling in unapproachable light

To Him be honor and eternal dominion

IV. THE FAITHFUL RICH (vv. 17–19)

A. Warnings for the Rich

Do not be conceited.

Do not set hope on uncertain riches.

MacArthur: being rich is not sinful; God makes both poor and rich (1 Sam. 2:7). Abraham, Job, and Solomon were wealthy.

B. Proper Focus

Fix hope on God,

Who richly provides all things to enjoy.

C. Duties of the Wealthy

Do good

Be rich in good works

Be generous

Be ready to share

MacArthur: Proverbs 11:24–25 — generosity multiplies; hoarding leads to want.

D. Eternal Perspective

Store up treasure in heaven

Lay a firm foundation for the future

Take hold of “life that is truly life”