1 Timothy Chapter 6
1 Timothy 6:1
“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.” (NKJV)
Paul begins by addressing a significant portion of society at the time—bondservants. The phrase “under the yoke” identifies those in a condition of servitude, whether voluntary or involuntary. In the Roman Empire, it’s estimated that over half of the population were slaves—some highly educated, others treated harshly. The term “bondservants” here is doulos, indicating those under obligation or servitude, and often translated as “slaves.”
Paul exhorts Christian bondservants to treat their masters with honor and respect. This is not a moral endorsement of slavery, but a pastoral command designed to uphold the integrity of the gospel. The goal is “so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.” In other words, poor conduct by believers, especially in subordinate roles, could bring shame upon the gospel and dishonor to the name of Christ.
This principle reaches beyond the institution of slavery and applies to any position where authority and submission exist—most notably in the workplace today. Christian employees are expected to perform with diligence and honor, not because their superiors are necessarily worthy, but because their behavior reflects on the Lord.
Colossians 3:22–24 reinforces this same ethic:
“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (NKJV)
Paul is highlighting a sobering truth: a believer’s conduct in everyday life can either glorify or defame the gospel. Christians should therefore be model workers, lest they give unbelievers a reason to ridicule the faith.
1 Timothy 6:2
“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.” (NKJV)
Now Paul shifts the focus to Christian slaves who serve Christian masters. It might be tempting for such a bondservant to expect special treatment due to their shared faith, or worse, to begin to treat their master with less respect, assuming spiritual equality nullifies social hierarchy.
Paul corrects this by instructing that they are not to “despise them because they are brethren.” Instead, they are to “serve them,” not with resentment, but with an even greater diligence, recognizing that their labor blesses someone who is “a believer and beloved.” The implication is that Christian workers should be even more motivated to serve well when their labor benefits another believer.
This verse further dismantles any notion of favoritism or entitlement within the body of Christ. While all believers are equal before God in worth and salvation, functional roles and earthly authority structures are still in place. Whether in the home, church, or workplace, submission is still required in the Lord (cf. Ephesians 5:22–6:9).
In modern terms, a Christian employee should not expect to cut corners or take liberties just because the boss is a fellow believer. In fact, the relationship should inspire even greater integrity and effort, as a tangible expression of love and service to the brethren.
This command closes with Paul’s directive to Timothy: “Teach and exhort these things.” The language is strong. These aren’t optional guidelines—they are to be preached and pressed upon the church. The early church, composed of both slaves and masters, needed these instructions to model godliness in a world watching closely.
As noted in your PDF source:
“Servants = slaves; applies to employment. 50% of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves. Many were educated and cultured, but not treated as persons. Our new-found freedom in Christ should not be used as an excuse to disobey, or defy, authority... One must be careful in picking one’s battles.”
B. Money, Contentment, and Godliness
Warning Against the Misuse of God’s Word
1 Timothy 6:3–5
“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.” (NKJV)
a. A Continuation of the Battle Against False Teaching
Paul returns to a recurring theme from chapter one: the necessity for sound doctrine and the rejection of corrupt, misleading teaching. The phrase, “If anyone teaches otherwise,” refers to any deviation from the apostolic truth, especially as it pertains to sound doctrine rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Timothy had been charged with safeguarding the church in Ephesus from false doctrine — not only blatant heresy, but also subtle distortions that pervert the Word under the guise of piety.
i. “Teaches otherwise” (heterodidaskalei) literally means teaching another doctrine, one that differs from the apostolic standard (see 1 Timothy 1:3). This includes modern equivalents such as visions, spiritualism, legalistic mysticism, and charismatic manipulations that distract from Christ-centered theology.
ii. This false teaching often takes place not from pulpits alone, but in private conversations, small groups, or casual settings where unsound ideas spread without accountability.
b. Wholesome Words and Doctrines of Godliness
Paul clarifies that the benchmark for true doctrine is “wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The term “wholesome” (Greek hugiainō) means sound, healthy, uncorrupted. The Word of God is not mere intellectual theory; it is spiritual nourishment. True doctrine builds up the soul and produces “godliness”—a reverent and obedient walk with God.
To “not consent” to these truths is to reject the authority and purity of Christ's teaching. Many claim to affirm the Bible, but their theology is more speculation than Scripture, more preference than principle.
i. Calvin noted: “When there is no progress or edification from any teaching, it has already departed from the institution of Christ.” Doctrine must result in transformed lives. Anything less is a betrayal of its purpose.
c. The Deception of the Proud Heretic
Paul pulls no punches in describing the inner character of such false teachers:
“He is proud, knowing nothing.”
They carry themselves as authorities while being spiritually ignorant. Their pride blinds them to correction, and their confidence masks a total lack of spiritual understanding. In today’s terms, they are more interested in platforms, followers, and influence than in truth.
i. To spin or dilute Scripture—much like political speechwriters manipulate language—is a grave offense. It places man’s opinion above God’s revelation. True preaching must be expository, letting God speak through His Word, not man’s cleverness.
d. Obsessed With Disputes and Arguments
The result of departing from the truth is theological combativism. Paul says these men are “obsessed with disputes and arguments over words.” They are argumentative not because they love truth, but because they love to win debates. They’re not contending for the faith but feeding their egos.
i. This is not a rebuke of sincere doctrinal inquiry, but of quarrelsome, arrogant nitpicking that causes division. It’s the spirit of a man who wants to appear wise, not submit to wisdom.
ii. Paul describes the fruit of their ministry:
“...envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions...”
These men do not build churches—they divide them. They do not strengthen disciples—they unsettle them. Their influence breeds toxic spiritual environments, marked by slander, suspicion, and division.
e. Useless Wranglings and Corrupt Minds
Paul intensifies his rebuke with the phrase “useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth.” These individuals are morally bankrupt and spiritually starved. They engage in what can only be described as spiritual abrasion—like diseased sheep rubbing up against others and spreading infection.
i. They are destitute of truth, not due to lack of access, but due to willful rejection. Their minds are not just ignorant—they are corrupt (diaphtheirō), polluted and decaying from within.
f. Godliness as a Means of Gain
Perhaps the most insidious error Paul exposes is this:
“...who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”
This reveals the ultimate motivation for many false teachers — material advantage. They use the guise of religion to pursue wealth, comfort, and power. Paul rebukes this prosperity-minded perversion of the gospel in the clearest terms.
i. Calvin warns: “For these men, all Christianity is to be measured by the gains it brings.” This self-serving version of faith turns the cross into a vending machine and Christ into a broker of blessings.
ii. The modern prosperity gospel fits squarely into Paul’s condemnation here. It sells Jesus as a product to enhance life rather than Lord to whom we owe our life. It draws crowds but does not make disciples. It inflames appetites but never crucifies the flesh.
iii. Believers must beware of following Christ merely for what He gives—peace, prosperity, or healing. The goal of faith is Christ Himself, not what He can deliver.
g. From Such Withdraw Yourself
Paul concludes with this sobering command:
“From such withdraw yourself.”
Timothy—and by extension, all church leaders—must not tolerate these individuals or give them platforms. To associate with them is to risk endorsement by association. Paul instructs a full break, a clear separation from these doctrinal and ethical deviants.
i. Calvin again warns: “Their company is infectious.” Letting them remain in leadership corrupts the congregation, misrepresents the gospel, and undermines the authority of God’s Word.
ii. Separation is not optional; it is essential. These are not weak brethren needing grace—they are wolves in sheep’s clothing, whose influence must be neutralized for the protection of the flock.
Summary:
1 Timothy 6:3–5 is a bold defense of doctrinal purity and pastoral integrity. It condemns theological pride, carnal ambition, and financial manipulation in the church. Godliness is not a tool for gain, and Scripture is not a toy for debates. Those who twist truth for personal advantage must be exposed and avoided. Paul calls pastors not only to teach truth but to stand boldly against the spiritual con men who peddle counterfeit godliness.
2. The True Gain of Godliness
1 Timothy 6:6
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NKJV)
After denouncing the corrupt motives of false teachers who viewed godliness as a pathway to material profit, Paul sets the record straight: real profit, real gain, is found in godliness—when it is paired with contentment.
a. True Godliness Must Be Paired with Contentment
“Godliness” (eusebeia) refers to a lifestyle that honors God—personal holiness rooted in reverence, obedience, and sincere devotion. But Paul clarifies that godliness alone, if used as a tool for gain, becomes corrupted. The real treasure lies in godliness that is content with God's will and providence.
b. The Greek Word for Contentment: “Autarkeia”
The word translated “contentment” is autarkeia, which refers to a state of inner sufficiency that is independent of circumstances. It describes a life that is not controlled by materialism or worldly desire but is rooted in trust in God’s provision.
As Barclay put it:
“Contentment never comes from the possession of external things.”
Rather, it flows from the soul that is satisfied in God alone.
c. The Cancer of Materialism
Much of modern Western culture thrives on discontent. From advertising to peer comparison, society rewards the desire for more. In contrast, Paul insists that contentment is not weakness, but spiritual strength. The Christian who is not owned by his possessions or dominated by his cravings is truly wealthy in God’s eyes.
Paul modeled this virtue personally in Philippians 4:11–13,
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)
Paul didn’t merely preach contentment—he lived it. He had experienced both plenty and poverty, but in both circumstances found joy and peace through Christ.
d. Contentment Requires a Renewed Mind
True godly contentment isn’t natural. It is spiritually cultivated as believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds (see Romans 12:2). Without this transformation, even the godly can fall prey to carnal discontent.
Contentment doesn’t mean complacency or lack of ambition—it means being satisfied with God's portion, while continuing to labor faithfully. A content man can pursue goals without being consumed by them.
e. Self-Examination: Do We Have Contentment?
Our spending, saving, and giving patterns often say more about our hearts than our words. Ask yourself:
Does material loss ruin your joy?
Do you find identity or comfort in things you own?
Is your hope in Christ or in what you possess?
True contentment arises when our identity is in Christ, not our income, and our treasure is in heaven, not our house.
3. The Heart of Contentment
1 Timothy 6:7–8
“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.” (NKJV)
a. The Eternal Perspective
Paul drives home the point that everything we gain in this world is temporary. At birth we bring in nothing. At death we take out nothing. The richest man on earth leaves just as empty-handed as the poorest.
Job 1:21 echoes this same truth:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (NKJV)
The things that matter most—righteousness, peace, fellowship with God—cannot be bought, and they cannot be buried with us.
b. Nothing Goes With You—But You Can Send It Ahead
Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19–20,
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (NKJV)
Although we cannot take anything with us materially, we can invest our temporal resources in eternal causes—serving others, giving to the kingdom, making disciples. These are the things that endure.
c. The Standard for Contentment: Food and Clothing
Paul sets the baseline: “Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
This reflects a heart that understands the difference between need and want. The basic necessities are enough for the child of God whose eyes are set on eternity. To desire more is not inherently sinful, but discontentment reveals a spiritual deficiency.
As Proverbs 30:8–9 wisely prays:
“Give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.” (NKJV)
d. Cultural Discontent and the Christian Mind
In a world obsessed with upgrades and luxury, Christians must resist the lie that more equals better. Advertising is designed to make you feel dissatisfied until you make a purchase. Paul urges believers to reject this system and find satisfaction in God's provision.
Spurgeon put it well:
“You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”
Conclusion:
The true wealth of the believer is not counted in currency but in Christlikeness and contentment. When godliness is accompanied by a spirit of grateful sufficiency, the believer experiences "great gain"—not in earthly riches, but in heavenly reward, in peace of heart, and in spiritual security.
4. The Folly of the Greedy Heart
1 Timothy 6:9–10
“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.” (NKJV)
a. The Desire to Be Rich Is Spiritually Dangerous
Paul shifts from condemning those who use religion for financial gain to now addressing the inner condition of greed itself. He does not condemn wealth—but the craving for it. “But those who desire to be rich” refers not to those who happen to be rich, but those who set their heart on riches.
Wealth in itself is not sinful—Abraham, Job, David, and Solomon were all wealthy. But the danger lies in setting your heart on riches, as Psalm 62:10 warns:
“If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (NKJV)
b. A Treacherous Path
Paul says such a desire leads people into “temptation and a snare”. The Greek word for snare (pagis) refers to a trap used to catch animals—once sprung, escape is nearly impossible. The desire for wealth traps the soul, fueling “many foolish and harmful lusts”—obsessions that eventually “drown men in destruction and perdition.”
The word “drown” paints a vivid picture: like a man swept away by the current, struggling until he is pulled under and destroyed. Many careers, ministries, families—and souls—have been lost in the undertow of financial craving.
c. The Love of Money: A Root of All Kinds of Evil
Paul does not say money is the root of all evil, but that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This love (philarguria — affection for silver) opens the door to every form of corruption: lying, theft, betrayal, murder, idolatry, and apostasy.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 declares:
“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” (NKJV)
d. Straying From the Faith and Piercing the Soul
Paul warns that some, “in their greediness,” have “strayed from the faith”—they began on the path of truth but wandered off course, like ships veering off into a storm. And they “pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
This is the imagery of self-inflicted harm. Their pursuit has turned on them like a trap. The very thing they chased becomes the dagger that stabs their heart. Earthly riches can never buy peace, and the man who serves money will never serve God rightly.
5. True Riches: Serving a Great King
1 Timothy 6:11–16
“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.” (NKJV)
a. But You, O Man of God
Paul uses a rare but powerful title: “O man of God.” This term, used of Moses and other prophets in the Old Testament, is here applied to Timothy. He is to stand in contrast to the greedy and prideful false teachers. Paul charges him to live differently: to “flee these things”—false teaching, greed, and pride—and pursue eternal virtues.
b. Pursue Eternal Riches
Rather than worldly riches, Timothy must chase after what truly matters:
Righteousness — moral purity before God and men.
Godliness — reverent devotion to the Lord.
Faith — trust and loyalty in the face of opposition.
Love — selfless concern for others.
Patience — endurance under trial.
Gentleness — controlled strength in word and action.
This is the opposite of the power-hungry, argumentative, wealth-obsessed false teacher. These six qualities reflect the image of Christ and build the only kind of life that will endure into eternity.
c. Fight the Good Fight
Timothy is called not to ease but to warfare:
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.”
The Christian life is not passive. It's a battleground against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Eternal life is a gift from God—but it must be seized, held onto, and not let go. Timothy has both a calling from God and a public confession before others to live faithfully.
1 Timothy 6:13–16
“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, 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.” (NKJV)
d. Under the Eye of the King
Paul gives Timothy this charge “in the sight of God” and “before Christ Jesus.” Timothy must understand the seriousness of his task—he lives his life before an audience of One.
Christ Himself “witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,” testifying that He was indeed the King and Son of God—even though it cost Him His life. Timothy is being asked to imitate this faithfulness, no matter the cost.
e. Keep This Commandment Without Spot
Paul's instruction to Timothy is not to be corrupted by compromise or inconsistency. He must remain blameless until the return of Jesus Christ. The standard for leaders in the church is high—not perfection, but consistency in character, integrity, and doctrine.
f. Worshiping the Sovereign Christ
Paul breaks out in glorious praise of the One who called Timothy:
“He who is the blessed and only Potentate” — Christ is sovereign. He alone holds power and authority over all things.
“The King of kings and Lord of lords” — No ruler on earth compares. Jesus reigns unmatched, unquestioned, and eternal.
“Who alone has immortality” — Christ is self-existent. He cannot die. He grants life but receives it from no one.
“Dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see” — Christ’s full glory is too overwhelming for mortal eyes. His holiness transcends comprehension.
g. To Whom Be Honor and Everlasting Power
The final doxology is the only fitting conclusion: “To whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”
This is a reminder and a model: Christ is not to be served for what He gives, but worshiped for who He is.
Summary:
The love of money is a trap, but the love of Christ is liberating. Timothy is exhorted to forsake the false riches of this world and live for eternal treasure. With a clear command, Paul directs his protégé to fight for the faith, hold fast to eternal life, and remember who it is that called him—the Sovereign, Immortal, Exalted Christ. That is the kind of richness that never fades.
4. The Folly of the Greedy Heart
1 Timothy 6:9–10
“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.” (NKJV)
Paul here issues a grave warning—not against wealth itself, but against the desire to be rich. This craving is spiritually corrosive. It poisons the affections, weakens the conscience, and reorients the soul away from eternal riches in Christ and toward temporal, destructive indulgence.
a. “Those who desire to be rich...”
Paul is clear: the danger lies not in possession but in passion. A poor man can be consumed with greed just as much as a rich man. Wealth itself is morally neutral, but the idolatrous desire for it is deadly.
We are reminded of Psalm 62:10:
“If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (NKJV)
This echoes what Jesus said in Luke 12:15:
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (NKJV)
Godly men like Abraham, Job, and David were immensely wealthy—but their hearts were not bound to their wealth. They possessed riches without being possessed by them.
b. “Fall into temptation and a snare...”
The pursuit of wealth leads into a deadly cycle: temptation, then entrapment, then spiritual ruin. Paul says this desire leads people into “many foolish and harmful lusts”—cravings that damage both body and soul. These lusts ultimately “drown men in destruction and perdition.”
Destruction refers to temporal ruin—loss of relationships, testimony, and peace.
Perdition refers to eternal damnation, the ruin of the soul in judgment.
The imagery of drowning shows the total engulfment that greed can bring—it drags men down slowly, relentlessly, into judgment.
c. “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...”
Paul clarifies: not money, but the love of money, is a root of all kinds of evil. Greed is fertile ground for every form of sin—lying, theft, corruption, betrayal, even murder. The desire to be rich causes men to justify evil in the name of personal gain.
This verse aligns with what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24:
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” (NKJV)
You will love one and despise the other.
d. “...for which some have strayed from the faith...”
Greed is not a neutral danger—it leads people away from the truth. Some in Ephesus had “strayed from the faith” in their “greediness.” They exchanged eternal life for temporal gain, forsaking Christ for coins. These are spiritual apostates, not just misguided believers.
And in doing so, they “pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” This is self-inflicted spiritual agony. Their own lusts turned against them. The man who worships money ends up wounded by it.
5. True Riches: Serving a Great King
1 Timothy 6:11–16
“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. 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, 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.” (NKJV)
a. “But you, O man of God...”
This phrase marks a sharp contrast with the greedy apostates. Timothy is charged to live differently. The term “man of God” recalls the Old Testament prophets—men wholly given to God's service (e.g., Moses, Elijah). It is a title of honor and holy duty. Timothy, and every pastor since, must flee the love of money, false teaching, and pride—and instead pursue the virtues that reflect heaven.
b. “Pursue righteousness...”
Rather than living for riches, Timothy is called to pursue six Christlike virtues:
Righteousness — uprightness in conduct.
Godliness — reverence and devotion to the Lord.
Faith — enduring trust in God's promises.
Love — self-sacrificial care for others.
Patience — steadfast endurance through trials.
Gentleness — strength under control.
These are the riches that last into eternity. They reflect the character of Christ and form the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
c. “Fight the good fight of faith...”
The Christian life is not one of ease, but of warfare. Timothy is told to “fight the good fight” — the same terminology used for soldiers in battle or athletes in contest. The battle is long and hard, but worth it.
“Lay hold on eternal life” — he is to grip tightly what God has given him. Though eternal life is a gift, it must be guarded, defended, and lived out with boldness and intentionality.
Timothy had “confessed the good confession” publicly—likely at his baptism or ordination—and now he must live up to that vow.
d. “In the sight of God... and before Christ Jesus...”
This charge is made under divine authority:
God is the source of all life.
Jesus Christ is the faithful example who “witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate”—declaring His kingship, God's sovereignty, and submitting to the Father’s will even unto death.
e. “Keep this commandment without spot... until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing...”
Timothy is to keep the charge pure and blameless—unsullied by corruption or compromise—until the return of Christ.
This ties into Paul’s eschatology: Christ’s appearing (epiphaneia) refers to His visible, bodily return to establish His kingdom. The servant of God must remain faithful until the trumpet sounds (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
f. “He who is the blessed and only Potentate...”
Paul closes this charge with a majestic doxology, lifting Timothy’s eyes to the One who gives the orders:
“The blessed and only Potentate” — Jesus is the Sovereign Ruler over all. His throne is not up for election.
“King of kings and Lord of lords” — Every earthly authority bows before Him.
“Who alone has immortality” — Jesus is uncreated, eternal, and incorruptible.
“Dwelling in unapproachable light” — He is holy, utterly transcendent, robed in glory that no mortal can withstand.
“Whom no man has seen or can see” — His full essence is veiled to human eyes; yet He made Himself known in the person of Christ.
g. “To whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”
The only fitting response to such glory is worship. Not a transactional faith—“what can God do for me?”—but a holy surrender to the One worthy of honor and power forever.
6. A Final Word to the Rich
1 Timothy 6:17–19
“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. 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.” (NKJV)
Paul’s closing exhortation is not a rebuke of the rich, but a pastoral command on how they are to conduct themselves. The wealthy in the church are not condemned, but they are called to handle their riches in light of eternity.
a. “Rich in this present age”
This phrase sets the proper scope. Earthly wealth is limited in time and scope. One may be rich in the present age, but bankrupt in eternity. Therefore, the rich must invest in what lasts forever. Their status is not to be flaunted, feared, or idolized—but used for eternal purposes.
Proverbs 23:5 asks:
“Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (NKJV)
b. “Not to be haughty”
With wealth comes the temptation to believe you are better than others. Pride is a constant snare for the rich. Yet from a biblical standpoint, all men stand equally before God. Wealth may influence earthly standing, but it holds no weight at the judgment seat of Christ.
James gives a sober reminder:
“Let the rich glory in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.” (James 1:10, NKJV)
c. “Nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God”
Wealth provides a false sense of security. Paul calls it “uncertain”—because it can disappear overnight. Only God is trustworthy. The believer is not to rest in the provision, but in the Provider—“the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
This is not a call to asceticism. God does give richly—and He gives to be enjoyed. But we are stewards, not owners. All we have is a temporary loan from heaven, and it is to be managed for His glory.
d. “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works...”
True wealth is measured not in what you gather, but in what you give. Paul gives the rich a better ambition: to be rich in good works, ready to give, and willing to share. This generous lifestyle protects the soul from the cancer of greed and invests in eternal reward.
e. “Storing up... a good foundation for the time to come”
This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:20:
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (NKJV)
Every act of generosity is a deposit in eternity, a building block in a heavenly foundation. While wealth cannot follow us into glory, it can precede us when used for the kingdom.
f. “That they may lay hold on eternal life”
This does not mean buying salvation. Rather, it’s a call to live in light of eternal priorities. As Paul told Timothy earlier (1 Timothy 6:12), we must “lay hold on eternal life” with both hands. The rich must not be so comfortable here that they lose grip on heaven.
Spurgeon said:
“If he lays hold on eternal life, he will have to fight for it; and if he has to fight, he can only fight by laying hold upon eternal life with tenacious grip.”
7. Conclusion: A Final Charge
1 Timothy 6:20–21
“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.” (NKJV)
With pastoral urgency, Paul concludes this epistle by reaching out personally to Timothy. This isn’t a doctrinal statement—it’s a fatherly exhortation.
a. “O Timothy!”
The exclamation reflects Paul’s affection and burden. Timothy is more than a co-laborer—he is Paul’s beloved son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2). This cry echoes with urgency and tenderness.
b. “Guard what was committed to your trust”
The gospel itself is the treasure entrusted to Timothy—a sacred deposit to be preserved and passed on. It is not to be diluted, distorted, or debated into irrelevance. Timothy must guard it against false teachers, worldly trends, and theological compromise.
Jude 1:3 echoes the call:
“...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (NKJV)
c. “Avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions...”
Paul warns against distractions that pretend to be profound, but are empty. “Profane and idle babblings” refer to irreverent talk—arguments with no spiritual value. “Contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” refers to the Gnostic tendencies that were beginning to corrupt the early church.
Paul does not reject knowledge. He condemns counterfeit knowledge that draws people away from the simple truth of Christ.
d. “By professing it some have strayed concerning the faith”
These false teachings don’t just confuse—they derail souls. Some who embraced these man-made ideas have left the faith altogether. Theology has consequences. Ideas have eternal weight. Timothy must hold fast to what was committed to him—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
e. “Grace be with you. Amen.”
Paul ends with grace, the power and presence of God to enable Timothy to stand firm. It is grace—not gifting, effort, or intellect—that keeps a man faithful.
Final Summary of Chapter 6:
1 Timothy 6 is Paul’s call to clarity in ministry and purity in motive. He contrasts false teachers, who see godliness as a tool for gain, with true ministers, who pursue Christ above all. He condemns the love of money and exalts the glory of Christ. He exhorts Timothy to flee, fight, and be faithful until the return of the King.
The true riches are not stored in banks, but in heaven.
The true fight is not for status, but for faith.
The true King is not seen now, but He will appear in glory, and to Him belongs honor and everlasting power.
Grace be with you. Amen.
