Summary
1 Timothy 6:1–2 – Servants and Masters
What happens: Bondservants must honor their masters so God’s name and the teaching are not reviled. If the master is a believer, do not disrespect him, but serve all the more because he is a brother.
What it means: The gospel reshapes work with respect and witness. Love and honor guard God’s reputation. Shared faith deepens responsibility.
1 Timothy 6:3–10 – False Teachers and the Love of Money
What happens: Those who teach a different doctrine are conceited and crave controversy, imagining godliness is a means of gain. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Those who want to be rich fall into traps; the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.
What it means: God is our treasure; greed corrupts hearts and churches. Contentment honors God’s provision. Truth serves holiness, not profit.
1 Timothy 6:11–16 – The Good Fight and the King of Kings
What happens: Timothy is to flee evil desires and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight, take hold of eternal life, keep the command unstained until Christ’s appearing. Paul praises God, the blessed and only Sovereign.
What it means: God calls His servants to holy courage under His royal rule. Hope rests on Christ’s return and God’s majesty. Pursuit and perseverance mark true faith.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Charge to the Rich
What happens: The rich must not be haughty or set hope on riches, but on God who richly provides. They are to do good, be generous and ready to share, storing treasure as a good foundation for the future.
What it means: Stewardship shows trust in God, not wealth. Generosity reflects God’s kindness and builds eternal reward. Riches are tools, not masters.
1 Timothy 6:20–21 – Guard the Deposit
What happens: Paul urges Timothy to guard what is entrusted and avoid irreverent babble and contradictions of falsely named knowledge. Some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
What it means: The gospel is a sacred trust to be guarded. God’s grace keeps His people amid empty talk. Fidelity to truth protects the church.
Application
- Serve at work with honor to protect God’s name.
- Flee greed; practice contentment and generosity.
- Pursue the good fight with hope in Christ’s appearing.
- Guard the gospel deposit and avoid empty, prideful disputes.
