1 Timothy 6 - Printer Friendly

First Timothy 6 is the final chapter of this letter from Paul to his younger friend. This passage covers four main areas of discussion.

Verses 1 and 2 are actually part of the discussion concluded in chapter 5. These are instructions regarding slaves or bondservants. These commands follow Paul's details for various groups in the church, beginning in 1 Timothy 5:1, which included older men, younger men, older women, younger women, widows, and elders. Paul's emphasis here is on maintaining good Christian conduct, regardless of life circumstances. This gives us a more powerful witness and makes it easier to influence others for the sake of God.

Verses 3 through 5 discuss false teachers in the church at Ephesus. Paul had already mentioned these deceivers earlier in the letter. Here, he offers final, bold words to condemn their actions. Along the way, he provides character traits which often mark those who promote false doctrines.

Verses 6 through 19 cover attitudes toward finances and godly living. Both areas are closely connected in these verses, showing how our use of money and our behaviors are related. Both ought to be humbly and generously used for God's glory. While wealth and material objects are not themselves evil, excessive desire for them can tempt us towards all sorts of sins. Those who fall prey to the love of money open the door to virtually any temptation known to man.

The final words of this letter are found in a two-verse conclusion, verses 20 and 21. Paul commands Timothy to guard what had been entrusted to him and oppose ungodliness. This refers both to Timothy's personal testimony, his spiritual gifts, and the profession of faith he has made in front of many witnesses. Paul's final words note, "Grace be with you," a personal yet common benediction to Paul's letters.

First Timothy 6:1–2 gives a brief note of instruction to Christians who find themselves in the role of a slave, or bondservant. Paul's command is that these men and women serve with integrity and respect. This is to prevent others from associating the name of Christ with bad behavior. Other passages of the Bible, such as Paul's letter to Philemon, show how slavery is meant to be overcome with Christ-like attitudes, rather than open revolution.

First Timothy 6:3–10 describes the character flaws common among false teachers. Those who refuse to accept correct doctrines are often characterized by traits such as hard-headedness, greed, slander, and bickering. The core cause of these errors is an unwillingness to accept the truth, and an insistence on clinging to false teachings. Paul also gives a more extensive explanation of how and why greed can destroy a person's life.

First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.