1 Timothy 6
Apr 4, 2009
We are winding down the letter, but there are some great nuggets in this Chapter 6.
Paul starts the chapter by speaking to an issue that we as Americans have much history with…slavery. Paul gives not specifics about whether slavery is right or wrong in his letter, but instead he speaks to how slaves and masters should treat one another. He says that they should show greater respect and serve one another even better because they are believers. How hard would that be to be a Christian slave with a Christian master? Aren’t you glad this trade does not exist in the U.S.? We should pray for slaves across the world…for their freedom and their salvation.
In verse 6 of the chapter, Paul lays down one of the greatest thoughts, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It is later in this passage that Paul speaks concerning the “love of money”, but it is also good to view ALL material items in the same light. Paul says here that you come into the world with nothing and you will leave the world with nothing. In other words, how much stuff or what kind of stuff you have should not matter. We should be content in being godly.
Paul concludes the letter with a wonderful passage of encouragement for Timothy, his protege. He encourages Timothy to flee from temptation and fight the good fight of faith. He even compares Timothy’s own confession of faith with that of his Lord, Jesus Christ. What a high compliment to pay to a young person! Paul wants Timothy to recognize that this confession is what is of true value, instead of material gain, which so many others have fallen away because of.
In verse 18, Paul agains speaks of money to Timothy, advising him to encourage generosity and good deeds. The city that Timothy was going to was Ephesus, a wealthy city in the Roman Empire. Paul knows that he is sending Timothy into a dangerous place, and continues to edify him to be counter-culture.
The United States can be viewed as a modern-day Ephesus for those who care to look. We are the wealthiest nation in the world, consuming the majority of the world’s resources. We would do well to heed Paul’s advice to Timothy in verse 19, “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Let’s do some good in the world and lay up some treasures toward true life.
Grace be with you.
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1. Lisa Fonda | Apr 4, 2009 at 4:55 pm
LOVE OF MONEY
6. But godliness with contentment is great pain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
people who desire money will be corrupt with the evils of it
they will only want money and nothing else
money will be there number one prioreity
PAUL’S CHARGE TO TIMOTHY
11. But you, man of Godm flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of te faith. Take hold of the eternal life to you which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the food confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of out Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time-God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
2. velocityreborn | Apr 4, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Not sure what the comment is. But, I like the Scriptures.
3. alex Father | Apr 4, 2009 at 7:09 pm
This is a good one for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. So for the ones who love money and other things when you die you can’t take them with you so I hope for you young ones to think its better to enter heaven broke the hell rich. Like Lisa say people who desire money will be corrupt with the evils of it they will only want money and nothing else money will be there number one priority in there life.
4. velocityreborn | Apr 4, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I came into this world with nothing. I will leave it with nothing. As a pastor, I will likely have nothing in the process.
5. Stacy M | Apr 4, 2009 at 9:37 pm
A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough. (The Message) Verses 6-8
It should say, “ATTENTION: Stacy” before this verse.
…I’m still learning.
6. Jess d | Apr 4, 2009 at 9:52 pm
in thiis chapter i thought the last part was about money or riches here on earth, Pau lis saying to Timothy that the people shouldnt put there trust in money and earthly thing, because they will soon be gone. But put their trust in the living God. And they should also use the money they have to help the poor and needy to glorify God. He also reminds timothy to stay true to what God has told him. And not to get involed with foolish people
7. velocityreborn | Apr 4, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Greedy people always end up in a mess. The sooner we can learn to be content, the better.
8. Rebecca Cruz | Apr 4, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I love verses 3 and the begining of four: If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teachings, (4) he is conceited and understands nothing….
I love it because it’s true and I’ve met many people who don’t agree with what God says and when they state that they don’t they always act conceited when they say that He doesn’t exsist and He is stupid etc.
I like how it talks about doing good deeds and being generous because not only is it right, but it’s good. Also, many times it helps people A LOT but sometimes people are to selfish to do good things, even I get that way sometimes. I do like how Paul concludes his letter to Timothy by emphasizing what he’s already said before: to stay on the right path.
I really like verse 20 when he says to Timothy: Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. I especially love the what is falsely called knowledge part because it seems to get worst by the minute in today’s society, especially in psychology which is what I want to major in.
Overall 1 Timothy was a very interesting book in the bible and I learned a lot from it and I also learned where many of the things I have been told growing up is found in the bible.
Books read: Proverbs, 1 Timothy – 64 to go.
9. velocityreborn | Apr 4, 2009 at 10:21 pm
The book of Timothy has a lot to say to a young Christian. I am glad you learned from it.
10. Caleb M. | Apr 4, 2009 at 10:06 pm
It says in verse 20 to avoid foolish godless conversations. Lots of people today have those types of conversations. I hear it alot in New York City. I think Paul is trying to teach Timothy how to be a better person and christian…and he’s doing a very good job of it.
11. velocityreborn | Apr 4, 2009 at 10:22 pm
You gotta stay away from the city, man. All those Godless conversations.
12. Ian R | Apr 4, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I like how it says if you have enough money and clothes you should be happy. I think everyone gets caught up wit money cause i do alot. I always think i need to buy this and this and all this. But if im eating have clothes to wear and can do stuff that I need to do i should be happy and be good with it. We dont need expensive things cause we cant take it with us. We all forget abou tthis I think
13. PMat | Apr 6, 2009 at 10:32 am
Good call on that one. We should definitely be looking out for the traps that loving money and things leave us. We should be content with what God has given us.
14. Ashley R | Apr 5, 2009 at 12:14 am
i really like this chapter, it just reminds not to worry so much about the things in this world because they are not what count in heaven and to God. It also in a way kind of reassures me that no matter what is happening in life as long as i have faith in him everything will be alright.
15. Lissa Kristine | Apr 5, 2009 at 12:25 am
Ashley, I really like that last sentence in your comment. I need that reminder right now.
16. PMat | Apr 6, 2009 at 10:33 am
I like that comment. Eternity is what matters most. It’s not the only thing that matters, but in the grand scheme of things, it is way more important.
17. peter f | Apr 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm
some of you kids still amaze me with ur perception & understanding…..but it seems mostly the same people. Where are the others? LISA are you just writing what you read,or do you feel it deep in your heart?