Bible Study 1 Timothy 6: 1-21

 

A Commentary of the Book of 1 Timothy

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 1 Timothy 6: 1-21

Text:

Instructions to Those Who Serve

6 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be [a]slandered. 2 But those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but must serve them all the more, because those who [b]partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not [c]agree with sound words—those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited, understanding nothing but [d]having a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that [e]godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [f]sorts of evils, and some by aspiring to it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, [g]perseverance, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who [h]gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will [i]bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of [j]kings and Lord of [k]lords, 16 who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal might! Amen.

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good [l]works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from godless and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 which some, while professing, have gone astray [m]from the faith.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be slandered.”

One of the reasons I like the Legacy Bible is that the Greek word doulos is translated as “slave” not “bondservant” as in other translations. You can be a servant to several but a slave to only one. These are people who are in submission to another. It carries no negative connotation and is often positive when used in connection with the Lord serving the Father, and believers serving God. “Under the yoke” was a colloquial expression describing submissive service under another’s authority, not necessarily describing an abusive relationship. “Master” had no negative connotation, but referred to someone with great authority. Paul’s point was that how believers behaved could impact how people viewed the gospel message.

Verse 2: “But those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”

The tendency might be to assume one’s equality in Christ with a Christian master, and disdain the authority related to secular work roles. On the contrary, working for a Christian should produce more loyal and diligent service out of love for the brethren. I remember one time a client asked for a reduced price because we were both believers. I said, “Actually, no, you will be charged 10% more because I am going to tithe off my fee.” The person received the message. We should work more diligently if we have a Christian employer.

Verse 3: “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words—those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,”

Paul identifies 3 characteristics of false teachers: 1) they teach “ a different doctrine”—a different doctrine from what he taught; 2) they do “not agree with sound words”, i.e. they do not agree with sound, healthy teaching, specifically the teaching contained in Scripture; and 3) they reject “ doctrine conforming to godliness”, i.e. teaching not based on Scripture will always result in an unholy life. Instead of godliness, false teachers will be marked by sin. Over the years I have witnessed “Christians” who mock God’s Words by the life they live in the flesh. True believers will desire holiness in their walk.

Verse 4: “he is conceited, understanding nothing but having a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions,”

“Disputes” refers to idle speculation; “arguments over words” and literally means “word battles.” Because proud, ignorant false teachers do not understand divine truth, they obsess over terminology and attack the reliability and authority of Scripture. Some people love to argue over points of conjecture. I have said for years, if it is not in the Bible, God didn’t think we needed that information. That being said, I won’t argue or debate over things not in God’s Word. False teachers are always seeking extra Biblical revelations to support their false teachings. By their fruits you will know them. 

Verse 5: “and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”

From Bible days until now, some “unsaved religionists” will seek to use religion to make money. Paul points to their spiritual depravity as a basis for using religion like a business to make money. Television preachers fall into this category. Every one of them are unsaved and know not Christ. These professors will create constant tension as they seek to profit from the church.

Verse 6: “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.”

This Greek word translated “contentment” literally means “self-sufficiency”. Christians are to be satisfied and sufficient, and not to seek for more than what God has already given them. He is the source of true contentment. He is our source and provider. While we labor using our skills and talents, we must never forget Who is our real Source. When we have Christ, we have all we need.

Verse 7: “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.”

Paul is reflecting upon the proper perspective one should have on material possessions.You come with nothing and you leave with nothing. It does seem strange that most people focus on acquiring things that will be left to others as opposed to the true treasure found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 8: “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”

The basic necessities of life are to be sufficient for the Christian. Paul does not condemn having possessions, as long as God graciously provides them. As the old saying goes, “it is okay to have possessions as long as the possessions don’t have you.”

Verse 9: “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”

Riches will not bring satisfaction. Satisfaction, joy, peace and love can only be found in being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those that seek after riches will be the most miserable person and end in suffering.

Verse 10: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evils, and some by aspiring to it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

This verse is often misquoted. Some say that “money is the root of all evil.” However, Paul states that it is the “love of money” that is the root of all types of evil. Greed and love of money can result in many different sins, e.g., stealing, covetousness,  hate and murder. Remember that money is amoral and not good or bad. It is the emotions attached to money that can be the problem.

Verse 11: “But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, gentleness.”

Paul lists the virtues that a man of God should pursue. Our God is a Holy God. His children should reflect His Holiness. While we are not capable in this life of achieving perfect holiness, we can daily experience sanctification as we become more Christlike everyday. We are daily to be set aside for His Glory and purposes.

Verse 12: “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

The “good fight of faith” may be outward or inward, physical or spiritual. To “take hold of the eternal life” refers to making your testimony for Christ open and well known. There was a test I would say from the pulpit sometimes: If you were arrested for being a Christian and were brought into court, would there be enough evidence to convict you? This is what Paul is talking about. Make it clear by your life that you are a child of God.

Verse 13: “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,”

The Lord Jesus Christ knew that His confession would cost Him His life. Jesus Nevertheless, He confessed that He was truly the King and Messiah. He rarely evaded danger. He boldly and trustfully committed Himself to God who raises the dead. The word translated “gives life” is literally “preserves life.” Christ knew that His Father would not leave Him in the grave. We need the same confidence today that He will preserve us as well.

Verse 14: “that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

“That you keep the commandment without stain or reproach” means to keep the commandments Paul had given Timothy without stain and reproach. Reader, if you are following Christ, you will act like a child of God.

Verse 15: “which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,”

The expression “King of kings and Lord of lords” is applied to Christ in Revelation 19: 16. Paul states clearly that the Lord Jesus Christ is Sovereign. He is in control of everything that occurs in this life, both good and bad. When He is ready, He will show Himself to the world as the Risen, Glorified Christ.

Verse 16: “who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal might! Amen.”

Jesus Christ is the only One who has been raised from the dead in a glorified body. While we can not see Him now, one day we will see Him in His glorified state. 

Verse 17: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

“Command those who are rich,” is a warning to those who are rich. “Haughty” means “to have an exalted opinion of oneself.” Those who have an abundance of material goods are constantly tempted to look down on others and act superior. Riches and pride often go together, and the wealthier a person is, the more he is tempted to be proud. I have experienced personally and seen others fall according to the verse, “Pride goes before the fall.” Wealthier Christians must be on guard to avoid prideful actions and attitudes.

Verse 18: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”

“Ready to share” means “liberal,” or “bountiful.” Those believers who have money must use it in meeting the needs of others, unselfishly and generously.

Verse 19: “storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

“Storing up” can be translated as “amassing a treasure,” while “foundation” can refer to a fund. The idea is that the rich in this world should not be focused on receiving a return on their earthly investments. Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven. Paul is challenging Timothy to make sure that wealthy people should concentrate on building a bank account in heaven. Support Biblical ministries that hold fast to the truths contained in God’s Word. I give monthly gifts to approximately seven ministries that range in purposes from evangelism, Biblical training for ministers, protecting the unborn, to meeting physical needs such as housing and food. 

Verse 20: “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from godless and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge—”

“Guard what has been entrusted to you,” refers to the sound doctrine of the gospel he had received from Paul. Most likely, “opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge,” refers to Gnosticism. Gnosticism was a heresy that essentially taught that the spirit was good and physical matter was evil. Thus, they believed that Christ was a spirit and not both God and man. This led to a host of bad teachings such as your spirit could be saved while the body was evil and could commit gross sins without repercussions. Paul guard Timothy to oppose such teachings.

Verse 21: “which some, while professing, have gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.”

Paul’s statement that some “have gone astray from the faith,” does not imply that these people were actually born again. They were “professors: in the faith, or rather pretenders. They abandoned their profession but they were never saved in the beginning. Paul’s closing salutation is plural, i.e., “you all”—it goes beyond Timothy to the entire church at Ephesus. All believers require the grace of God to preserve the truth and pass it on to the next generation. May God continue to give us His grace and mercy as we share the gospel with a lost and dying world.