1Ti 6 | MHM | STEP | The Duty of Servants In this section, Paul discusses the responsibilities of servants toward their masters and warns against false teachers who corrupt the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of respecting authority and living in a way that honors God. Paul also advises Timothy to be cautious of those who promote controversies and disputes, as such behavior harms the church. v. 1 : Paul instructs servants who are under the yoke to count their own masters worthy of all honour (1 Timothy 6:1 ). Servants should respect their masters, whether they are kind or harsh, and fulfill their duties with diligence. By doing so, they prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed. If Christian servants behave poorly, it reflects badly on their faith and gives others an excuse to criticize Christianity.

‏ 1 Timothy 6

The Duty of Servants

In this section, Paul discusses the responsibilities of servants toward their masters and warns against false teachers who corrupt the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of respecting authority and living in a way that honors God. Paul also advises Timothy to be cautious of those who promote controversies and disputes, as such behavior harms the church.

v. 1: Paul instructs servants who are under the yoke to count their own masters worthy of all honour (1 Timothy 6:1 ^a). Servants should respect their masters, whether they are kind or harsh, and fulfill their duties with diligence. By doing so, they prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed. If Christian servants behave poorly, it reflects badly on their faith and gives others an excuse to criticize Christianity.

v. 2: Paul continues, saying that servants with Christian masters should not despise them because they are brethren, but instead serve them even better because they are faithful and beloved (1 Timothy 6:2 ^b). While both master and servant are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28 ^c), this spiritual equality does not remove the servant’s obligation to serve faithfully. In fact, knowing that their masters share the faith should encourage servants to work with even greater respect and love. Timothy is urged to teach and exhort these things.

v. 3: Paul warns against anyone who teaches differently and does not agree with the wholesome words of Christ or the doctrine that promotes godliness (1 Timothy 6:3 ^d). The teachings of Christ are designed to lead people to live godly lives, and any teaching that contradicts this is harmful.

v. 4: Paul describes such a person as proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words (1 Timothy 6:4 ^e). Pride and ignorance often go together, and those who reject Christ’s teachings tend to get caught up in useless arguments. These disputes lead to envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings, which cause division and harm within the church.

v. 5: Paul continues, saying that such disputes result in perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, who are destitute of the truth (1 Timothy 6:5 ^f). These people twist the truth for their own gain, wrongly thinking that gain is godliness. Paul tells Timothy to withdraw himself from such individuals, as their influence is destructive.

Lessons and Observations:

Respect in relationships: Servants are called to respect their masters, whether they are believers or not, showing that faith in Christ strengthens, not weakens, earthly relationships. Honoring God through actions: A servant’s behavior can either bring honor or dishonor to God’s name and the Christian faith. Wholesome teachings lead to godliness: The words of Christ and His doctrine are designed to lead people toward a godly life. Any teaching that contradicts this is harmful. The danger of pride and disputes: Prideful individuals who reject Christ’s teachings often cause harm through useless arguments and controversies, which disrupt the unity of the church. False motives in religion: Those who view religion as a means for personal gain are corrupt and lack true understanding of the faith. Christians should distance themselves from such individuals.

Paul’s instructions remind us that faith in Christ transforms every aspect of life, including our relationships and responsibilities. By living faithfully and avoiding harmful influences, Christians can honor God and protect the unity of the church (Isaiah 50:4; 1 Corinthians 2:13 ^g, Galatians 3:28 ^h).

Excellence of Contentment; Evil of Covetousness

Paul warns Timothy about those who misuse religion for personal gain and uses this as an opportunity to teach about the value of contentment and the dangers of covetousness. He explains that godliness, when paired with contentment, brings true gain, while the love of money leads to many harmful consequences. Paul also encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and to pursue righteousness.

v. 6: Paul begins by stating the truth that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 ⁱ). True wealth comes from a life of godliness and satisfaction with what one has. While some see Christianity as a way to gain worldly advantages, Paul reminds us that contentment, rooted in godliness, is far more valuable. A person who is content with what God provides is truly blessed.

v. 7: Paul gives a reason for contentment: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:7 ^j). Everything we have is given to us by God, and we leave this world with nothing. This truth reminds us not to place our happiness in material possessions, as they are temporary and cannot follow us into eternity (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16 ^k).

v. 8: Paul concludes, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content (1 Timothy 6:8 ^l). If God provides the necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter, we should be satisfied. Luxury is not required for a joyful life. Contentment comes from trusting God’s provision, not from accumulating wealth (Proverbs 30:8 ^m).

v. 9: Paul warns, But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare . Those who are determined to become rich often face spiritual dangers. Their greed leads them into harmful desires that can ruin their lives and distance them from God. The pursuit of wealth becomes a trap, distracting them from what truly matters.

v. 10: Paul emphasizes, For the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10 ⁿ). It is not money itself but the love of money that drives people to sin. Some, in their greed, have abandoned their faith and brought great pain and regret upon themselves. Covetousness can lead to a loss of godliness and cause lasting sorrow (2 Timothy 4:10 ^o).

v. 11-12: Paul urges Timothy, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Timothy 6:11 ^p). As a servant of God, Timothy is instructed to avoid the love of money and instead pursue virtues that reflect his faith. Paul encourages him to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12 ^q). The Christian life is a spiritual battle, and Timothy must remain focused on the eternal reward of life with God.

Lessons and Observations:

Contentment is true wealth: Godliness, combined with contentment, is far more valuable than material riches. Trusting in God’s provision brings peace and joy. Material possessions are temporary: We enter and leave this world with nothing. Therefore, our focus should be on eternal things, not earthly treasures. The dangers of greed: The desire for wealth can lead to sin, harm, and spiritual ruin. Christians must guard against the love of money and trust in God to provide for their needs. Pursue godliness: Instead of chasing wealth, Christians should focus on righteousness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. These virtues reflect the character of Christ. Fight the good fight: The Christian life requires effort and perseverance. We are called to remain faithful to God and to cling to the promise of eternal life.

Paul’s teaching reminds us that true contentment and fulfillment come from a relationship with God, not from worldly possessions. By focusing on eternal life and living in godliness, Christians can avoid the traps of greed and experience the joy of God’s provision (Philippians 4:11; Judges 18:24 ^r, Revelation 3:11 ^s).

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The Apostle's Solemn Charge; Caution to Rich.

This section contains Paul’s final instructions to Timothy. He urges Timothy to be faithful in his ministry and to keep God’s commands without fault. Paul reminds Timothy of Christ’s example and encourages him to stay focused until Jesus returns. The passage also gives important advice to those who are rich, teaching them to use their wealth well and not to trust in it. Paul finishes with a prayer for God’s grace.

v. 13: Paul gives Timothy a strong command in the presence of God, who gives life to all things. He also calls on Christ Jesus as a witness, reminding Timothy that Jesus made a good confession before Pontius Pilate (John 18:36-37 ^t). Paul wants Timothy to remember that his service is before God, who sees everything, and before Christ, who stood for truth even when it was hard.

v. 14: Timothy is told to keep the commandment—meaning all the duties of his ministry—without spot or blame. He should do this until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wants Timothy to stay faithful all his life, always remembering that Jesus will come again and everyone will have to give an account (Luke 16:2 ^u).

v. 15: Paul says Jesus will appear at the time God has chosen. We do not know when that will be, but God knows and will show it at the right time. This encourages Timothy and all Christians to be ready and to keep serving faithfully.

v. 15-16: Paul describes God in grand terms: He is the only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16 ^v). All power comes from Him, and He is completely happy and independent. God alone is truly immortal, and He lives in light that no one can approach. No one has seen or can see Him, because the divine glory is too great for humans (Romans 13:1 ^w). This reminds us how great and different God is from us.

v. 16: Paul ends this part with praise: To him be honour and power everlasting. Amen. It is right to give all honour and power to God. This also shows how serious it is to sin against such a great God, but also how amazing it is that He cares for us. Those who belong to God are truly blessed (1 Kings 10:8 ^x). We should love, worship, and praise Him (Revelation 15:4 ^y).

v. 17-19: Paul instructs Timothy on what to say to those who are rich. He should tell them not to be proud or to trust in their riches, because wealth is uncertain (Proverbs 23:5 ^z). Instead, they should trust in God, who gives us everything we enjoy. The rich should do good, be generous, and share with others, so they can store up treasure for the future and take hold of eternal life (Romans 2:7 ^aa).

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v. 20-21: Paul gives another warning to Timothy: Keep that which is committed to thy trust. Timothy, and all ministers, must protect the truth of the gospel and avoid empty talk and false knowledge. Some people who claim to have special knowledge have left the true faith. Timothy is encouraged to stay close to the simple and true message of the gospel.

v. 21: Paul ends with a prayer: Grace be with thee. Amen. This short prayer asks for God’s grace for Timothy and all believers, because grace brings every good thing and is the beginning of God’s glory. Where God gives grace, He will also give glory.