First Timothy Chapter Six Series

(What you will find here are my notes from a Bible Study on 1Timothy. I hope they will prove helpful. The text that I am using in the New American Standard Bible. Here are other Bible translations that were used: KJV – King James Version. AMP – Amplified Bible. MSG – Message Bible. BBE – Bible in Basic English. UDB – Unlocked Dynamic Bible. NET – New English Translation.)

1 Timothy 6:1 “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 spoken against.”

In Paul's culture there was a great social and legal gulf separating masters and slaves. We do not have slavery in America, but we still have a gulf between employers and employees. Employers still expect their worker to do their jobs. But here Paul speaks of to those on the bottom of the pecking order. Slaves are to treat their masters with honor. Why? “So that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.” Paul did not speak against the institution of slavery, but he gave guidelines for Christian slaves and Christian masters.

1 Timothy 6:2 “Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

Paul here goes into more detail about master and slave relationship. What should happen be both the master and the slave are Christian? How does that change the relationship? A slave is not to disrespect his master just because they are both Christian – but should work all the harder.

In our society employees should work hard and show respect for their employers. In turn, employers should be fair. Our work should reflect our faithfulness to and love for Christ. In Christ, employers and employees became spiritual equals (see Galatians 3:28). But remember, on the job – the boss is still the boss – work in a way that will please Christ in the process. Paul tells Timothy to, “Teach and preach these principles.”

False Teachers and True Contentment

1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,

“advocates a different doctrine” (NASB) – “teach otherwise” (KJV) – “spreads false teaching” (NET) – “teaches false doctrine” (UDB) – “teaches a different doctrine” (AMP)

Paul had been teaching the true teachings of Jesus Christ – but not everyone had. There were those who were teaching “false doctrine” and Paul calls them out. “If anyone” – it does not matter who it is. If a person is teaching something different then what Jesus taught – a “doctrine conforming to godliness” they are false teachers.

1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

Not only are they teaching false doctrine they are also conceited and understands nothing. (Note here: the use of the word “he”.) Could it be that Paul had one person in mind?

“conceited and understands nothing” (NASB, NET) – “proud knowing nothing” (KJV) – “conceited and woefully ignorant” (AMP)

What is being taught causes – envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction. Is it any wonder that Paul is calling those who are teaching such things out?

1 Timothy 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Paul told Timothy to stay away from those who were teaching such things and just wanted to make money from preaching. Paul told Timothy to stay away from those who strayed from the sound teachings of the Good News into quarrels that caused strife in the church. A person's understanding of the finer points of theology should not become the basis for lording it over others or for making money. Stay away from people who just want to argue.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

Godliness is great gain and should be our goal in life. Seeking godliness is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. We should honor God and center our desires on Him. Matthew 6:33 tells us: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Seeking godliness should be out contentment.

1 Timothy 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

We arrived in this world naked – we brought nothing with us. When we leave this world – we will take nothing with us. All people are on equal footing when it comes to this.