1 Timothy 6:2-21 Lesson 406

1 Timothy 6:2-21
Lesson 406

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

Final instructions.

False teachers and the love of money (6:2-10).
Silly babbling and religious arguments (6:20-21).

Jesus stands trial before Pontius Pilate.
By the German artist George Hinke (1883-1953).

Who was -

Pontius Pilate -
Pontius Pilate was the fifth Roman procurator (governor) of Judea and Samaria. He ordered that Jesus be scourged and condemned Him to die on the cross. Pilate served from AD 26 to 36 and disliked his Judean assignment so far from Rome. Pilate, no fan of the Jews, was routinely charged with cruelty against them, accusations he usually deserved. Jesus was well aware of Pilate's brutal reputation (Luke 13:1). The Jewish religious leaders returned Pilate's animosity and frequently complained about him to Rome. They accused him of corruption, cruelty, insensitivity to their customs and religion, and once of stealing money from the Temple to build an aqueduct. Pilate's headquarters was in Caesarea, but he was in Jerusalem with his wife, Claudia, to keep order as the Holy City filled with pilgrims over the Passover holiday. While in Jerusalem, the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin) brought Jesus to stand trial before him. The Sanhedrin lacked the authority to sentence a prisoner to death (John 18:31), so they pressured Pilate to crucify Jesus. A pure politician, Pilate was more interested in political expediency than justice. Already disciplined by Rome once, Pilate wasn't willing to release Jesus and risk more Jewish complaints. He repeatedly declared Jesus innocent (Luke 23:4; 23:14; 23:22; John 18:38) yet was prepared to have Him executed (Matthew 27:24-26; Mark 15:15). In AD 36, four years after Jesus was crucified, Pilate lost favor with Rome after the Governor of Syria brought more charges of cruelty against him. He was exiled to Vienne in Gaul, where he committed suicide in AD 38.

Study Tip:

Remember to read the Margin Notes in blue and to click on the links.

The First Epistle of Paul The Apostle To Timothy

The King James Bible

1 Timothy 6:2B-21
Avoid pointless religious arguments

2 These things teach and exhort.

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Margin notes:

"And consent not to wholesome words." (6:3) - "And disagrees with wholesome teachings." Remember, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to correct those religious leaders who were teaching a "doctrine" contrary to Jesus' (1 Timothy 1:3).

"He is proud, knowing nothing." (6:4) - "He is proud, but he knows nothing."

"But doting about questions and strifes of words." (6:4) - "But quibbles over questions and fights (splitting hairs) over the meaning of words."

"Whereof cometh envy, strife, railing, evil surmisings." (6:4) - "From this comes envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions."

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (6:5) - Paul is warning us to avoid those who preach the word of God for financial gain. Luke also warned against these false preachers in Acts 20:30-34, and Peter sounded the alarm in 2 Peter 2:2-3.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." (6:6) - "Contentment through Godliness is priceless."

"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (6:7) - An indisputable truth paraphrased from Job 1:21 and Ecclesiastes 5:15.

"Food and raiment." (6:8) - "Food and clothing."

"They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts." (6:9) - "Those that seek riches fall to temptation, a trap that leads them into many foolish and hurtful desires." See also Proverbs 28:20.

"The love of money is the root of all evil." (6:10) - This is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. Money can be used wisely and is not the root of all evil, "the love of money" is.

"They have erred from the faith." (6:10) - "They have strayed from the faith."

"Flee these things." (6:11) - Avoid the things Paul lists in verses 6:3-10. Paul reinforces this message in 2 Timothy 2:22.

"Meekness." (6:11) - Means humble, gentle, and not easily provoked.

"Fight the good fight of faith." (6:12) - Fight, because much is at stake.

"Lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called." (6:12) - "Claim the eternal life you've been called to."

"Hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (6:12) - "Has made a good confession in front of many people." This refers to Timothy's preaching and declaration of faith.

"Quickeneth all things." (6:13) - "Gives life to everything."

"Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession." (6:13) - "Who in front of Pontius Pilate gave a good testimony." Jesus testified before Pilate that He was the long-awaited Messiah and that His Kingdom was not of this world. To learn more about Jesus' trial, see Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25 and John 18:28-40.

"Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." (6:14) - "Until the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Which in his times he shall shew." (6:15) - "When at a time of His choosing, He will appear."

"Potentate." (6:15) - "Ruler, leader."

"Charge them." (6:17) - "Command them."

"That they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches." (6:17) - "That they not be full of themselves, or trust in the uncertainty of wealth." To learn why riches are uncertain, read Proverbs 23:5.

"Ready to distribute, willing to communicate." (6:18) - "Ready to give, willing to share."

"Keep that which is committed to thy trust." (6:20) - "Guard that (the word of God) which is committed to your trust."

"Avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called." (6:20) - "Avoid godless, silly babble and that which is falsely called wisdom." Paul is repeating this warning from Colossians 2:4 and 2:8.

"Some professing have erred concerning the faith." (6:21) - "Some believers have made mistakes about the faith."

To learn more about the danger of money, read Psalm 39:6-7; 49:10-15; Proverbs 11:28; 23:5; 28:20; Matthew 13:22; James 5:2-6 and Revelation 3:17-18.

New Living Translation

1 Timothy 6:2-21
False Teaching and True Riches

2 Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Paul's Final Instructions

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.

May God's grace be with you all.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. What are the characteristics of God? (6:15-16)

Study the Bible every day; it can teach us many things.

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. In this passage, Paul tells us that God is...
1) A blessed ruler (6:15).
2) The only ruler (6:15).
3) The King of kings (6:15).
4) The Lord of lords (6:15).
5) Immortal (6:16).
6) Dwelling in bright light (6:16).
7) Not seen (6:16).
8) Possessed of never-ending honor and power (6:16).

Application thought for the day:

What has greater value, worldly financial gain or God's eternal truth?

This is the final lesson on
"The First Epistle of Paul The Apostle To Timothy."

In seven lessons, 1 Timothy has given us valuable insight in everything from how to tell if a doctrine is true, to the importance of prayer, to advice on church functions, to personal relationships.

Now is an excellent time to go back and review what you've learned.
First Timothy is less than six pages long and can be quickly re-read.
Look for any points you have missed and think how you can apply them to your life.

You will receive the first lesson in 2 Timothy in a few days.
Thank you for being so committed and...

God Bless!

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2023 evolke

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