The Strand Study Bible

Written From Macedonia During Paul’s Release From House Arrest In Rome

I TIMOTHY 6:1 - 6:13

2029

A good pastor will teach believers to be content with living godly lives 6 But 9 godliness with 10 contentment is great gain. 7 11 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 12 content. 9 But they that 13 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 14 erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. A good pastor will learn to flee the temporal, follow right, and fight the eternal fight 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 15 Fight the good fight of faith, 16 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 17 quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a 18 good confession;

1. or, “time will tell” 2. Titus 2:5 3. Eph 6:9 4. Mt 5:39 & Mk 12:17 (See - Rom 13:7) 5. that is, “bringing about unhealthy questions and strifes” 6. that is, “brings on the diseases of” 7. or, “friction” 8. Titus 1:11 9. or, “righteousness” - Psa 37:16 10. Phil 4:11 & Heb 13:5 11. Job 1:21 & Eccl 5:15 12. Mt 6:19 & Prov 30:8-9 13. that is, “calculate a plan to become rich” - Prov 23:4 14. Jms 5:19 15. Jude 3 16. or, “have an eternal perspective” - II Cor 4:17-18 17. Eph 2:1,5 18. Jn 18:38

I Timothy 6 A good pastor will teach believers to obey authority Date Written - c. AD 64

1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not 2 blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing 3 masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the 4 words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but 5 doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof 6 cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 7 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, 8 supposing that gain is godliness: from suchwithdraw thyself.

6:1 Slavery was nothing new to the ancient world (Lev 25:39-46). It entered into all grades and ranks and was common to all peoples and nations. Commanded to be content to live in the world as it was, Christians were exhorted to obey all authority (Rom 13:1-7). 6:5 Paul warned Timothy to avoid ( withdraw thyself ) those believers who viewed the Gospel as a means of getting rich. God’s quarrel with Christians is over material gods, not material goods (Rom 16:17-18, I Cor 5:9-11, II Thess 3:6,14-15, II Tim 3:5 and I Thess 5:14). 6:10 a The question has often been asked, “Is it right for a Christian to gamble?” That question can easily be answered by way of a better question, “If the love of money is the root of all evil (and it is), is it right to love money so much that you have to gamble to make more of it?” Now some will insist that they only gamble for the entertainment, which appears innocent enough. However, the ulterior motive for gambling is to increase one’s financial status. The gambler, therefore, is the person who is after easy money. He lives by chance. Luck is his one and only hope. Nevertheless, he always, inevitably loses. For if he wins he gambles again; gambles until he loses all. NOTE - In the final analysis, gambling shows: 1. a lack of contentment (Phil 4:11-13, Heb 13:5 and Mt 6:19-20,24) 2. a lack of financial sense (that’s why its called “gambling”) 3. a lack of biblical sense (Prov 10:2 & 13: 7, 11 & 23:4 -5) –thus a lack of overall wisdom. Will Rogers (1879-1935) put it best when he wisely noted: The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back into your pocket. 1 6:10 b Some of those who erred from the faith through covetousness were: Lot (Gen 13:11), Balaam (II Pet 2:15 and Jude 18), Achan (Josh 7), Solomon (I Ki 10:14-29), and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).

1 Will Roge r s quote (Public Domain)