Introduction

1 Timothy 6:2b–21 concludes Paul’s letter by urging believers to prioritize godliness with contentment and to flee the love of material wealth. Paul emphasizes the eternal value of sound doctrine, pointing to Christ as the foundation of true riches. The passage challenges believers to pursue righteousness and to guard the Gospel with unwavering faith.

Key Points

• Main Point: Godliness with contentment in Christ and eternal life is sound doctrine and real eternal wealth.
• Purpose: Pursue godliness with contentment and flee the lust for material wealth.

1 Timothy 6:2b–4a

Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.

Paul urges Timothy to teach and uphold the words of Jesus, emphasizing godliness in both belief and practice. Anyone who rejects sound doctrine is blinded by pride and ignorance. While it is good to ask questions about God’s Word, we must never rebel against it but seek understanding through the Spirit and humbly submit to His authority.

1 Timothy 6:4b–5

He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

False teachers thrive on controversy, stirring division and strife while using a guise of godliness for personal gain. Those who create discord in the church reveal a corrupt heart and a rejection of truth. To protect the church, we must stand firm in Christ’s teachings and guard the Gospel against those who distort it.

1 Timothy 6:6–8

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

True wealth comes from godliness with contentment, not material possessions, which we neither bring into this world nor take with us when we die. By treasuring God above all, we break free from the grip of worldly desires and find lasting satisfaction in Him.

1 Timothy 6:9–11a

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.

The love of money entangles people in harmful desires that lead to spiritual ruin. Some have abandoned the faith because of their craving for wealth. Paul commands Timothy to flee this trap, as no one can serve both God and money. The path to true riches lies in contentment and devotion to Christ.

1 Timothy 6:11b

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness is the antidote to greed. Seeking these qualities means desiring the character of Christ, which transforms our hearts and reorders our affections away from materialism toward God.

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Paul calls Timothy to fight for sound doctrine by holding fast to the promise of eternal life. Similarly, we contend for truth by remembering Christ’s promise and encouraging one another in godliness and contentment, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Him.

1 Timothy 6:13–15a

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time…

Paul solemnly charges Timothy before God to keep the Gospel unstained and persevere in truth until Christ returns. This command extends to all believers—our mission is to proclaim and protect the Gospel for as long as we live.

1 Timothy 6:15b–16

…he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Paul exalts the Triune God as the supreme King, the Sovereign Lord who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light. The Savior who redeemed us is also the ruler over all creation, deserving all honor, dominion, and glory forever.

1 Timothy 6:17

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Paul warns wealthy believers not to place their hope in riches, which are fleeting, but in God, the true provider. Our security and joy must rest in Him, not in the temporary comforts of wealth.

1 Timothy 6:18–19

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Rather than hoarding wealth, believers should be rich in good works, generously using their resources to bless others. This stores up eternal treasures that will not fade, proving that we value God above all material possessions.

1 Timothy 6:20–21

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

Paul ends with a final command: guard the Gospel like a priceless deposit. Timothy must reject empty arguments disguised as wisdom, which lead many astray. As a church, we must protect sound doctrine, live out godliness with contentment, and reject false teachings that divide and destroy.

Conclusion

Paul concludes his letter to Timothy by emphasizing the eternal value of godliness with contentment and the dangers of materialism. He exhorts believers to pursue righteousness and guard the Gospel with steadfast faith, reminding them of the eternal riches found in Christ alone. By cherishing godliness, believers model true wealth and proclaim the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Summary

1. False teachers reject Christ’s words, stir division, and exploit godliness for personal gain, revealing their spiritual corruption (6:3–5).
2. True riches are found in godliness with contentment (6:6–8).
3. The love of money leads to spiritual ruin, but pursuing righteousness leads to eternal life (6:9–12).
4. Believers are called to guard the Gospel and live as stewards of God’s grace (6:17–19).
5. God is the ultimate Sovereign, deserving all honor and glory (6:15b–16).