1 Timothy 6

Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.

Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,

he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,

constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.

But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.

But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

I command you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,

that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which at the right time he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

He alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;

that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;

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

Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,

which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter closes Paul’s first letter to Timothy with final exhortations on Christian conduct, sound doctrine, and the proper use of wealth. It contrasts the love of money with the pursuit of godliness, calls believers—especially leaders—to flee from pride and false teaching, and urges faithfulness in light of Christ’s coming revelation.

Flow.

Paul begins by instructing slaves to honor their masters, whether unbelieving or believing, so that Christian teaching is not discredited.
He warns against false teachers who distort doctrine for personal gain, identifying their pride and quarrelsomeness as evidence of spiritual corruption.
In contrast to greed, Paul teaches that true gain comes through godliness with contentment, exhorting Timothy as a man of God to pursue Christ-like virtues.
The letter concludes with a charge to the wealthy to hope in God, not riches, and to invest in good works, followed by a final appeal to guard the deposit of faith against empty and so-called knowledge that leads astray.

Connections.
Following chapter 5, which addresses relationships within the church—including widows, elders, and slaves—chapter 6 extends ethical instruction with special attention to masters and the spiritually dangerous pursuit of wealth. It deepens the contrast between faithful stewardship and hollow teaching introduced in earlier chapters. Where chapter 5 applies doctrine to specific roles, chapter 6 grounds all conduct in eschatological hope and the character of God. The warning against false knowledge and the call to “guard the deposit” (v. 20) prepare for the personal exhortations and doxological close in 2 Timothy, where faithfulness amid apostasy becomes even more central.

What it teaches.
True religion is seen not in speculative knowledge or financial success but in humble obedience, contentment, and moral integrity. The love of money is not merely a temptation but a root that produces widespread spiritual ruin (WCF 7.3). God alone is sovereign and immortal, and His self-revelation in Christ is the foundation of the believer’s hope (WCF 3.5, 8.1). Those called to eternal life must actively pursue the virtues exemplified in Christ (HC LD 32), recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not human effort (BC Art. 22). The church must reject teachings that deny this, especially those that treat godliness as a means to material profit (Canons of Dort I.9). Final salvation involves perseverance in faith and good works as evidence of a living trust in God (WCF 16.2).

Apply.
Pursue contentment in Christ, not advancement in wealth or status, and invest in acts of generosity that reflect eternal priorities.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.