Introduction

The final chapter of 1 Timothy weaves together practical instruction for slaves with warnings about false teachers motivated by greed, culminating in a powerful charge to Timothy to pursue godliness and guard the deposit of faith. The famous statement that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" anchors Paul's call to contentment.

Instructions for Slaves

(6:1-2) Paul addresses believers who are slaves, instructing them to honor their masters—whether pagan or Christian—so that God's name and teaching are not slandered.

• Honor even pagan masters: A slave's conduct reflects on the gospel; disrespect would dishonor God's name
• Serving believing masters: Slaves shouldn't take advantage of Christian masters but serve them even better because they are brothers in Christ
• These teachings matter: Paul insists Timothy teach and urge these things—obedience in difficult circumstances glorifies God

False Teachers and the Love of Money

(6:3-10) Paul returns to the danger of false teaching, now connecting it to financial motivation. Those who teach differently than Paul do so from corrupt minds, using godliness as a means of gain.

• Marks of false teachers: They disagree with sound teaching, are conceited, understand nothing, and have an unhealthy interest in controversies
• Results of their teaching: Envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, constant friction—the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit
• True gain: Godliness with contentment is great gain—we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out
• Root of evil: "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil"—note that money itself isn't evil, but love of it leads people away from faith and into grief

Charge to Timothy

(6:11-16) Paul directly addresses Timothy with a solemn charge, calling him to flee evil, pursue virtue, and fight the good fight of faith.

• Man of God, flee these things: Timothy must run from what destroys and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness
• Fight the good fight: Faith requires active engagement—taking hold of eternal life to which Timothy was called
• Before many witnesses: Timothy's good confession was made publicly; he is accountable to keep it
• Solemn charge: In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, Timothy must keep the command without spot until Christ's appearing
• Doxology: Paul erupts in praise—God is "the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light"

Instructions for the Rich

(6:17-19) Before closing, Paul adds a word for wealthy believers—not condemning their wealth but directing its proper use.

• Don't trust in wealth: Riches are uncertain; hope should be placed in God who richly provides for our enjoyment
• Be rich in good deeds: Generosity and willingness to share transform wealth from potential snare to spiritual investment
• Laying up treasure: Such generosity stores up "treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age"—echoing Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21">Matthew 6:19-21

Final Exhortation

(6:20-21) Paul concludes with an urgent appeal to guard what has been entrusted to Timothy.

• Guard the deposit: The gospel and sound teaching are a sacred trust Timothy must protect
• Avoid godless chatter: False knowledge that some profess has caused them to wander from the faith
• Grace be with you: The letter ends simply—grace, God's undeserved favor, is what Timothy (and all believers) need most

Key Takeaways

• Contentment is great gain: (6:6-8) True wealth isn't measured in possessions but in godliness paired with satisfaction
• Love of money destroys: (6:9-10) Pursuing wealth leads to temptation, traps, and shipwrecked faith
• Guard the gospel: (6:20) The faith once delivered to the saints must be protected and transmitted faithfully

Reflection Questions

• Where in your life do you see the tension between godliness with contentment and the desire for more? How does this passage challenge your relationship with money?
• Paul tells Timothy to "flee" some things and "pursue" others. What should you be running from? What should you be chasing?
• What does it mean practically to "guard the deposit" of faith in your context? How do you protect and pass on sound teaching?