FIRST TIMOTHY

 

First Timothy 6

1 ¶ Let those who are under the yoke of bondage as slaves regard their masters as worthy of complete respect, so that the name of God and his doctrine are not blasphemed.

2 And let those who have believing masters, not despise them, because they are brethren; but instead serve them, because they are believers and beloved, and engaged in good works. Teach and urge that this be done.

3 If anyone teaches otherwise, and will not agree with sound teaching, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine that is in accord with godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but having a fixation on questions and arguments over words, that produces nothing but jealously, quarreling, hateful talk, evil suspicions,

5 And continual wrangling between men of corrupt minds, who are destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.

6 ¶ However godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we did not bring anything into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 So having food and clothing let us be content with that.

9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful desires, that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all evil: and some in their desire for it, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on the eternal life, to which you were called, and have made a good confession before many witnesses.

13 ¶ I charge you in the sight of God, the source of all life, and Christ Jesus, who gave the ultimate testimony before Pontius Pilate;

14 That you keep this commandment without spot, or blame, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which God will bring about in his own time, who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who alone is immortal, dwelling in the light that no man can approach; whom no one has ever seen, or can see: to him be honor and power forever. Amen.

17 Instruct those who are rich in this world, not to think highly of themselves, or trust in uncertain riches, but to trust in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy;

18 And that they do good, and are rich in good deeds, glad to give and to share, and show friendliness;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good investment for the future, that they may lay hold of the only life that is truly life.

20 O Timothy, keep that which has been entrusted to you, avoiding profane and godless chatter, and the opposition of what is falsely called science:

21 For some who have followed it have erred from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

The first to Timothy was sent from Laodicea,

which is the chief city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

[Note: Verses 5 and 17 allude to those who think that material gain is evidence that God is pleased with them, and wind up trusting in that rather than in Christ. See Psalm 49:6 and 62:10, Mark 10:24, Luke 16:11.]