Introduction

Encouragement and warnings for believers.

Verses
1Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
2Those 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.
3If 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,
4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.
8But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9But 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.
10For 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.
11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12Fight 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.
13I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
14that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
16He alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and eternal power. Amen.
17Charge those who are rich in this present world 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;
18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
20Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,
21which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.

Questions

1. What does Paul say about those who teach a different doctrine?

v 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,

2. What does Paul say is great gain and why?

v 6 to 8 ... 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.

3. What advice does Paul give to disciples who have become rich?

v 17 to 19  Charge those who are rich in this present world 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.

Summary Points

  • v 1 and 2 Slaves and servants should honour their masters and be godly examples. Those who have believing masters should serve them well for their benefit
  • v 3 to 5 Teachers of false doctrines should be avoided
  • 6 to 10 Be content with what you have. The desire to be rich and love of money can lead to problems
  • v 11 to 16 Hold on to your faith and keep the commandments until Jesus Christ appears
  • v 17 to 21 Timothy is to encourage those who are rich to hope in God and be willing to share their wealth for their eternal good. He is to hold fast to his faith and not follow false teaching

 Timeline 60 AD

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