1 Timothy 6

Instructions for the Church

1 o Let all who are under a yoke as slaves 1 regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, p so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

False Teachers and True Contentment

2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are q brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. r Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone s teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with t the sound 2 words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching u that accords with godliness, 4 v he is puffed up with conceit and w understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for x controversy and for y quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people z who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, a imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 Now there is great gain in b godliness c with contentment, 7 for d we brought nothing into the world, and 3 we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But e if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But f those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, g into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that h plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of i all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

11 But as for you, j O man of God, k flee these things. l Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 m Fight the good fight of the faith. n Take hold of the eternal life o to which you were called and about which you made p the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 q I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, r who in his testimony before 4 Pontius Pilate made p the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until s the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display t at the proper time - he who is u the blessed and only Sovereign, v the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 w who alone has immortality, x who dwells in y unapproachable light, z whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

17 As for the rich in a this present age, charge them b not to be haughty, nor c to set their hopes on d the uncertainty of riches, but on God, e who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, f to be rich in good works, to be generous and g ready to share, 19 thus h storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may i take hold of j that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. k Avoid the l irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge,"

21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. m Grace be with you. 5

  1. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:18
    Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
  2. Cross References
    Isaiah 52:5
    Now therefore what have I here," declares the Lord, "seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail," declares the Lord, "and continually all the day my name is despised.
    Romans 2:24
    For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.
    Titus 2:5
    To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
  3. Cross References
    Philemon 1:16
    No longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
  4. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:11
    Command and teach these things.
    1 Timothy 4:13
    Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
    1 Timothy 5:7
    Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.
  5. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:3
    As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine.
  6. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:10
    The sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.
  7. Cross References
    Titus 1:1
    Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.
  8. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:6
    He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
    2 Timothy 3:4
    Treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:2
    If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
    1 Timothy 1:7
    Desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
  10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:4
    Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
    2 Timothy 2:23
    Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
    Titus 3:9
    But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
  11. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:14
    Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
    Acts 18:15
    But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.
  12. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:8
    Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.
    Ephesians 4:22
    To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.
    Titus 1:15
    To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
  13. Cross References
    Titus 1:11
    They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
    2 Peter 2:3
    And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
  14. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:8
    For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
  15. Cross References
    Psalms 37:16
    Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.
    Proverbs 15:16
    Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.
    Proverbs 16:8
    Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
    Philippians 4:11
    Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
    Hebrews 13:5
    Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.
  16. Cross References
    Job 1:21
    And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
    Psalms 49:17
    For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
    Ecclesiastes 5:15
    As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
  17. Cross References
    Genesis 28:20
    Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear.
    Proverbs 30:8
    Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.
  18. Cross References
    Proverbs 15:27
    Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
    Proverbs 23:4
    Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.
    Proverbs 28:20
    A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
    Matthew 13:22
    As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
  19. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
  20. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:19
    Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
  21. Cross References
    Exodus 23:8
    And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.
    Deuteronomy 16:19
    You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.
  22. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:17
    That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
  23. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:22
    So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
  24. Cross References
    Proverbs 15:9
    The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
  25. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:18
    This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
    1 Corinthians 9:25
    Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
  26. Cross References
    Philippians 3:12
    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
  27. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:10
    And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
  28. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:13
    By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.
  29. Cross References
    1 Timothy 5:21
    In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
  30. Cross References
    Matthew 27:11
    Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so.
    John 18:37
    Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world - to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.
    Revelation 1:5
    And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
    Revelation 3:14
    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
  31. Cross References
    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.
  32. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 2:8
    And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
  33. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:6
    Who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
  34. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:11
    In accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
  35. Cross References
    Revelation 17:14
    They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
  36. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:17
    To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
  37. Cross References
    Psalms 104:2
    Covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.
  38. Cross References
    Job 37:23
    The Almighty - we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
  39. Cross References
    John 1:18
    No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
  40. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:10
    For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
    Titus 2:12
    Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
  41. Cross References
    Romans 11:20
    That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
    Romans 12:3
    For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
    Romans 12:16
    Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
  42. Cross References
    Mark 10:24
    And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
  43. Cross References
    Proverbs 23:5
    When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.
    Matthew 13:22
    As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
  44. Cross References
    Acts 14:17
    Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.
  45. Cross References
    Luke 12:21
    So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.
    Titus 3:8
    The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
    Titus 3:14
    And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
  46. Cross References
    Romans 12:13
    Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
  47. Cross References
    Matthew 6:19 - 20
    Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
  48. Cross References
    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.
  49. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.
  50. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:5
    Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
    Colossians 2:8
    See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
    2 Timothy 4:4
    And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
    Titus 1:14
    Not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
  51. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:16
    But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
  52. Cross References
    Colossians 4:18
    I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Previous Book Next Book