SCRIPTURE: 1Tim 6:1-21 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be the rewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confessi on; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee . Amen.

MEMORY VERSE: 1TI 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

I Timothy is a rich study concerning behavior in the church of the living God. Paul has dealt with things that affect the church, and its administration.

In Chapter 1, Paul dealt with false doctrine, false teachers who taught error. He did not want any teachers teaching false doctrine, neither did he want the church members hearing false teaching.

In Chapter 2, Paul deals with prayer in public places. he gives instructions for worship.

In Chapter 3, Paul deals with qualifications for pastors (elders, bishops, or undershepherds). Some 17 qualifications...the first being "a desire" ...this is basically a call from God through the Holy Spirit.

In Chapter 4, Paul deals with a group of fanatics, false teachers, those who would put restrictions on the ministry or the laity.

In Chapter 5, Paul deals with instructions for the care of widows in the church. He tells how the ministry is to be supported. He tells us that a faithful minister is worthy of "double honor." He tells us that elders...ministers...hold a position of preeminence and should not be rebuked, except before 2 or 3 witnesses. He warns that we do not ordain anyone suddenly. Those who desire to be ministers should be tried, proved, and then given a place of honor. Then need time to reveal that their live s are consistent.

In Chapter 6, Paul gives us additional instructions. He deals with servants. He deals with contentious men.

VERSE 1 1Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

"Servants"...literally "slaves". Slavery in the Roman Empire was taken for granted. Slavery was a part of the national life of any nation we find in the Bible record. Not only did the heathen nations have slaves... Israel made provision for slaves within their community.

NOTE: As Christians, we rebel against such a thing. We are not in accord with the principles and practices of slavery. However, many times slaves were treated better than history gives credit. Many times slaves were honored by their masters.

GRANTED: There were mistreated slaves. There are abused people in the world now. In fact, many times the abuse that people receive today is worse than the slaves received.

Paul, a Christian, is giving instructions to other Christians on how to behave as servants and masters. It was a common thing for Christians to have slaves.

ILLUS: Philemon, a noted Christian man, had a slave named Onesimus.

In verse 1, Paul is referring to Christian who were slaves of UNSAVED MASTERS. These people had been slaves and became Christians...or.. They became slaves after they were saved because of conditions over which they had no control.

"Under the yoke" This refers to a condition that was difficult and disagreeable. They had a heathen master. The idea presented is that the heathen masters took advantage of these Christian slaves. These heathen masters considered them as cattle.

LEARN: A Christian master could NOT consider his slaves as "under a yoke." A Christian master would have high regard for his slaves. A Christian master would treat his slaves with honor and respect.

THESE CHRISTIAN SLAVES were to treat their pagan masters with respect and honor due to one who is master. They were not to honor them because of what they were... They were to honor the position they occupied. were to treat their masters well...othe rwise it would bring reproach to the name of Christ.

It would hurt the cause of Christianity for Christian slaves to rebel against their masters... It would cause the "unsaved world" to "blaspheme"..that means to speak reproachfully, to revile, to rail at God...or the Trinity. 1PE 2:18-25 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins i n his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

What does your life reveal? Are you bringing honor to the name of Christ or... Do your actions and words bring reproach to Christ? When people see the things you do, or hear what you say.. Do they "blaspheme" God? Do they say, "We;;. if that is what Christianity’s is all about..." Or, "And you call yourself a Christian?"

I am conscious that many times the world says such things without just cause... I am also conscious that many times they have just cause to say such things. We need to so live our lives that they would not have just cause. We need to so conduct our lives that we will not give them opportunity to blaspheme the name of God. A CHRISTIAN HAS A TREMENDOUS RESPONSIBILITY. So many times we hear Christians say..."well, I don’t care what they think..." We should care what they think... The name of Christ is involved. The honor of God is involved. Our testimony as a Christian is involved. We need to always, under all circumstances, give a good, clean, clear-cut testimony concerning our Savior and Lord.

IN SOME RESPECTS: We are like the slaves. We live in the world...and the world sees us and watches us. How we react on the job is similar to how a slave would react to his master.

VERSE 2 1Tim 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

A Christian slave would be more likely to presume on his newly acquired theory of liberty, equality, and fraternity in relation to a Christian master than in relation to one that was a heathen.

ILLUS: Let a young man get called to the ministry and maybe start to school... The first thing he wants to do is start calling all preachers by their first names.... He feels that he is on an equal basis... He feels that he has finally arrived...and just as big as the next one. He suddenly feels that all barriers are gone. He is free.

NOTE: Christianity does give us liberty...in the Lord. Christianity does set us free...from the condemnation of sin, and gives us freedom from the power of sin, if we so desire. BUT IT DOES NOT give us liberty to do what society, or government, or circumstances rule out.

The position of a Christian master must have been a difficult one...distracted between the principles of faith which he shared with his slave, and the laws of a social state which he felt were not wholly wrong.

He was to be under the laws of the land...and slavery was a law of the land. He was to give honor to government...and that the Christian master did. He was also to give honor to a fellow Christian...and he could do that, if he so desired without violating governmental principles.

It would be possible for a slave to be a pastor of a church to which the master belonged... "Let them not despise them".... That means "to think down, disdain, think little or nothing of,": The Christian slaves were exhorted not to despise their Christian masters...because the Christian masters were BRETHREN.

Instead, they are to do them service..."slave all the more" or "serve them as their slaves all the more..." They are to do this because the masters have the quality of faithfulness...they both have ben partakers of the benefits of Christianity...

Timothy was to teach these things in the church... Not only so...he was to exhort these things in the church. He was not to overlook them since there would be slaves and masters sitting in the same pew.... He was to let them know their responsibility as slave or master, and as Christians.

VERSES 3,4 1Tim 6:3-4 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not

to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to

the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing

nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof

cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Some were teaching things diametrically opposed to Paul’s teaching. They were teaching things which did not "consent" or "draw near" or things that were not sound, well, healthy words, and doctrine.

NOTE: Evidently these were things connected with slaves and masters. These were things which would cause one or both to violate Christian principles. Paul did not want that.

"Even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ..." There were those who did not heed the words of Christ. They taught contrary to Christ. They ‘despised’ the words of Christ. They set Christ’s words at naught. They had their own opinion and presented their opinions.

Some taught things that did not build a godly life... They taught what was contrary to godly living. They taught things that did not produce "fruits of righteousness". They taught things that were not conductive to godly living.

The Word of God...if adhered to...will produce a godly life. "We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works..." We become new creations in Christ Jesus... We are to be conformed to the image of Christ... "Thy Word have I hid in my he art that I might not sin against thee." Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God is a discerner... The Word of God is a fire in our bones... The Word of God is a hammer that breaks in pieces.... IT WILL PRODUCE A GODLY LIFE.

If a person was not so teaching...Paul said: "He is proud" Such a person has come to the place where pride has finished his work. He is in a settled, finished state of pride. Such a person fancies himself superior to the principles of God. Such a per son has no proper knowledge of the nature of the Gospel.

"knowing nothing" He is literally "a fool". He is not only devoid of a knowledge of facts...he is UNABLE to do any concentrated or reflective thinking.

"doting about questions and strifes of words" ‘Doting’ means ‘sick’. It is a morbid fondness for something. These people have a morbid fondness about questions. The Greek word indicates "debates". "Strifes of words" indicates "a war of words"...this, too, would be a debate.

The result of these debates or war of words would be.... "Envy" "Strife" "Railings"... Envy is uneasiness, pain, mortification, discontent excited by another’s prosperity, or by his superior knowledge or possessions.

"Strife"...contentions with those who will not readily yield to their opinions.

"Railings"...harsh and abusive language towards those who will not concede a point...a common effect of disputes, and more commonly of disputes about small and unimportant matters, than those of great magnitude.

"Evil Surmisings"....suspicions that they are led to hold their views, not by the love of the truth, but from sordid or worldly motives. Such suspicions are very apt to attend an angry debate of any kind.

VERSE 5 1Tim 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

"Perverse disputings"...a waring away of time. Time consumed without advantage.

"Men of corrupt minds"...or men that are corrupted in mind. They are ungodly men. Their minds are warped and twisted until they are corrupt.

"Destitute of the truth"...the implication is that at one time they possessed the truth. They put it away from themselves. The truth that once was theirs...they disinherited...

"Supposing that gain is godliness" They believed that religion must promote prosperity. It seems that these false teachers taught that slaves should not heed masters...they were free...therefore they should be rich. They caused confusion between slaves and masters.

"From such turn away.." or withdraw..... They were not to have fellowship with them. They were to discipline them from church membership. They were not to listen to them, nor have anything to do with them. They were to completely...socially and other wise, withdraw from them. They had nothing in common.

ILLUS: In a similar circumstance in I Corinthians...Paul said... "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Paul told them not even to eat with such people. They were not to put themselves in position to listen.

VERSE 6 1Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

"Godliness" means piety or religion as in good sense. Real religion should be regarded as out most valuable possession. James said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God..."

NOTE: Jesus constantly urged and exhorted us to live godly lives. The burden of Paul’s practical words is that we live a Godly profession.

"With contentment" This refers to a state of mind... This is a calm and satisfied feeling... This is freedom from murmuring and complaining... Paul said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

"Contentment" This speaks of an inward self-sufficiency as opposed to the lack or the desire of outward things.

Paul’s teaching is that the possession of a godly piety...a righteous life...makes a person independent of outward circumstances. A godly life makes a person self-sufficient. A godly life enables a person to maintain a spiritual equilibrium in the midst of either favorable or adverse circumstances. It is something on the INSIDE.

It is like HAPPINESS. Happiness must come from within. You can be happy in the midst of adversity. you can be happy in the mist of loneliness. you can be happy in the midst of trials, troubles, and heartaches. Why?.....Because it comes from within. S o does contentment.

VERSES 7,8 1Tim 6:7-8 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

These are the reasons why "godliness with contentment is great gain." We neither brought anything into this world.... We can carry nothing out of this world. NOTHING the world can give is any addition to the man himself. He is a complete man.... Psa 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

How true this statement. We come into this world helpless, naked, and must receive sustenance from others. We leave this world helpless, carried by others to our final resting place. We brought nothing in.... No armored cares will follow us to the cemetery.

Having the necessities of life..."Let us be content" . Let us be self-sufficient. Let us not desire things that we cannot or should not have. We have the necessities of life... We should be content with that... What more could we ask for? There is just so much we can eat..... There are just so many clothes we can wear.... There is just so much comfort we can enjoy in a house... We ought to be content with that.

VERSE 9 1 TIim 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Paul is reinforcing the teaching in the previous verses. He is now talking about the evils which attend A DESIRE to be rich.

NOTE: Nothing wrong with being rich. Nothing wrong with having money. Nothing wrong with acquiring money. There is something wrong with being discontent to the point that we DESIRE (at any price) money...with which to buy things that we don’t need... not a part of the necessities of life.

"they that would be rich" This is the purpose and design of their life. They are miserable because they are not. They lay plans to be rich because of an outward desire... They are NOT CONTENT with such things as they have. Paul IS NOT condoning laziness or lack of ambition.

"Fall into temptation" They are tempted to do wicked things in order to accomplish their purposes. Being rich is the leading purpose of their soul. Temptation comes to make that a reality.

"And a snare" The idea is that they who have THIS DESIRE to be rich become so ENTANGLED that they cannot escape. They become so involved that they get enmeshed in sin and worldliness. They are trapped with these longings, desires, and ambitions.

"And into many hurtful and foolish lusts" They get involved and their lives dissipate as they live like the world trying to get something out of the world.

"which drown men in destruction and perdition" They reach the point of no return. They commit spiritual suicide. They destroy themselves. Their lives are completely and totally ruined.

ILLUS: This is one thing that Paul meant when he said that "he kept his body under...he disciplined himself...lest he become a castaway. He did not want to self-destruct his life. He wanted to be used of God.

VERSE 10 1Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

MONEY....IS NOT...OF ITSELF...EVIL OR THE ROOT OF EVIL. It is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all evil. All sorts of evils grow out of the love of money. Poor people are more affected by this than rich people. The "love of money" becomes the source of evil.

ILLUS: Anyone that has been in the ministry long knows of those in the church, and in the ministry, who fit this description. There are many such wrecks on the highway of life. Preachers have succumbed to the temptation to become rich, and have sough t to do so by unsavory methods...they have wrecked their lives and their ministry. So many examples could be given. We have seen Christians with an innate desire for money... They have "sold out" to temptation...left the land of God and have journeyed in a far country... They have allowed their children to marry the unsaved. They have used their influence to accomplish material gain. We have seen their lives and homes shattered again and again.

Read the story of Naomi....

"which while some coveted after" They "some" included Christians. Paul is teaching Timothy to warn others.

"They have erred from the faith" They have ben led astray from true doctrine. They have listened to these false teachers. They have been deceived. They have departed from the truth.

"And have pierced themselves through with many sorrows." How tragic. Too late sometimes they see that they have thrown away the peace and contentment that Christ brings. Too late they see they have pursued a wicked way of life.

It was not a single thrust which was made... They were "pierced through"...in place after place.... They had penetrating wounds all over... They made shipwreck of their lives.

VERSE 11 1Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

A special warning to Timothy...."O man of God". Preachers can be just as guilty as others. They need the warning over and over again and again.

"flee those things" The things that Paul has mentioned. Get completely away from them. DO not become contaminated with them. Don’t allow yourself to be in a position to be tempted.

"Follow after" Positive with the negative. It is not a matter of running from something into nothingness. If we flee these things...we are to run into other things. We are to follow things that are good. The sense of doing right...righteousness. Godly living...in contrast to covetousness. Faith in contrast to lack of faith. Love in contrast of love of money. Patience in contrast to discontent. Meekness in contrast to boldness or securing riches by ungodly living.

VERSE 12 1Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Paul...alluding to the athletic games...refers to the Christian life. He compared the Christian to a soldier...fight... There is a necessity for a continuous warfare against evil. There must be a constant effort to live a life pleasing to God.

NOTE: We don’t fight a battle and win for the rest of our lives. There must be constant vigilance. There must be constant warfare. There must be daily dedication to God.

"Lay hold on eternal life" NOT TO BE SAVED...Timothy was already saved. He was to take a firm grip on eternal life. He was to constantly reassure himself. He was to constantly affirm to whom he belonged.

"Whereunto thou art also called." He was not called to riches...but to service. He was called to a warfare. He was called to run a race. If riches came in the pursuance of those...that would be fine. If riches was a side effect...that was fine. He was not to pursue riches...He was to pursue Christ.

Timothy was called upon to live up to his profession. He had made that profession (his public profession) in front of many witnesses. He was to live a life that conformed to that profession. He was to let his walk match his talk. He was to let his works justify his faith. He was to lit his sermons be demonstrated by his life.

VERSE 13,16 1Tim 6:13-16 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Paul is seeking to stimulate moral courage in Timothy assuring him that he is in the hands of ONE whose protective power is universal.

This was a military order. Timothy was timid...he needed the sharp prodding of Paul. Paul gives him a COMMAND. He is to preserve that command intact.

NOTE: When Paul begins to think about the Lord...he loses himself. He gets caught up in the splendor of the moment. He becomes ecstatic when he mentions the Lord and His power. This is a doxology in part. Paul looks forward to the time when Christ shall be ALL and in all. VERSES 17-19 1TIM 6:17-19 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

This is a warning to the rich. They are not to trust in their riches. They are to trust in God. They are to realize that their riches come from God. They are to acknowledge that God gave them these riches.

They are to do good..perform good works. They are to lay up treasures in heaven. They are to seek first the kingdom of God. They are to be ready always to give...and it shall be given to them. This looks forward to the Benman judgment. 1Co 3:11-15 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

VERSES 20,21 1Tim 6:20-21 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Timothy is charged to keep...to guard as a soldier. He is not to engage in debates. He is to set forth the Word of God without fear or favor. He is to stand true to the God of the Word.

Others have missed the mark...Paul does not want Timothy to do so. He leaves him with the promise of grace.