Summary of Timothy’s Duties

Teach them and exhort them about these things.7 6:3 If someone spreads false teachings8 and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness, 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions, 6:5 and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness9 is a way of making a profit. 6:6 Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. 6:7 For we have brought nothing into this world and so10 we cannot take a single thing out either. 6:8 But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.11 6:9 Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 6:10 For the love of money is the root12 of all evils.13 Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

6:11 But you, as a person dedicated to God,14 keep away from all that.15 Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 6:12 Compete well16 for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession17 for18 in the presence of many witnesses. 6:13 I charge you19 before God who gives life to all things and Christ Jesus who made his good confession20 before Pontius Pilate, 6:14 to obey21 this command22 without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 6:15—whose appearing23 the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time. 6:16 He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

6:17 Command those who are rich in this world’s goods24 not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain,25 but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 6:18 Tell them to do good,26 to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.27 6:19 In this way they will save up28 a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation29 for the future and so lay hold of30 what is truly life.