1 Timothy 6

Counsel against error and greed
Only God has immortality - 16
Text Comments
 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.
  1 - Servants Literally, "slaves." See on ro0101. Slavery was a part of the way of life in the Roman Empire. Many in the upper class who owned slaves became Christians. Their bond-servants may also have claimed the name of Christ. A slave of a pagan master could show the beauty of Christ better by cooperation. Even today those who perform common duties for wealthy people often have a better opportunity to reach them than anyone else.
  1 - Under the yoke Legally obligated. Jesus mission as a man on earth was not to change social order lu1214 although His purpose was to provide spiritual freedom lu0418. That eventually means physical freedom.
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.

  4 - Questions See on 1ti0104.
  4 - Evil surmisings One of the snares of the enemy is to get people to imagining that other people or things might be apt to hurt them. The situation grows until the person is forever running and protecting himself. The only cure is in trusting in the providence of God. If we are His, nothing can touch us without his permission and hardships and persecution may be for His glory. We will understand in eternity. ro1219, he1305.
  5 - Disputings Compare ph0214.
.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 therewith 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.
   6 - Godliness Literally "the godliness" rather than a form of godliness 2ti0305. Our invitation to peace, too. ph0407. Can we have true godliness without contentment? Maybe a form of contentment.
  7 - Nothing out Only a character modeled after the divine image.
  9 - Will be rich Those who want to be rich make themselves poor on things like gambling. They also covet and lean toward crime.
.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 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.
   11 - Flee This is part of the secret of victory over temptation. We dare not linger where the forces of evil can play on our senses. We flee first flee in a flash emergency prayer, "O Lord help me." Then we turn and physically get away.
  15 - King of kings Compare jn1919.
  16 - [Our Lord Jesus Christ] who only hath immortality No other ruler or "king" (according to the context) is immortal. And no priest or pope is immortal (subject to death). Are we immortal? No. Satan's lie to Eve ge0304. Paul clarifies that the faithful become immortal at the coming of Christ 1co1553. We may also claim the promise of everlasting life as long as we abide in Christ 1jo0511.
.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.
  19 - Laying up The concept is form Jesus mt0619. More and more we can see how the only safe place for our money is in the bank of heaven. That bank pays good interest, too. Souls may find their way to the kingdom who, without our help, would not be there.
.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. <<The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.>>
  Laodicea See Asia Minor map, center. There is another city by that name on the coast near Antioch.
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