1 Timothy 6:2c-12: Living a Life that Honors God
In 1 Timothy 6:2c-12, the apostle Paul provides guidance on how to live a life that honors God. This passage is a call to Timothy, a young pastor, to continue in the faith and to teach others to do the same. The passage can be divided into two main sections: the importance of contentment (2c-5) and the duty of servants (6-12).
The Importance of Contentment (2c-5)
2c. "Teach and urge these things."
Paul encourages Timothy to teach and urge others to live a life of contentment. Contentment is not about being satisfied with our current circumstances, but about being satisfied with God's will for our lives.
3. "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,"
Paul warns against false teachings that promote discontentment and a focus on material wealth.
4. "he is conceited and understands nothing, but has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,"
False teachings lead to intellectual pride, controversy, and conflict. They are not concerned with godly living, but with intellectual debates.
5. "and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain."
Paul highlights the dangers of equating godliness with material gain. True godliness is not about gaining wealth, but about living a life that honors God.
The Duty of Servants (6-12)
6. "But she who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day,"
Paul turns his attention to the role of servants in the church. Here, he emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion to God.
7. "but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives."
In contrast, those who are self-indulgent are spiritually dead, even though they may appear to be alive.
8. "Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach."
Paul instructs Timothy to teach these things to the servants in the church, so that they may live a life that is above reproach.
9-10. "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing,"
Paul warns against false teachings that promote greed and a love for money.
11-12. "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 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."
Paul exhorts Timothy to flee from false teachings and to pursue a life of righteousness, godliness, and faith. As a man of God, Timothy is called to fight the good fight of faith and to take hold of the eternal life that is his inheritance in Christ.
In conclusion, 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 emphasizes the importance of contentment and the duty of servants in the church. It is a call to live a life that honors God, to pursue righteousness and godliness, and to flee from false teachings that promote greed and a love for money.
