New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
1 Timothy 6
1
All who are forced to serve as slaves should consider their masters worthy of full respect. Then people will not speak evil things against God's name and against what we teach.
Reference
Parallel theme
Acts 10:7
Matthew 11:30
Luke 17:1
Galatians 5:1
Malachi 1:6
References God
Titus 2:5
Romans 2:24
Acts 10:22
Acts 15:10
1 Peter 2:12
2
Some slaves have masters who are believers. They shouldn't show less respect for their masters just because they are believers. Instead, they should serve them even better. That's because those who benefit from their service are believers. They are loved by them. Teach the slaves those things. Try hard to get them to do them.
Reference
3
Suppose someone teaches ideas that are false. He doesn't agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn't agree with godly teaching.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Timothy 1:3
1 Timothy 1:10
Romans 16:17
2 Timothy 4:3
References Jesus
Titus 1:1
Word
Titus 1:9
2 Timothy 1:13
4
People like that are proud. They don't understand anything. They like to argue more than they should. They can't agree about what words mean. All of that results in wanting what others have. It causes fighting, harmful talk, and evil distrust.
Reference
Evil
1 Timothy 3:6
2 Peter 2:12
Jude 1:10
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 2:23
2 Timothy 3:4
1 Timothy 1:4
Word
2 Timothy 2:14
2 Peter 2:18
1 Timothy 1:7
Jude 1:16
5
It stirs up trouble all the time among people whose minds are twisted by sin. The truth they once had has been taken away from them. They think they can get rich by being godly.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Peter 2:3
Titus 1:11
Matthew 23:13
Matthew 12:33
1 Timothy 3:3
1 Timothy 1:6
Revelation 18:3
References God
2 Timothy 3:5
1 Timothy 6:6
Truth
2 Timothy 3:8
6
You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be happy with what you have.
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 13:5
1 Timothy 6:8
Proverbs 16:8
Philippians 1:21
Proverbs 15:16
Psalm 37:16
Exodus 2:21
References God
1 Timothy 4:8
Romans 8:28
Psalm 84:11
9
People who want to get rich are tempted. They fall into a trap. They are tripped up by wanting many foolish and harmful things. Those who live like that are dragged down by what they do. They are destroyed and die.
Reference
10
Love for money causes all kinds of evil. Some people want to get rich. They have wandered away from the faith. They have wounded themselves with many sorrows.
Reference
Evil
Micah 3:11
Faith
Psalm 32:10
Love
2 Timothy 4:10
Parallel theme
Proverbs 1:19
1 Timothy 6:9
Titus 1:11
Proverbs 1:31
Isaiah 56:11
Matthew 23:13
Jude 1:11
11
But you are a man of God. Run away from all of those things. Try hard to do what is right and godly. Have faith, love and gentleness. Hold on to what you believe.
Reference
Faith
2 Timothy 2:22
1 Timothy 4:12
Love
1 Corinthians 10:14
1 Corinthians 14:1
Parallel theme
Hebrews 12:14
Psalm 34:14
1 Corinthians 6:18
1 Peter 3:11
Romans 14:19
References God
2 Timothy 3:17
12
Fight the good fight along with all other believers. Take hold of eternal life. You were chosen for it when you openly told others what you believe. Many witnesses heard you.
Reference
Eternal Life
1 Peter 5:10
1 John 2:25
1 Timothy 6:19
Faith
2 Timothy 4:7
Good
1 Timothy 1:18
Parallel theme
Hebrews 6:18
Revelation 3:3
Colossians 3:15
Zechariah 10:5
Witness
1 Timothy 6:13
13
God gives life to everything. Christ Jesus told the truth when he gave witness to Pontius Pilate. In the sight of God and Christ, I give you a command.
Reference
Parallel theme
John 5:21
References Jesus
Matthew 27:11
1 Timothy 5:21
Witness
Revelation 3:14
Revelation 1:5
14
Obey it until our Lord Jesus Christ appears. Obey it completely. Then no one can find fault with it or you.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Peter 3:14
Jude 1:24
Revelation 1:7
Colossians 1:22
References Christ
Hebrews 9:28
Hebrews 9:14
References Jesus
1 Peter 1:7
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Titus 2:13
References Lord
Colossians 4:17
15
God will bring Jesus back at a time that pleases him. God is the blessed and only Ruler. He is the greatest King of all. He is the most powerful Lord of all.
Reference
Blessing
1 Timothy 1:11
Kingdom
Revelation 19:16
Revelation 17:14
1 Timothy 1:17
Psalm 47:2
Jeremiah 10:10
Proverbs 8:15
Jeremiah 46:18
Daniel 4:34
Parallel theme
Psalm 83:18
16
God is the only one who can't die. He lives in light that no one can get close to. No one has seen him. No one can see him. Give honor and power to him forever. Amen.
Reference
Eternal Life
1 Timothy 1:17
Psalm 90:2
Light
1 John 1:5
Revelation 22:5
Parallel theme
John 1:18
Colossians 1:15
John 6:46
Exodus 3:14
Revelation 1:6
Revelation 4:11
17
Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell them not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain. Command those who are rich to put their hope in God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Reference
Faith
Proverbs 11:28
1 Timothy 4:10
Romans 11:20
Parallel theme
Acts 14:17
Proverbs 27:24
Matthew 19:23
Colossians 3:16
Luke 19:2
References God
Titus 2:12
Proverbs 30:9
18
Command the rich to do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share.
Reference
Good
Hebrews 13:16
1 John 3:17
Psalm 37:3
Titus 3:8
Titus 2:14
Galatians 6:10
1 Timothy 5:10
Parallel theme
Romans 12:8
Luke 12:21
Romans 12:13
19
In that way they will put riches away for themselves. It will provide a firm basis for the next life. Then they will take hold of the life that really is life.
Reference
Eternal Life
1 Timothy 6:12
Luke 16:9
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 2:19
Proverbs 31:25
1 Peter 1:4
Ephesians 3:17
Philippians 3:14
Matthew 19:21
Luke 12:33
Luke 18:22
20
Timothy, guard what God has trusted you with. Turn away from godless chatter. Stay away from opposing ideas that are falsely called knowledge.
Reference
Summary of 1 Timothy 6
1 Timothy 6 addresses responsible Christian conduct within difficult social relationships, the danger of false teaching and religious exploitation, the spiritual dangers of greed and uncontrolled desire for wealth, the importance of contentment and godly character, Timothy's responsibility to remain faithful to his calling, and the proper use of material resources for generosity and eternal purposes.
Paul begins by instructing Christian servants to behave respectfully toward their masters so that the Christian message will not be dishonored, while explaining that servants with believing masters should not become disrespectful simply because they share the same faith but should instead serve faithfully because their work benefits fellow believers.
The broader principle is that Christian faith should produce responsible and honorable behavior even within difficult social circumstances, while the chapter does not present a general political discussion about the Roman institution of slavery.
Paul then warns Timothy about teachers who reject sound Christian doctrine and become consumed with arguments, disputes, pride, suspicion, and meaningless debates, explaining that some people can even turn religion into a means of financial gain.
Against this distorted approach to faith, Paul presents godliness with contentment as genuine spiritual wealth, reminding believers that they entered the world without possessions and will leave it without taking their material wealth with them.
Paul therefore encourages contentment with basic necessities while giving a strong warning about the desire to become rich, because uncontrolled pursuit of wealth can become a trap that leads people into temptation, destructive desires, spiritual wandering, and deep sorrow.
His famous warning about the love of money does not mean that money itself is inherently evil, but rather that an excessive love and pursuit of wealth can become a root from which many forms of evil grow.
Paul then calls Timothy to pursue an entirely different set of priorities, instructing him to flee sinful desires and actively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness, while remaining committed to the good fight of faith and holding firmly to eternal life.
He solemnly charges Timothy before God and Jesus Christ to keep his calling faithfully and without compromise until the appearing of Christ, directing Timothy's attention away from temporary pressures and toward the future return of Jesus.
Paul responds to this future hope with a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, immortality, glory, honor, and eternal power, emphasizing that God remains completely above every earthly authority and limitation.
The chapter then addresses wealthy believers specifically, instructing them not to become proud or place their confidence in uncertain riches but to trust God, who provides abundantly.
Wealthy Christians are encouraged to do good, become rich in good works, give generously, share willingly, and use their resources to build something of lasting value, because true life is found in eternal spiritual priorities rather than temporary financial security.
Paul concludes by returning to Timothy's responsibility as a guardian of the gospel, urging him to protect what has been entrusted to him and avoid empty discussions and false claims of knowledge that have already caused some people to wander away from the faith.
The central message of 1 Timothy 6 is that Christian faith should produce honorable conduct, sound doctrine, contentment, self-control, faithful perseverance, and responsible use of wealth rather than pride, greed, endless arguments, or the pursuit of financial gain, while believers are called to trust God rather than possessions, use their resources generously for good works, guard the truth entrusted to them, and remain faithful to Christ while looking toward His future appearing.
Paul begins by instructing Christian servants to behave respectfully toward their masters so that the Christian message will not be dishonored, while explaining that servants with believing masters should not become disrespectful simply because they share the same faith but should instead serve faithfully because their work benefits fellow believers.
The broader principle is that Christian faith should produce responsible and honorable behavior even within difficult social circumstances, while the chapter does not present a general political discussion about the Roman institution of slavery.
Paul then warns Timothy about teachers who reject sound Christian doctrine and become consumed with arguments, disputes, pride, suspicion, and meaningless debates, explaining that some people can even turn religion into a means of financial gain.
Against this distorted approach to faith, Paul presents godliness with contentment as genuine spiritual wealth, reminding believers that they entered the world without possessions and will leave it without taking their material wealth with them.
Paul therefore encourages contentment with basic necessities while giving a strong warning about the desire to become rich, because uncontrolled pursuit of wealth can become a trap that leads people into temptation, destructive desires, spiritual wandering, and deep sorrow.
His famous warning about the love of money does not mean that money itself is inherently evil, but rather that an excessive love and pursuit of wealth can become a root from which many forms of evil grow.
Paul then calls Timothy to pursue an entirely different set of priorities, instructing him to flee sinful desires and actively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness, while remaining committed to the good fight of faith and holding firmly to eternal life.
He solemnly charges Timothy before God and Jesus Christ to keep his calling faithfully and without compromise until the appearing of Christ, directing Timothy's attention away from temporary pressures and toward the future return of Jesus.
Paul responds to this future hope with a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, immortality, glory, honor, and eternal power, emphasizing that God remains completely above every earthly authority and limitation.
The chapter then addresses wealthy believers specifically, instructing them not to become proud or place their confidence in uncertain riches but to trust God, who provides abundantly.
Wealthy Christians are encouraged to do good, become rich in good works, give generously, share willingly, and use their resources to build something of lasting value, because true life is found in eternal spiritual priorities rather than temporary financial security.
Paul concludes by returning to Timothy's responsibility as a guardian of the gospel, urging him to protect what has been entrusted to him and avoid empty discussions and false claims of knowledge that have already caused some people to wander away from the faith.
The central message of 1 Timothy 6 is that Christian faith should produce honorable conduct, sound doctrine, contentment, self-control, faithful perseverance, and responsible use of wealth rather than pride, greed, endless arguments, or the pursuit of financial gain, while believers are called to trust God rather than possessions, use their resources generously for good works, guard the truth entrusted to them, and remain faithful to Christ while looking toward His future appearing.