Godliness With Contentment (1 Timothy 6)

How should a Christian act if trapped in slavery or a job they hate? Should we focus on the doctrines espoused by Jesus in the Gospels? Is money a dangerous tool that can become a root of evil or be used to bless others? Should wealthy Christians set their hopes on God or riches? Should wealthy people be rich in good works, generous and ready to share? Let’s find out in 1 Timothy 6.

About half the people in the Roman Empire were slaves. Some of it was what we might consider legitimate hard labor for crimes committed, but some of it was immoral kidnapping. Is this an endorsement of wrongful slavery, or how to act if a Christian is trapped in slavery?

All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be slandered. But those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 LSB)

What if someone does not focus on the doctrines espoused by Jesus in the Gospels? What about traditions that came later in church history, that were not taught by Jesus or the apostles, whether they be Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, Anabaptist or Protestant?

If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-5 NASB)

How much is godliness with contentment worth? What about money? Is it a dangerous tool that can become a root of evil? Can it cause us to leave the faith?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV)

Should a man of God flee the love of money? What are some things we should pursue?

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV)

What is the good fight? What should we hold tightly?

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NLT)

Out of context, verse 14 may appear unclear. Is it THE commandment/command (ESV, HCSB, LSB, NASB, WEB), these commands (ISV), or THIS commandment/command (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NLT)? Some have taken verse 14 to mean the Ten Commandments, which is a conclusion from silence. Is it clear in this translation?

I command you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and Christ Jesus, who made the good confession when testifying before Pontius Pilate. Obey this order without fault or failure until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 6:13-14 CEB)

How powerful is our God? Who lives forever?

The glorious God is the only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. At the time that God has already decided, he will send Jesus Christ back again. Only God lives forever! And he lives in light that no one can come near. No human has ever seen God or ever can see him. God will be honored, and his power will last forever. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16 CEV)

Are we reluctant to warn those who are potentially our greatest givers, lest we offend them? Can we speak truthfully and tactfully?

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)