1 Timothy 6:3–10 “The Power of the Gospel”

1 Timothy 6:3-10 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Chris Tomlin – Give Us Clean Hands
• Christ is Enough – Hillsong Worship
• Hillsong – I Surrender

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Contentment | The Lord Provides! – Lesson for Kids
• Put God’s Work First – Matthew 6:33 | CJ and Friends & Hillsong Kids Bible Verse Song – Song for Kids
• Hillsong Kids – Ask Seek Knock | Kids Actions and Lyrics – Song for Kids
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands | Maker Fun Factory Music Videos | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Most scholars believe that the latter part of verse 2 connects with verse 3 and following. The New Korean Revised Version also arranges it this way. The phrase “these things” refers to the various teachings listed earlier. The expression “teach and urge” is noteworthy. Teaching the truth alone is not enough; we must also exhort others to live according to that teaching. Those who teach “a different doctrine” (v. 3) are people who do not follow “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness.” The Greek word translated as “sound” is also used when referring to physical health.

To not follow the teachings of Jesus Christ means to fall into “pride” (v. 4). Such people know nothing, yet think they know everything, and they “have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.” The apostle calls such a person “diseased.” The teaching of Jesus Christ makes us healthy, but a “different doctrine” makes us sick. “Envy, strife, slander, and evil suspicions” are symptoms of that disease. This sickness corrupts the mind and causes people to forget the truth. As a result, they come to regard “godliness as a means to financial gain” (v. 5). Because they are in constant rivalry, there is “endless friction” among them.

At this point, the apostle shifts to the issue of material greed, because greed is a common problem among false teachers. He emphasizes the virtue of “contentment” (v. 6). Contentment was one of the most highly valued virtues among the Stoic philosophers of that time. We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing (v. 7). Therefore, when our basic needs for life— “food and clothing”—are met, we ought to be content (v. 8).

Those who “want to get rich” (v. 9), that is, those consumed by material greed, will fall into “temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires.” In the end, they will face “ruin and destruction” (v. 9). That is why the apostle stresses that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (v. 10). Because of it, some “have wandered from the faith,” and even those who remain in the faith will suffer “many griefs.”

Meditation:

Here, the apostle compares the teachings of Jesus to something that makes us healthy, and the teachings of false teachers to something that makes us sick. The health that the apostle speaks of is holistic—physical, mental, and spiritual health.

When we learn and practice the teachings of Jesus and devote ourselves to the training of godliness, we gain not only physical health but also mental and spiritual well-being. A spiritually healthy person longs for the truth with a pure heart and walks in humility. Such a person avoids “controversies and quarrels” (v. 5), rejects “envy, strife, malicious talk, and evil suspicions,” and remains content in all circumstances. They are not swayed by worldly wealth or power. This is why the apostle said that training in godliness “holds promise for both the present life and the life to come” (4:8).

On the other hand, a person who rejects the teachings of Jesus and neglects the training of godliness can be called spiritually sick. The phrase “corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth” (v. 5) means that such a person is mentally diseased. They live in arrogance, knowing nothing yet thinking they know everything, constantly stirring up “controversies and quarrels” (v. 4). Their goal is to elevate themselves above others, so their hearts are filled with “envy, strife, malicious talk, and evil suspicions” (v. 4). Moreover, they regard “godliness as a means to financial gain” (v. 5). Instead of pursuing godliness for personal transformation, they practice it to be seen and approved by others. Once they receive recognition, they use it as a tool to satisfy their own greed. But such greed can never be satisfied, and in the end, it leads to ruin.

In our own time, the vast majority of people are “those who want to get rich.” Their life goal is to make as much money as possible and enjoy themselves. This shows how deeply sick our age has become. The Lord, however, desires that we become “those who want to be holy.” When that happens, virtues such as humility, love, contentment, service, peace, and trust will bear fruit within us.

Prayer:

Lord, even though we have been born again in You and now live as new people, we still suffer from many small illnesses of the soul. At times we fall into controversies and quarrels, and we are often captured by envy, strife, slander, or evil suspicions. Lacking the strength of contentment, we are frequently stirred by greed for material things. Grant us a deeper longing for Your truth and help us devote ourselves to the training of godliness, so that we may cast off all these lingering sicknesses and gain true and complete health. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True spiritual health comes from following Jesus’ teachings with humility, contentment, and love. Greed, envy, and quarrels make our hearts sick, but godliness brings peace and life.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to be “healthy” in your heart and not just in your body?
  • Can you think of a time when sharing, being kind, or being thankful made you feel happy inside?
  • Why do you think Jesus wants us to be content (thankful) with what we already have?
    
• Youth
  • Paul says greed makes people spiritually sick. In your life or in our culture here in Northern Virginia, where do you see greed or the desire for “more” affecting people’s choices?
  • What’s the difference between living to “get rich” and living to “be holy”? Which one brings real peace?
  • How can practicing humility, love, and contentment help us build stronger friendships and a healthier church community?