Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 6:3-8”
Categories: 1 Timothy“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 morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”
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Paul’s first letter to Timothy is all about the defense of the truth against the corrupting influence of false doctrine (1:3; 4:1; 6:3). There are many people who, falsely in the name of Christ, have a “morbid” (sick) interest in septic teaching, instead of a wholesome desire for “sound” (healthy) doctrine. An unhealthy addiction for “controversial questions” and “disputes about words” will make us arrogant, envious, selfish, unkind, distrustful and condemned. But if we feed our spirits on the words of Christ (not just the ones in red letters), and his unadulterated doctrine (2 John 9), we will be spiritually cleansed and healthy and godly and alive. Please do not be deceived into thinking that doctrine doesn’t matter. Spiritual hygiene is a matter of eternal life and death!
The “prosperity gospel” is false doctrine. Many people teach and believe that if we have faith in God, He will bless us with financial “gain” (verse 5). They see a life of poverty as an indication of ungodly living and God’s displeasure. These people may be rich in possessions but they are “deprived of the truth.” Godliness produces the greatest form of gain—peace and contentment on earth and a resplendent inheritance in heaven. It is a good thing to try to improve our lot in this earthly life, but not to the neglect of our spiritual prosperity. We will depart this earth with exactly as many of its possessions as we entered into it with—zero (verse 7). Let us strive to provide for ourselves and our family, both physically and spiritually, and to be satisfied with the blessings that the Lord has heaped upon us. If we do that, the best is yet to come!
Please read 1 Timothy 6:9-10 for tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
- Louie Taylor
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