Previously we looked at 1 Timoty 5:17-25 and saw some basic principles for the church. As we turn our attention toward 1 Timothy 6, we learn some basic principles for life. The way we live and conduct ourselves in the world is vital to the impact we may have on the world for the cause of Christ. The world is watching us; therefore, we must live in such a way that points others towards Jesus.
Live Honorably. There are two things we see in verses 6-5 concerning living honorably. First, we must live honorably in relation to our work. Paul addresses those who are slaves and gives them instructions on how to do their work in relation to their master. Slavery was a cultural norm of Paul’s day. It is interesting that the Bible never condones slavery; however, it does acknowledge slavery and gives instructions concerning the relationship between slaves and their masters. G.W. Knight writes, “Paul now turns to slaves as another group, as he regularly does when he deals with different groups of Christians (Eph. 6:5–9; Col. 3:22–4:1; Tit. 2:9, 10), and as Peter does, following a similar pattern (1 Pet. 2:18–20). Paul also has words about slavery in 1 Cor. 7:20–22 and Phm. 10–21, which are written from a different perspective than (here and in the passages just listed) when he addresses one by one different groups of Christians. When he follows that procedure, he appeals to God’s will for the existence and permanence of certain social relationships: For marriage he appeals to God’s creation order (Eph. 5:31) and to the marital relationship that God has instituted (vv. 22, 23; cf. 1 Cor. 11:3, 8, 9); for parents and children he appeals to the fifth commandment (Eph. 6:1–3). But for slavery no appeal is made to God’s will for its existence; in fact, Paul encourages slaves to leave that situation, when leaving is possible.”[1] No where in scripture do we find that God endorses slavery. However, it is accepted as a cultural norm and dealt with accordingly. There are many things in our cultural that are not approved of God. But those things are real, and we must live honorably within such a culture. For us today, slavery is not a widely acceptable practice. Though verse 1-2 deal specifically with the issue of slavery, the principle we see here may be applied to our relationships in the work world. There are two principles we see here. (1) Employees are to honor their employers. If you work for someone or for a certain company, as a Christian, you are to honor your employers by being a good and reliable employee. Christians ought to be the best employees. Employers should want to hire Christians because they know that Christians will work hard, and they can be trusted. (2) Christian employers should treat their employees well. Verse two gives us the principle that Christian employers should treat their employees with respect and dignity. If you have people that work for you, it is imperative to understand that you have a responsibility before God to treat those people well. Secondly, we must live honorably in relation to the Word. Verse 3-5 Paul speaks concerning the need to live in obedience to the Word of God. Paul addresses the issue once again concerning false teachers. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “Doctrinal error is seldom merely a case of being innocently mistaken. There is almost always some degree of culpability. The false teachers in Ephesus were conceited (lit., “puffed up”), with inflated egos (cf. 1:7). Such a one understands nothing.”[2] To avoid becoming false teachers ourselves, we must take seriously the study of God’s Word. We should not talk about things of which we have no understanding. Honor the Word of God by being a student of the Word and interrupting and communicating the Word of God correctly.
Live with Contentment. Verses 6-10 and 17-19 refers to how we handle riches or the lack of riches. There are two principles we see here. First, we are to be satisfied with what we have. Paul is very clear in verses 6-8 that we need to be content with what God has given us. If you have a roof over your head and food to eat and clothes to wear, you are very blessed. There is nothing greater than to live a godly life and be content with what God has blessed you with. Matthew Henery says, “Godliness is itself great gain, it is profitable to all things; and, wherever there is true godliness, there will be contentment; but those have arrived at the highest pitch of contentment with their godliness are certainly the easiest happiest people in this world.”[3] If you have Jesus, you have all you will ever need. When you can grow to that place where you are content in Christ alone, this becomes great gain for you. There is not greater joy and no greater satisfaction than knowing Jesus as your Savior and walking with Him daily. Secondly, we are to not live for riches. In verses 9-10 and 17-19, Paul gives instructions to those who are rich. Notice, Paul does not condemn the rich. There is nothing wrong with riches. There is nothing wrong with working hard and pursuing wealth. If you have opportunity to better yourself and your family, there is certainly nothing wrong pursuing such opportunities. However, there is a warning that comes with the pursuit of riches. If you do not have the right perspective, those riches can overcome you and control you. We must learn to be content whether we are rich or poor. If the Lord has blessed us financially, we should provide the best life possible for our family and be generous with God has given us. Verse 18, Paul instructs those who are rich to have open hands. They are to do good and be ready to give to those in need. In doing so, they lay up for themselves treasures in Heaven.
When we live in this world honorably and with contentment, we will experience the blessing of having a positive influence on the world around us as our conduct points others to Jesus. We will also experience the blessing of living in obedience to the principles given to us in God’s Word. May God help us all to live honorably and with contentment.
[1] Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 242). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
[2] Litfin, A. D. (1985). 1 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 746). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2358). Peabody: Hendrickson.
Pastor Chris Noland 