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1 Timothy 6: Valiant Fight of Faith
Why should we do more work than we receive credit or payment for?
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1 Timothy 6:1 Employees should honor their bosses with their best work effort so their behavior does not discredit the name of God and Christian teaching.
King James
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Why might bosses want to see themselves as servants to those who work for them?
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1 Timothy 6:2 Bosses who are believers should not be despised because they are not yet made perfect. Employees should respect them as members of God’s family, working hard to support the responsibility their bosses have to faithfully love and serve others. Be sure to teach and exhort believers with these principles.
King James
1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
In just a few sentences, how would you summarize the most important aspects of the “life-giving truth in what our Lord Jesus Christ said and did”?
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1 Timothy 6:3 Those who teach otherwise have missed the message that leads to godliness, the life-giving truth in what our Lord Jesus Christ said and did.
King James
1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
What benefits do people anticipate when they engage in arguments?
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Philippians 1:15–16 Yes, some have been argumentative, stirring up strife, but some are preaching Christ with pure motives. Those who have self-serving interests in speaking of Christ are not the servants they present themselves to be. My desire to be free and confront them adds weight to my chains.
1 Timothy 1:4 Place no value on people’s lineage nor fantasies that stir controversy rather than the faith that strengthens our relationship with God.
1 Timothy 6:4 Proud of themselves, they have nothing good to say. They love questions that serve no good purpose, but encourage arguments, prejudice, and wrong assumptions, stirring jealousy and distrust.
King James
Philippians 1:15–16 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
What is the proof of godliness?
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Luke 6:33 “You get no credit for showing kindness to those who treat you well, because sinners do that much.”
John 13:35 “If you love one another, people will know you are my disciples.”
Acts 11:26 Then the two of them went to Antioch, where they met with the church for a year and taught many people. The disciples in Antioch were the first to be called Christians.
1 Timothy 6:5 Distance yourself from people who preach that prosperity is proof of godliness, for their corrupt minds have missed the truth.
King James
Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
What are God’s greatest gifts?
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Luke 11:13 “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, you can be sure your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 The Holy Spirit is the power source for all kinds of spiritual manifestations, and our relationship with the Lord leads to all kinds of ministries. The same God works in people’s lives in different ways at different times in different situations. The Holy Spirit is given to accomplish whatever service we are called to do. For example, the Holy Spirit might give special knowledge or wisdom in helping someone. The same Holy Spirit might give unique confidence in what God will do or lead to people’s healing. By the Spirit may come miracles, predictions of the future, and knowledge of spiritual activity. One might receive supernatural ability to speak or understand a foreign language. The Holy Spirit manifests himself according to whatever God wants to do in each situation.
1 Timothy 6:6 Actually, we are truly rich when we have learned contentment in using for good whatever God provides.
King James
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Some religions have people buried with what is perceived as needed in the afterlife. If we can take nothing with us, what can we do in preparation?
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Matthew 19:21 “If you want to be perfect, go and sell everything you own, and give the money to the poor. You will have treasure in Heaven and can follow me.”
Matthew 23:11 “Whoever is the greatest among you must be everyone’s servant.”
Mark 10:29–30 Jesus said, “Those who have sacrificed their homes, relatives, or possessions for my sake and for the good news will receive a hundred times more and will have eternal life.
Luke 12:47–48 “The servant who knows what his master wants but fails to prepare and do the work will be severely punished, but the one who does wrong out of ignorance will receive a lighter sentence. Much is required of those who are given much responsibility, and more is required of those who are given more.”
John 14:2–3 “There are many places where you can stay in my Father’s house. I would have told you if that were not true. I must go to make the place ready for you. After I have prepared for your arrival, I will come back for you so we can be there together.”
1 Timothy 6:7–8 We brought nothing into this world, and we’ll not take anything with us when we leave, so we should be content with God’s gifts, even if they are no more than food and clothing.
King James
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mark 10:29–30 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Luke 12:47–48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
John 14:2–3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
1 Timothy 6:7–8 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Millions of people buy lottery tickets. Why might winning the big prize be a problem?
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Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord says, “I have fully drawn up the plans I have for your lives. The details are laid out to complete something very good, not to harm you at all, but to give you hope for what comes in the end.”
Matthew 19:23–24 Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is nearly impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is harder for a man of great wealth to enter the Kingdom than for a camel to get through a needle’s eye.”
1 Timothy 6:9–10 The desire to be rich is a terrible trap, leading to many foolish and dangerous desires that result in death and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil. Coveting the independence, power, and control that money provides, they have strayed from the faith, creating many sorrows for themselves and others.
3 John 1:2 My friends, more than anything else, I wish for you to prosper and be in good health, both physically and spiritually.
King James
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Matthew 19:23–24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
1 Timothy 6:9–10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Why should God’s will matter more than money?
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Matthew 6:24 “You cannot be the slave of two masters. You will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and earthly treasure.”
1 Timothy 6:11 As a man of God, you must go the other way, humbly seeking God’s will with patience, faith, and love.
King James
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
What are the battlegrounds where spiritual warfare is waged?
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Ephesians 6:12 Our struggle is not with people but with the forces that influence our desires. We are pressured by spiritual wickedness in high places of authority—social prejudices, government leaders who tell people what they want to hear, and the media that filters, distorts, and spins the “truth” to suit their agendas.
1 Corinthians 9:26–27 I run the race with relentless determination. I don’t fight like the boxer who throws punches at the air, but I surrender my body, making myself a captive to Christ, lest I should miss the truth of my own preaching.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 We may be human, but we don’t fight like people of the world. The weapons of our warfare are spiritual, not physical—powerful through God to defeat every stronghold that opposes him, destroying human reasoning and overcoming anything that would rise up against his truth, making every thought subject to the will of Christ.
1 Timothy 6:12 In complete dependence upon the Lord, be fully engaged in the battle, fighting well for eternal life and the excellence in ministry for which you were called. Your great testimony will be confirmed by many witnesses.
King James
Ephesians 6:12 or we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Corinthians 9:26–27 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
If the Jews couldn’t obey the commandments, how can Christians obey an even higher standard?
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Matthew 5:21–22 “Since ancient times, you have heard it said, ‘Do not commit murder,’ and, ‘A murderer must be brought to trial.’ But I tell you, anyone who is angry with his brother will stand trial. For slander, someone may be brought to court, but anyone who calls another person stupid is in danger of Hell’s fire.”
Matthew 5:27–28 “You have heard it said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say that people with a lustful look have already committed adultery in their hearts.”
Galatians 6:13 The circumcised don’t keep all the Law, but they want you to be circumcised so they can take credit for you being part of their group.
1 Timothy 6:13–14 I urge you before God, the sole giver of life, and Jesus Christ, who gave account of himself before Pontius Pilate, that you obey his commandments without hesitation, as one who knows Jesus could return any day.
James 2:10 If someone were to keep the entire Law except for one small point is no less a violator than one who is guilty of all.
King James
Matthew 5:21–22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:27–28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
1 Timothy 6:13–14 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
What are some of the things we can know about Jesus’ return to Earth?
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Matthew 24:27 “Nation will war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places,”
Luke 17:26–29 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in the days of Noah. People were partying and pursuing pleasures until the day Noah entered the ark and the flood came to destroy them. It will be like it was in the days of Lot, when people were partying, having fun, working, and conducting business until the day Lot left Sodom and fire and brimstone destroyed the whole city.”
1 Timothy 6:15–16 At just the right time, he will be revealed—the honorable supreme ruler: King of kings and Lord of lords, immortal, living in unapproachable light that no human has seen or is able to see. To him be honor and power forever. Let it be so.
2 Peter 3:10 For those who don’t know God, the Lord’s return will be a complete surprise, like a thief arriving one night. With an explosive sound, the skies will disappear, the elements will melt in intense heat, and everything on Earth will be consumed.
King James
Matthew 24:27 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Luke 17:26–29 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
1 Timothy 6:15–16 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Most U.S. currency bears the words: “In God we trust.” Why is that message important?
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Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not store up treasure for yourselves on Earth, where moths and rust can eat it up and thieves break in and steal. “Instead, store your treasure in Heaven, where it is safe from moths and rust and thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
1 Timothy 6:17 Admonish prosperous people in this world not to regard themselves too highly and not to put their trust in riches that can so quickly disappear. They should put their trust in God, who gives us everything we really need.
King James
Matthew 6:19–21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
How generous should we be with our resources?
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1 Timothy 6:18–19 Tell them to use their resources to benefit others, eager in their generosity, wanting to share what they have. By doing this, they secure an eternal treasure and everlasting life.
King James
1 Timothy 6:18–19 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Why should we avoid “foolish debates”?
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Matthew 7:6 “Do not give something holy to dogs. They will turn and attack, tearing you to pieces. Do not toss your pearls to pigs. They will only trample them under their feet.”
1 Timothy 6:20 Oh Timothy, guard the gifts entrusted to you. Avoid foolish debates with people who oppose God with their expert knowledge that isn’t so smart.
King James
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
What was the message that led people astray?
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1 Timothy 6:21 Because of that message, some have left the faith. God’s grace be with you all. Let it be so.
King James
1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.