18: Closing Instructions (1Tim 6:2b-21)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

Paul has just given instructions about Timothy’s duties toward the various groups of believers in church. Before closing the epistle, he gives more personal instructions to Timothy and reminds him to guard what has been committed to him. In the midst of these instructions, Paul includes two important passages that teach the correct Christian attitude toward material wealth. Paul’s urge to Timothy to keep the commandment also moves him to write the final hymn of praise in this epistle.

B.     Key Verse

            “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (6:11-12).

C.     Did You Know…?

1. “You” (6:21): “The Greek for “you” here is plural, indicating that, although Paul is writing to Timothy, he expects the letter to be read to the entire Ephesians congregation.” ^6/1843

2. “Some have strayed” (6:21): The word “strayed” here means “missed the mark.”

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(6:2b-10)

(6:11-16)

(6:17-19)

(6:20-21)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     6:2b-10

1. The teachings that Paul instructs Timothy to teach the believers are “wholesome words” that are based on the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as “the doctrine which accords with godliness” (3). But Paul points out that there are those who will contradict this sound doctrine and teach otherwise. According to Paul, why would these false teachers want to teach other doctrines?

2. What does it mean to be godly and content?

3. Are you content with your current possessions and occupation?

4. Why is godliness with contentment great gain?

5. What physical possessions should believers be content with? Why?

6. What warning does Paul give concerning material possessions?

7a. What does it mean to love money?

7b. Why does the love of money lead to such dire consequences?

B.     6:11-16

8. What should all men of God flee?

9. What should they focus on instead (note all the commands in this paragraph)?

10. Why is our life of faith a fight? How can we fight a good fight?

11. How would you describe Paul’s command to Timothy (13)?

12. How did Christ Jesus witness the good confession before Pontius Pilate?

13. What motivates us to keep the commandment without spot and be blameless?

C.     6:17-19

14. What lessons about wealth can we learn from Paul’s instructions to the rich? What should be our attitude toward our possessions and what should we do with them?

15. What lesson can we learn from these teachings about the present and the future?

D.     6:20-21

16. What is Paul’s concluding instruction to Timothy?

17. What kinds of “profane and idle babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” should we avoid today in order to guard the gospel that we have been entrusted with?