11 But flee from these things , you man of God , and pursue righteousness , godliness , faith , love , perseverance and gentleness . 12 Fight the good fight of faith ; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called , and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses .
13 I charge you in the presence of God , who gives life to all things , and of Christ Jesus , who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate , 14 that you keep the commandment without e stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ , 15 which He will bring about at the proper time -He who is the blessed and only Sovereign , the King of kings and Lord of lords , 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light , whom no man has seen or can see . To Him be honor and eternal dominion ! Amen . 17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches , but on God , who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy . 18 Instruct them to do good , to be rich in good works , to be generous and ready to share , 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future , so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed . 20 O Timothy , guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge "- 21 which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith . Grace be with you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:11-22
Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:11-16
(Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16)
It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be taken up with the things of God. There must be a conflict with corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown proposed for our encouragement. We are called to lay hold thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But who can give such a charge, that is not himself above the love of things that wealth can buy? The appearing of Christ is certain, but it is not for us to know the time. Mortal eyes cannot bear the brightness of the Divine glory. None can approach him except as he is made known unto sinners in and by Christ. The Godhead is here adored without distinction of Persons, as all these things are properly spoken, whether of the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost. God is revealed to us, only in and through the human nature of Christ, as the only begotten Son of the Father.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:17-21
(Read 1 Timothy 6:17-21)
Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of doing the more good? Showing faith in Christ by fruits of love, let us lay hold on eternal life, when the self-indulgent, covetous, and ungodly around, lift up their eyes in torment. That learning which opposes the truth of the gospel, is not true science, or real knowledge, or it would approve the gospel, and consent to it. Those who advance reason above faith, are in danger of leaving faith. Grace includes all that is good, and grace is an earnest, a beginning of glory; wherever God gives grace, he will give glory.