11 and thou, O man of God, these things flee, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness; 12 be striving the good strife of the faith, be laying hold on the life age-during, to which also thou wast called, and didst profess the right profession before many witnesses.
13 I charge thee, before God, who is making all things alive, and of Christ Jesus, who did testify before Pontius Pilate the right profession, 14 that thou keep the command unspotted, unblameable, till the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which in His own times He shall shew—the blessed and only potentate, the King of the kings and Lord of the lords, 16 who only is having immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no one of men did see, nor is able to see, to whom 'is' honour and might age-during! Amen. 17 Those rich in the present age charge thou not to be high-minded, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who is giving to us all things richly for enjoyment;— 18 to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, willing to communicate, 19 treasuring up to themselves a right foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life age-during. 20 O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the profane vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge, 21 which certain professing—concerning the faith did swerve; the grace 'is' with you. Amen.
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.