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1 Timothy 6:11

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Timothy 6:11 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:11

Theological / Devotional

O man of God. Paul implies that the lovers of money mentioned in vs. 9, 10 are not God’s men; they have another master. In the OT the expression “man of God” is applied to a God-ordained prophet (see Judges 13:6; 1 Sam. 2:27; 1 Kings 12:22; 2 Kings 1:9, 10; Jer. 35:4), and Paul here challenges his younger co-worker to similar devotion to duty. Timothy’s security rests in the trustworthiness of God, not in the fleeting security of riches.

Flee these things. That is, do not linger even to question the advantages of material security. The Christian worker’s only safety rests in an undivided program, leaving no time for mere acquisition of wealth (see on James 1:6–11).

Follow after. Literally, “make a habit of earnestly seeking.” Instead of directing his energy and time to the pursuit of riches, the Christian should use them in the pursuit of Christlike virtues. God has promised that our material needs will be provided when we seek His service first (see on Matt. 6:33).

Righteousness. Gr. dikaiosunē (see on Matt. 5:6).

Godliness. Gr. eusebeia (see on ch. 2:2).

Faith. Gr. pistis (see on Rom. 3:3).

Love. Gr. agapē (see on 1 Cor. 13:1).

Patience. Gr. hupomonē, “endurance” (see on James 1:3; Rev. 14:12).

Meekness. Gr. praüpathia, “gentleness.”

By SdaBc