1 Timothy 6:11
Verse
Context
Fight the Good Fight
10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But thou, O man of God - Thou, who hast taken God for thy portion, and art seeking a city that hath foundations, whose builder is the living God, flee these things. Escape for thy life. Even thou art not out of the reach of the love of money. How many of the ministers of religion have been ruined by this! And how much has religion itself suffered by their love of money! Follow after righteousness - Justice and uprightness in all thy dealings with men. Godliness - a thorough conformity to the image of God and mind of Christ. Faith in Jesus, and in all that he has spoken; and fidelity to the talents thou hast received, and the office with which thou art intrusted. Love - To God and all mankind. Patience in all trials and afflictions. Meekness - Bearing up with an even mind under all adversities and contradictions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But thou--in contrast to the "some" (Ti1 6:10). man of God--who hast God as thy true riches (Gen 15:1; Psa 16:5; Lam 3:24). Applying primarily to Timothy as a minister (compare Pe2 1:21), just as the term was used of Moses (Deu 33:1), Samuel (Sa1 9:6), Elijah, and Elisha; but, as the exhortation is as to duties incumbent also on all Christians, the term applies secondarily to him (so Ti2 3:17) as a Christian man born of God (Jam 1:18; Jo1 5:1), no longer a man of the world raised above earthly things; therefore, God's property, not his own, bought with a price, and so having parted with all right in himself: Christ's work is to be his great work: he is to be Christ's living representative. flee these things--namely, "the love of money" with its evil results (Ti1 6:9-10). follow after righteousness-- (Ti2 2:22). godliness--"piety." Righteousness is more in relation to our fellow man; piety ("godliness") to God"; faith is the root of both (see on Tit 2:12). love--by which "faith worketh." patience--enduring perseverance amidst trials. meekness--The oldest manuscripts read, "meek-spiritedness," namely, towards the opponents of the Gospel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thou, O man of God,.... Not only by creation, as every man is; nor merely by special grace, as everyone is, that is chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit; but by his peculiar office, as an evangelist and minister of the word, being qualified for, and devoted to, and employed in the service of God. The phrase is taken out of the Old Testament, where the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, are so called, Kg2 1:9, flee these things; the Arabic version reads "these abominations"; namely, all questions and strifes of words, from whence so many evils follow, Ti1 6:4 and all worldly gain, selfish interest, and mercenary views in religion; a wicked resolution to be rich, at any rate, and an immoderate love of the things of the world, and an eager pursuit after them, which expose to great danger, and even utter ruin; things very unbecoming any professor of religion, but much more a minister of the Gospel. And follow after righteousness; not for justification before God, that he had followed after, and attained unto, which is the righteousness of Christ, and not of the law; but for the honour of religion before men; and intends the doing of justice between man and man, giving everyone their own, which in undue affection for the world sometimes leads men from: godliness; spiritual religion, holiness of heart, and conversation, which has the promise of this life, as well as of the other, and with contentment is great gain; wherefore to pursue this is much better than greedily to run after the riches of this world, or with the false teachers to suppose that godliness lies in worldly gain, or in securing to a man his worldly interest: faith; the grace of faith, which looks not to things seen, which are temporal, but to things not seen, which are eternal; and leads off the mind from sublunary enjoyments to God, and Christ, and the glories of another world; and is the leading grace to all others, and the foundation of good works, without which there is no pleasing in acts of moral righteousness, or in any acts of religious worship, which may be called godliness: love; to God, which is inconsistent with serving mammon, or with an immoderate love of money; and to Christ, which will put a man on seeking, not his own things, but the things of Christ; and to the saints, which will direct him to serve them by acts of beneficence and liberality: patience; in bearing reproaches and indignities; in suffering injuries, loss of goods, imprisonment, and every sort of persecution, for the sake of the Gospel; which a covetous disposition will not admit of: last of all, meekness; or humility, not seeking great things, but being content with a lower station of life; for generally it is pride that puts men upon a determination to be rich at any rate: it may also design meekness in instructing the ignorant, in refuting error, and in reproving offenders.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:11-16 Before ending the discussion of wealth, Paul exhorts Timothy to live beyond reproach, commanding him to flee from desire for wealth.
1 Timothy 6:11
Fight the Good Fight
10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 1
By A.W. Tozer2.1K04:51PrayerPSA 34:14PSA 97:10PRO 8:13ROM 12:91TI 6:111PE 3:111JN 3:4The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of hating sin and loving righteousness. It encourages listeners to flee from iniquity and pursue godliness. The speaker also highlights the concept of mercy, stating that it surrounds us like the air and is a characteristic of God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for repentance and a plea for God's mercy and guidance. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to focus on spiritual matters and to live according to God's will.
Romans 14:17
By Paul Washer1.9K45:04Kingdom Of GodPSA 16:11MAT 6:33JHN 15:11ROM 14:17GAL 5:22PHP 4:71TI 6:11In this sermon, the speaker uses the concept of stepping into heaven to illustrate the idea of being transformed by the glory of God. He emphasizes that in order to bear the beauty of God and experience true worship, one must be supernaturally transformed. The speaker also highlights the idea that heaven is not a static place, but rather a pursuit of knowing and experiencing more of God's infinite nature. He encourages listeners to be motivated by growing in the knowledge of God and experiencing the beauties of God, which can be overwhelming and take their breath away.
Preparing for Spiritual Awakening as Men
By Gordon Bailey1.4K47:12Spiritual AwakeningPRO 22:6MAT 6:33MAT 12:361CO 3:11EPH 6:41TI 6:11JAS 5:12In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the current state of Christianity and emphasizes the importance of personal growth and transformation. He shares a personal anecdote about his son exhibiting his own bad habits, which serves as a reminder of the influence we have on others. The speaker also discusses the need for Christians to support and restore one another, using the analogy of jumper cables to illustrate the importance of handling delicate situations with care. He concludes by addressing the issue of moral failures within the church, including television evangelism, and highlights the need for spiritual awakening and preparation in order to prevent further falls.
The Function of Conscience
By Steve Mays1.1K33:10ConscienceMAT 6:33JHN 8:9ACT 24:161TI 1:51TI 4:121TI 6:11In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the function of the conscience and its role in guiding our choices. He explains that the conscience can commend, condemn, or convict us based on our actions. It serves as a red flag, warning us when we are about to make wrong choices. However, ultimately, it is up to us to stay within the parameters set by our conscience. Pastor Mays emphasizes the importance of allowing God's word to guide our lives and living our Christianity for the sake of Jesus Christ.
How God Saved the Godly
By Chuck Smith93625:05GodlyGEN 6:1MAT 6:33GAL 5:16EPH 4:271TI 6:112TI 2:22JAS 1:27In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the challenges that teenagers face in a fallen world. He encourages them to stand up for Jesus Christ and abstain from the immorality of our culture. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of keeping one's mind and heart pure and walking in close fellowship with God. He also mentions a book he has written specifically for kids called "The Story of Noah" and highlights the significance of the flood in biblical history.
The Leader as an Example
By Peter Maiden63036:33LeadershipPHP 1:12PHP 2:2PHP 3:10PHP 4:71TI 6:112TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leading by example and living a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. He shares a personal anecdote about a young man who became an adamant Calvinist after attending Bible college. The speaker highlights the significance of being observed by others and encourages leaders to imitate the Apostle Paul, who boldly proclaimed, "imitate me as I am an imitator of Jesus Christ." He concludes by urging listeners to prioritize setting an example in purity, life, and doctrine, and to strive to be leaders who are thoroughly equipped for every good work.
How Purity Affects the Pathway of the Spirit
By Brian Guerin947:03PurityThe Holy SpiritDEU 8:18PSA 45:7PSA 119:11JER 1:11JOL 2:28MAT 7:221TI 5:221TI 6:11HEB 10:14JAS 1:27Brian Guerin emphasizes the critical role of purity in experiencing a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. He shares personal anecdotes from his early evangelism days and highlights the importance of living a life free from sin to unlock spiritual gifts and blessings. Guerin encourages the congregation to pursue righteousness and maintain a close relationship with God, as purity is essential for the Holy Spirit to flow freely in their lives. He also discusses the significance of prophetic dreams and visions, urging believers to be open to God's voice and guidance. Ultimately, he calls for a collective commitment to purity as a pathway to greater spiritual empowerment.
God Needs Men
By Zac Poonen0PSA 25:14PRO 8:131CO 10:31PHP 2:31TI 6:11HEB 12:11PE 1:15Zac Poonen preaches about the qualities of men that God needs today, emphasizing the importance of daily communion with God, a deep reverence for Him, a hatred for sin, and a commitment to living a holy and righteous life. He calls for men who are rooted in love, humility, and obedience to God's word, who are diligent and hard-working yet know how to enjoy God's gifts, and who have been refined through trials and afflictions. Poonen challenges men to be fearless witnesses for Christ, to prioritize God's glory above all else, and to be uncompromising in their faith and obedience.
First Epistle to Timothy
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein01TI 1:31TI 3:141TI 4:11TI 6:61TI 6:111TI 6:171TI 6:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the pastoral Epistles addressed to Timothy and Titus, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sound doctrine, godly conduct, and faithfulness in ministry. The early Church fathers affirmed the authenticity of these epistles, while heretics and critics rejected them. The personal history of Timothy reveals his conversion by Paul, his faithful service, and his role in various churches. The dating of 1 Timothy indicates Paul's release from imprisonment and subsequent travels. The purpose of the Epistle is to provide practical instructions for maintaining order, purity, and faithfulness in the church as the house of God, combating false teachings and preparing for the last days.
An "Unpopular" Promise Regarding Persecution
By Bob Hoekstra0MAT 5:6MAT 5:10JHN 15:201TI 6:112TI 3:12Bob Hoekstra preaches about the promise of persecution for those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that this guarantee is often unpopular in a church culture that values comfort and popularity. The promise of persecution is given to those who seek to live a life of godliness, as it is the will of the Lord for His people, and it is accompanied by the promise of blessings for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus Himself warned that those who desire to follow Him will face persecution, as He did, and this promise is all-encompassing with no exceptions.
Journal - March 9 to August 30 1736
By Charles Wesley0The Call to MinistryFaith in Adversity1TI 6:11In his journal from March 9 to August 30, 1736, Charles Wesley recounts his arrival on St. Simon's Island and the immediate revival of his spirit as he begins his ministry. He reflects on the challenges he faces, including opposition from parishioners and the harsh treatment from Mr. Oglethorpe, while emphasizing the importance of prayer and reliance on God amidst trials. Wesley's experiences highlight the transformative power of God's calling, the necessity of perseverance in faith, and the need for grace in communication with others. Throughout his struggles, he finds strength in scripture and the support of fellow believers, ultimately reaffirming his commitment to his ministry despite adversity.
An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General Conference of 1792
By Nathan Bangs0PRO 16:31CO 1:101CO 14:331CO 14:40EPH 4:31TI 4:161TI 6:112TI 4:21PE 3:81PE 5:2Nathan Bangs preaches about the early struggles and triumphs of Methodism in America, highlighting the dedication of Bishop Asbury in traveling extensively to preach and extend the work of God, facing hardships and dangers along the way. As Methodism spread to newly settled territories like Tennessee, the preachers encountered challenges, including threats from Indians and harsh living conditions. The General Conference of 1792 was convened in Baltimore to address the need for unity and central authority in the Methodist Church, leading to the establishment of rules and regulations to govern the conduct of bishops, preachers, and members. The conference also witnessed the secession of James O'Kelly, who formed a separate party known as the 'Republican Methodists,' causing division and confusion but ultimately fading into obscurity.
If We Would, We May
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 2:131CO 6:181TI 6:11HEB 11:34JAS 4:7REV 16:20REV 20:11The preacher delves into the meaning of 'flee' (pheugo) in the Bible, emphasizing its significance in seeking safety, escaping danger, avoiding evil, and shunning immorality. The sermon highlights the promise that when believers submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee, stressing the importance of continuous submission and resistance in spiritual battles. Various Bible verses are explored to illustrate instances of fleeing in the Bible, from escaping physical threats to shunning sin and idolatry.
Follow After Righteousness
By Erlo Stegen0Pursuing RighteousnessFleeing TemptationMAT 5:8ROM 12:2GAL 5:16PHP 4:81TI 6:112TI 2:222TI 3:5HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 1:15Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, as outlined in 2 Timothy 2:22. He shares the story of a young couple who prioritized God's blessing above all else, enduring hardships but receiving immense blessings in return. Stegen warns that those who do not heed the call to flee from youthful lusts, which include not just sexual sins but also pride and haughtiness, may be considered 'church heathen.' He encourages believers to surround themselves with those who share a pure heart and a commitment to following Jesus wholeheartedly. The sermon serves as a call to repentance for those who appear godly but deny the power of true faith.
Biblical Purity
By Erlo Stegen0Biblical PurityHolinessJOB 31:1ISA 35:8MAT 1:182CO 11:11TI 6:11REV 19:7Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of biblical purity, arguing that true purity extends beyond mere physical boundaries to encompass emotional and relational integrity before marriage. He highlights the need for Christians to uphold God's high standards of purity, warning against the dangers of lowering these standards to avoid losing children or to fit in with societal norms. Stegen draws parallels between the purity expected of believers and the relationship between Christ and His church, urging Christians to prepare themselves as a pure bride for Christ. He cautions against the influences of media and culture that can defile one's purity and stresses the necessity of fleeing from lust and temptation. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and faithfulness to God, reminding believers that they cannot serve both God and worldly desires.
A Simple Remedy
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 5:391CO 6:18EPH 6:11EPH 6:131TI 6:112TI 2:22HEB 2:14JAS 4:71PE 5:91JN 4:4The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Resist' (anthistemi) in the Bible, emphasizing the call to stand firm against evil, opposition, and the devil. Believers are urged to actively oppose pressure, withstand attacks, and take a defensive stance against the enemy's schemes. Through various verses, the urgency and importance of resisting effectively are highlighted, with a focus on submitting to God, resisting the devil, and standing firm in faith. The sermon underscores the need for believers to rely on God's strength, put on the full armor of God, and combat spiritual battles with faith, prayer, and obedience to His Word.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But thou, O man of God - Thou, who hast taken God for thy portion, and art seeking a city that hath foundations, whose builder is the living God, flee these things. Escape for thy life. Even thou art not out of the reach of the love of money. How many of the ministers of religion have been ruined by this! And how much has religion itself suffered by their love of money! Follow after righteousness - Justice and uprightness in all thy dealings with men. Godliness - a thorough conformity to the image of God and mind of Christ. Faith in Jesus, and in all that he has spoken; and fidelity to the talents thou hast received, and the office with which thou art intrusted. Love - To God and all mankind. Patience in all trials and afflictions. Meekness - Bearing up with an even mind under all adversities and contradictions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But thou--in contrast to the "some" (Ti1 6:10). man of God--who hast God as thy true riches (Gen 15:1; Psa 16:5; Lam 3:24). Applying primarily to Timothy as a minister (compare Pe2 1:21), just as the term was used of Moses (Deu 33:1), Samuel (Sa1 9:6), Elijah, and Elisha; but, as the exhortation is as to duties incumbent also on all Christians, the term applies secondarily to him (so Ti2 3:17) as a Christian man born of God (Jam 1:18; Jo1 5:1), no longer a man of the world raised above earthly things; therefore, God's property, not his own, bought with a price, and so having parted with all right in himself: Christ's work is to be his great work: he is to be Christ's living representative. flee these things--namely, "the love of money" with its evil results (Ti1 6:9-10). follow after righteousness-- (Ti2 2:22). godliness--"piety." Righteousness is more in relation to our fellow man; piety ("godliness") to God"; faith is the root of both (see on Tit 2:12). love--by which "faith worketh." patience--enduring perseverance amidst trials. meekness--The oldest manuscripts read, "meek-spiritedness," namely, towards the opponents of the Gospel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thou, O man of God,.... Not only by creation, as every man is; nor merely by special grace, as everyone is, that is chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit; but by his peculiar office, as an evangelist and minister of the word, being qualified for, and devoted to, and employed in the service of God. The phrase is taken out of the Old Testament, where the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, are so called, Kg2 1:9, flee these things; the Arabic version reads "these abominations"; namely, all questions and strifes of words, from whence so many evils follow, Ti1 6:4 and all worldly gain, selfish interest, and mercenary views in religion; a wicked resolution to be rich, at any rate, and an immoderate love of the things of the world, and an eager pursuit after them, which expose to great danger, and even utter ruin; things very unbecoming any professor of religion, but much more a minister of the Gospel. And follow after righteousness; not for justification before God, that he had followed after, and attained unto, which is the righteousness of Christ, and not of the law; but for the honour of religion before men; and intends the doing of justice between man and man, giving everyone their own, which in undue affection for the world sometimes leads men from: godliness; spiritual religion, holiness of heart, and conversation, which has the promise of this life, as well as of the other, and with contentment is great gain; wherefore to pursue this is much better than greedily to run after the riches of this world, or with the false teachers to suppose that godliness lies in worldly gain, or in securing to a man his worldly interest: faith; the grace of faith, which looks not to things seen, which are temporal, but to things not seen, which are eternal; and leads off the mind from sublunary enjoyments to God, and Christ, and the glories of another world; and is the leading grace to all others, and the foundation of good works, without which there is no pleasing in acts of moral righteousness, or in any acts of religious worship, which may be called godliness: love; to God, which is inconsistent with serving mammon, or with an immoderate love of money; and to Christ, which will put a man on seeking, not his own things, but the things of Christ; and to the saints, which will direct him to serve them by acts of beneficence and liberality: patience; in bearing reproaches and indignities; in suffering injuries, loss of goods, imprisonment, and every sort of persecution, for the sake of the Gospel; which a covetous disposition will not admit of: last of all, meekness; or humility, not seeking great things, but being content with a lower station of life; for generally it is pride that puts men upon a determination to be rich at any rate: it may also design meekness in instructing the ignorant, in refuting error, and in reproving offenders.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:11-16 Before ending the discussion of wealth, Paul exhorts Timothy to live beyond reproach, commanding him to flee from desire for wealth.