Material Things of Life

What we have just been considering in 1 Tim. 1 as to the pathway has been connected more with the doctrine and the manner of behavior which should accompany it. In chapter 6, however, we have exhortations that are more connected with the material things of life. In verse 5 we have men spoken of as "destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." This line of things, supposing that gain is godliness, is the opposite of that which the Lord used when tempted of Satan in Matt. 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
In connection with the material side of things, it does not mention shipwreck, but does mention that which accompanies shipwreck. In verse 9 it says, "Which drown men in destruction and perdition." Then it refers to the love of money, "which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith [or, wandered from the faith], and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The man of faith, here called the man of God, is exhorted to flee these things. There is danger connected with them. The warning used is as though some great catastrophe is about to take place ahead and he is told to flee; he is to lose no time in getting away. He is to fight the good fight of faith, or to strive earnestly in it. It is a good fight. That is, it is worthy of all the energy that can be brought to bear upon it.