But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Timothy
The Book of 1 Timothy provides practical guidance for church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly living. Written by the apostle Paul to his trusted coworker Timothy, the letter addresses the challenges of shepherding a growing Christian community amid false teaching and cultural pressure.
Paul writes to Timothy as a spiritual father, offering both encouragement and instruction. Timothy has been left in Ephesus to oversee the church, confront doctrinal error, and establish healthy order. From the outset, Paul stresses the importance of guarding the gospel. Teaching that strays from truth—whether speculative, legalistic, or self-promoting—is shown to produce confusion rather than godliness.
A central concern of 1 Timothy is sound doctrine paired with godly character. Paul insists that right belief must lead to right living. Faith is not merely intellectual agreement; it shapes behavior, relationships, and leadership. Love, integrity, and a clear conscience are presented as marks of authentic Christian teaching.
The letter offers detailed instruction on church order. Paul outlines qualifications for overseers and deacons, emphasizing character over charisma. Leaders are called to be above reproach, self-controlled, faithful, and able to teach. The health of the church depends not on status or skill alone, but on spiritual maturity and example.
1 Timothy also addresses worship, prayer, and conduct within the community. Paul encourages prayer for all people, including those in authority, highlighting God’s desire for peace and the spread of the gospel. The church is described as the household of God—a place where truth is upheld and lived out.
Paul speaks frankly about wealth, warning against greed and false teachers who use religion for personal gain. True contentment, he explains, comes not from possessions but from trust in God. Believers are urged to pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
The letter concludes with a call to perseverance. Timothy is urged to guard what has been entrusted to him, avoid distractions, and remain faithful to his calling. The tone is both serious and hopeful—reminding readers that God’s work is sustained by faithfulness over time.
The Book of 1 Timothy remains essential for understanding how truth, leadership, and daily conduct work together in the life of the church. It calls believers to protect the gospel, lead with integrity, and live in a way that honors God in every sphere.
1 Timothy 5:9
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:13
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
1 Timothy 6:14
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Timothy 6:15
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1 Timothy 6:16
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy 6:18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1 Timothy 6:19
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
1 Timothy 6:21
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1 Timothy 6:4
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1 Timothy 6:5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.