Chapter 6

1 Timothy 6:5 - It is certain here that the first word (in the Greek) belongs to the list of previous sins, "violent contention," because it is in the same form (person, number, and gender) as those descriptors in vs. 4. The words following do not modify this word at all, because they are not in the same form. However, the NASB seems to group these words together rendering it as, "constant friction between men of depraved mind..." I would not render this together, but rather separately: "and violent contention, which are destroying (lit.) the minds of men and depriving them (GK uses same form as "destroying, which links two verbs together) of the truth."
The last part of the sentence illustrates the truth of the downward spiral. A person who practices such things listed in vs. 4-5 can only expect to go further downward as Paul points out that they will be deprived of the truth. Without light on their path, they are certain to go to ruin.

1 Timothy 6:6 - Notice how in vs. 5 people supposed wrongly that godliness was a means of gain (material). But in vs. 6, Paul says "No. Godliness is means for great gain." Some might say, "I don't understand. How can godliness be of greater gain than material gain?" In short, we place a higher value on material gain than spiritual gain. Our hearts are always wanting more things and are never satisfied. Paul says that if we will live a godly life and be content with what we have, we'll gain things that can never be lost. The novelty of new purchases inevitably wears off, and we are left wanting more. What we stand to gain through obedience to Christ and contentment can never be taken away. What is of greater value to you? The material or the spiritual? "I can't eat spiritual things" one might say. Do you think the Lord will let you starve? I'm afraid you do not know the Lord well enough then. When you see that the Lord will meet all your needs, then you have no problem resting in Him and pursuing the eternal rather than the temporal (material).

1 Timothy 6:10 - Even just the longing for money - not to mention the pursuit of it - can cause a person to walk away from the faith. Do you think verse 6 might be an important key now?

1 Timothy 6:17 - "To the ones who are rich in this present age..." The way Paul phrases this highlights the fact that you can be rich in this present age but not in the next. This is coming from a man who had nothing to his name but a coat and some parchments, but was rich in heaven. The contrast is striking.

1 Timothy 6:18 - Paul uses the word for "rich" 3 times in these two verses to make a point. The first time he uses the word is to identify those who are wealthy "The ones who are rich..." The second time it is to describe how the Lord gives to people "richly". With the stroke of this pen, Paul says to the wealthy: (1) God gave you what you have, (2) God gives generously. Then in the next verse, Paul tells them, using the word for "rich" the third time, to be rich in good works. Being rich doesn't mean your work is over. No, it has just begun. Now you must be faithful stewards of what you have. "He who has been given much, more will be required." Then Paul plainly says, "be generous."
When Paul says this to the rich, he is not like many greedy pastors today who are looking to raise their own salaries or build their kingdoms. He has given up all things already. He is simply calling on those who are capable to do the same as he, and in the process supply resources to expand the work of God. Only the most stubborn of wealthy people would not heed this admonition from one so pure in heart.

1 Timothy 6:19 - Instead of storing up money, Paul says store up "treasure of a good foundation for the future" (NASB), which is not in this age but the age to come. What is the purpose? To receive eternal life. That sounds pretty important to be generous. Well, James thought so too. He didn't think a person could really be a Christian if he or she did not give to help other people's needs (James 2:14-18).