Bible reading (ESV)
1 Timothy 6:6–19
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
14 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
15 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
16 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
17 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
18 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Observation questions (read the passage first)
- What specific things does Paul tell “the man of God” to flee and to pursue? How would you summarize that pair of commands in one short sentence? [15:06]
- Which phrases in vv.9–10 describe the dangers of chasing wealth, and what images does Paul use to show how that pursuit ends? [11:19]
- In vv.12–13 Paul links “the good confession” with endurance and keeping the commandment “unstained.” What does Paul mean by “good confession,” and where does he point as the model of that confession? [29:40]
- What concrete actions does Paul associate with those who trust God instead of money (vv.17–18)? How visible are those actions to a watching neighborhood? [18:44]
Interpretation questions (third-person, specific)
- Why does Paul pair the call to “flee” with a list of virtues to “pursue” (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness)? What does this pairing suggest about the role of habit and community in resisting temptation? [15:06]
- Paul warns that “the love of money” causes people to wander from the faith (v.10). How should a modern Christian interpret “love of money” practically—what patterns of thinking or behavior qualify? [11:19]
- Paul charges Timothy to “keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach” until Christ’s appearing, appealing to Christ’s confession before Pilate. How should the church understand public confession and visible loyalty in light of that example? [29:40]
- Paul tells wealthy Christians to be “rich in good works” and “ready to share” (vv.17–18). What theological purpose do those acts serve beyond meeting needs—i.e., how do they function as public testimony? [18:44]
Application questions (very practical, personal)
- Where is your energy spent this week—security, reputation, money, belonging, or something else? Name one area and a concrete, measurable step you will take this week to reorient that energy toward pursuing a kingdom virtue (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, or gentleness). [24:45]
- Paul says to “flee” the love of money. Identify one specific financial habit (impulse purchase, investment choice, secret savings, lifestyle expense) that may be holding your hope. What one practical change will you make this month to loosen money’s grip (e.g., a giving goal, a budget line to reduce, a purchase delay)? [18:44]
- Who would notice if you began to live more openly for Jesus—your neighbor, coworker, friend group, or family? Give one real example from your week where you can speak or act so that others hear or see the claim “Jesus is Lord.” Commit to doing that once this week. [04:54]
- Paul links trust in God with generous action. What is one “costly” act of generosity you can do in the next 30 days that would visibly show trust (time, money, a free meal, an open home, service to someone unpopular)? Be specific about who, when, and how. [41:44]
- The sermon warned against “secret knowledge” and private spirituality that doesn’t change behavior. Is there any private belief or spiritual hobby you’re holding onto that has not produced visible change in your life? If so, name it and choose one small visible habit to start that would demonstrate gospel fruit. [43:00]
- The pastor challenged us to be “first to arrive and last to leave” when love is costly. Identify one local need or ministry in our city or church where you can show up early or stay late this month. What practical steps will you take to make that happen (emails, schedule changes, invite a friend)? [46:31]
- Paul calls believers to keep the confession unstained under pressure. Think of a relationship or context where speaking for Jesus would be costly for you. What would it look like to make a short, courageous confession this week (a sentence you could say), and who will you tell afterward to keep you accountable? [29:40]
Notes for group leaders
- Begin by reading 1 Timothy 6:6–19 aloud.
- Use the Observation questions to make sure everyone hears what the text says. Move next to Interpretation to wrestle with “why” and “how.” Finish with Application and encourage concrete commitments and accountability pairs.
- Encourage specific follow-ups next week: who tried the generosity act, who made the confession, who changed a money habit.
