Day 346: False Teachings and True Riches

True Riches and a Godly Life (1 Timothy 6:3–21)

What does it really mean to live a successful life? Is it about having more money, fame, or power? In the final part of his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul gives clear advice about what truly matters—and it’s not what the world usually values.

Let’s take a closer look at 1 Timothy 6:3–21 to see how we can live with purpose, contentment, and faith.

Watch Out for False Teachers

Paul begins with a strong warning: not everyone who teaches about God is teaching the truth. Some people twist the message of Jesus for their own benefit—often using religion to get rich or gain power.

Paul says that these people are full of pride, and their teachings cause arguments, jealousy, and division.

“They think that godliness is a way to become wealthy.” (v.5)

But Paul wants us to know that real faith is not about money or selfish gain.

Be Content with What You Have

One of the most powerful truths in this chapter is this:

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (v.6)

Paul reminds us that we brought nothing into the world, and we can’t take anything out of it. So if we have food and clothing, we should be thankful.

The problem isn’t money—it’s the love of money that leads people into temptation and can even cause them to turn away from their faith.

“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (v.10)

Money is a tool, not a god. When we chase it above everything else, we lose sight of what’s truly valuable.

Pursue a Godly Life

Paul gives Timothy (and us) a strong challenge:

“But you, man of God, flee from all this.” (v.11)

Instead of chasing wealth or selfish desires, Paul says to run after righteousness—things like:

  • Faith

  • Love

  • Gentleness

  • Godliness

He tells Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith” and hold on tightly to the eternal life God has promised. Paul reminds us that Jesus is the King of kings and the only one who lives in eternal light.

It’s a call to live a noble, focused, and faithful life.

Use Wealth Wisely

Paul also gives a message to those who do have money:

  • Don’t be proud

  • Don’t put your hope in riches—they can disappear

  • Instead, put your hope in God, who gives us everything to enjoy

Then he says something very practical:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (v.18)

When we use our money to help others, we’re investing in something that lasts forever—a firm foundation for eternal life.

Guard the Truth

Paul ends with a final charge:

“Guard what has been entrusted to your care.” (v.20)

He’s telling Timothy to protect the truth of the gospel and not get caught up in pointless arguments or fake knowledge that leads people away from the faith.

Final Thoughts

1 Timothy 6:3–21 gives us wise and powerful advice for living a life that pleases God:

  • Be careful who you listen to—not everyone teaches the truth

  • Be content—you don’t need more stuff to be fulfilled

  • Run after what matters—faith, love, and godliness

  • Use money wisely—be generous and helpful

  • Protect the truth—don’t get distracted by lies

In a world full of noise, Paul reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, live with purpose, and store up true riches in heaven.

Success isn’t about what you own—it’s about who you are becoming in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:3-21 (WEB)

6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 13 I command you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which at the right time he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16 He alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17 Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.