In the first part of this chapter Paul goes back to how to correct false teachers and speaks of their evil motivations. This may be a key to thwarting their plans.
He also goes back to godliness. Some consider godliness a way to make money. These teachers claim to have some special key to godliness. Paul has taken great pains to say no, you get godliness by pursuing it. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith love, steadfastness, and gentleness (11).
Paul affirms that godliness does bring great gain if it is joined by contentment (6). This is like a proverb. And I notice there are quite a few proverbial statements in 1 Timothy. What a wonderful statement to ponder! Godliness brings great gain when one is content. Paul has contrasted this with people who are avaricious after money. Godliness brings a gain that we can take with us eternally after death. We certainly cannot take our possessions with us.
But this last half of the chapter speaks to Timothy personally and if we would to us personally. Paul uses stronger verbs: flee (11), pursue (11), fight (12), and take hold (12).
Then Paul ends with a passage praising God and Christ Jesus, a doxology. Paul cannot help himself. I hope you too find many things in this world to praise God for. He is worthy.
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