I Timothy 5:17-6:21   Paul gives Timothy, as a minister of the Gospel, instructions for the management of the church.  The underlining theme is to keep or guard the truth, the principles that are scriptural and eternal, " conforming to godliness".  

The "good fight of faith"  is challenged by the doctrines of this world, " a different doctrine", Paul calls it.   Those doctrines are "worldly and empty chatter" and are " falsely called knowledge".  They come from the conceited ones, who have a "morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive languish and evil suspicions ".  They have a desire to get rich and resort to evil.

Paul tells Timothy how to keep on the right path, as a man and as a leader in the church. We can all benefit from this advice;

We need to honor those who deserve honor and rebuke those who "continue in sin".  The principle here is to be without bias or partiality.  ( 5:21)  We need to have spiritual discernment.  For sometimes a person's sinful lifestyle is easily seen, but sometimes we only see it later ( v24).

We need to have respect for others, living in a way that God's Name is not dishonored by our behavior.  ( 6:1-2)

We need to learn contentment. (v6-10)

We need to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance , and gentleness". (v11)

We need to "take hold of the eternal life to which" we are called. (v12) Our lives should reflect the confession that we have made, "without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." (v14)

We need to "fix (our) hope... on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." ( v17)

We need to "do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for 
( ourselves) the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that (we) may take hold of that which is life indeed" ( v19)

Father in heaven, You are the blessed One , the only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  You alone possess immortality and dwell in unapproachable light.  No man has seen or can see You.   To You all honor is due.  This is our confession of faith.  You are the Good Shepherd and we are Your sheep, and we seek Your constant care, Lord Jesus.  Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake.  Make our feet to stay on Your path, in love and holiness, in perseverance and gentleness.  We do fix our hope on You alone. Let our hearts be filled with Your Word, Your Spirit,  and Your love so that we may live without stain or reproach until the day of Christ's return. For we ask it in His Wonderful Name, amen.