1 Timothy 6:17-19
A Charge to Rich Believers
Though Paul had brought the teaching about money out to an application for Timothy (1 Tim 6:11-16), he again zeros in on the rich, giving them one final “charge” about how they are to live for Christ.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17
“Charge” in this verse isn’t a calm recommendation. It’s an impassioned command. Paul wanted them to be urgently warned of these things. This was a commandment of warning. The “gain is godliness” teaching would lay waste to these believers if they didn’t heed these words of warning and instruction.
Trust in God, Not in Money
Money has false security about it. It’s nice to look at your bank accounts and investment portfolios and see large numbers. It’s easy to think that those numbers will insulate you from hardship. But they can’t, and they won’t.
Those that have money will be tempted to think it will save them, just as the healthy may think they are protected by their health from hardship. They may become “high-minded” (arrogant) in the substance they enjoy and put their trust in their riches.
We too often get pulled away from our trust in God. We can hold money, gather things, talk with people face to face, and yet none of them are as trustworthy as our God. Even in the things we claim we see His goodness and not our own.
Do Good Works
Verse 18 paints a picture of the happiest rich person.
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1 Timothy 6:18
They do good. Riches are often associated with those that use them selfishly or hoard them obsessively. Paul doesn’t want that for these believers.
They are unselfish with their actions. Here’s a new kind of wealth to build, good works. Our money won’t last, but the good works we do for the glory of our Savior will last. This is a different way to look at life: “Who’s glory will I seek?” The resounding answer should be “Jesus’ glory!”
They are unselfish with their substance. Paul used two phrases here: “ready to distribute” and “willing to communicate.” By these statements, he means to be a person who gives and lives a giving lifestyle. Being a giving person doesn’t mean that you have to walk around all the time handing out $20 bills. You can, and should, be giving with your money. But you should also share the time God has given you, the food on your table, and the hope of eternal life.
The only way for our money to not control us is to put it into the service of God. Jesus said; “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Our good works and loving deeds and gifts that are given to others will outlast us, that is why eternity must still be our focus.
Look to Eternity
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:19
Scripture is clear that life on this earth is about more than life on this earth. (Matthew 6:20, Matthew 19:21) We look with anticipation to an eternity away from sin and in perfect fellowship with The Heavenly Father.
We won’t need money in heaven and yet how we use the physical things of this earth can be laid “up in store… against the time to come”.
As we use the things and money God has entrusted to our care for His glory, we will see more clearly the value of eternity and lay up treasure in preparation for eternity.
Your Turn
Are you rich in this world?
Many of us are more wealthy than we realize. God blesses us with many things that we take for granted, or even selfishly use for our own pleasure instead of His glory.
Begin with Trust.
Keep your focus on God. Whether your bank account has $5 or 5 Million in it, you can’t trust it. And you shouldn’t discount God’s faithfulness if He doesn’t provide the way you want Him to provide.
He is trustworthy, trust in Him.
Get to work.
As we trust in God, the next logical step is to do what He says. So pray, be in church, witness to your coworkers and friends. Serve God.
Use whatever you have for God’s glory.
What ever you have, in large quantity or small, lay it daily at the Savior’s feet. Beg Him to use it and You for His glory.
