After Paul’s spontaneous break for a doxology in last week’s passage, he returns to the topic of verse 9, worldly wealth.
Take a look at this week’s passage in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
Some scholars believe that this passage doesn’t belong here. Either it should have come earlier in the letter and has been misplaced, or it has been added after the fact. More likely, after breaking into a bit of spontaneous worship, Paul returns to his point, and provides some insight for those who already have worldly wealth.
His instruction here carries the force of a command, and in fact, he conveys the authority to Timothy to make this a command to those who have wealth. Who is he speaking to? The implications are far-reaching, especially to America, who holds a significant portion of the world’s wealth. So we must take heed of these instructions.
In this section of Scripture, Paul gives some very specific instructions. he gives us two things to avoid, four things to do, and two things to gain.
Two Things To Avoid
Avoid the temptation to be arrogant. Those who hold many material possessions and wealth face the temptation to think that they are worth more than those around them. This is a very subtle trap, leading the wealthy to believe that since they have more, somehow they deserve more. Paul states that the wealthy are to avoid this concept.
Avoid the temptation to put hope in wealth. The riches of this world are fleeting. They do not last. Paul instructs the wealthy to not fall into the trap of resting their hope on this temporary wealth, because it is so uncertain. This has been very obvious in recent years with the economic downturn and recession. Worldly wealth can disappear very quickly. There are more lasting riches for us to lay our hope upon.
Four Things To Do
Put your hope in God. He is dependable. Paul goes on to say that he “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Do not mistake this for self-indulgence. Paul is not stating that the wealthy can simply do anything that they want. Rather, everything we have is a gift, coming straight from God’s generosity.
Do good. If God blesses with wealth, he expects it to be used properly. Doing good is what he has in mind. He wants us to use the blessing we have received to be a blessing to others.
Be rich in good deeds. This is synonymous with the previous phrase. However, here Paul uses a play on words using the word “rich” tying this thought in definitely to those who have wealth. His point in both of these admonitions is that true riches are to be found in giving, not simply having.
Be generous and willing to share. Yet again, Paul stresses the point that the wealthy have been blessed to that they can share that with those less fortunate or more needy. It’s been said that the US holds most of the world’s wealth. If American Christians were to use this wealth according to this passage, then world missions could advance exponentially. Most certainly, local benevolence ministries would benefit greatly.
Two Things To Gain
They will lay up treasure for themselves. This phrase sounds strikingly similar to the words of Jesus in Luke 12:32-33, Luke 18:22, Matthew 19:23-24, and especially Matthew 6:19-21. Even though material wealth can be uncertain, it can be used to do many generous things for the kingdom. This has the added effect of helping build up “a firm foundation for the coming age,” or storing up “treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
They may take hold of the life that is truly life. This final phrase clarifies the true nature of wealth. True wealth is not found in the things of this world, but in Christ himself. True wealth is eternal life. Once again, Paul echoes the sayings of Jesus in this (Luke 12:15 and 21).
Although this passage is almost at the end of the letter, it packs a lot of material and teaching into just a few phrases. And regardless of our own individual socio-economic status, we would be wise to take to heart these instructions ourselves. We have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
How do you view worldly wealth? Do your views line up with Paul’s teaching in this passage? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.