FDYM Reading Plan- 1 Timothy 6:17-19, post by Sarah Wolf

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Instructions to the rich”

17) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18) [Let them] do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19) storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

            Paul is telling the people not to boast and be proud of their riches, but to trust in God who gives us everything that we need.  He is saying that we must be rich in good works, and in good works he means helping to build up the church and helping others.  Instead of making a foundation for yourself here on Earth, make if for God and everything that will last forever; in order to further his kingdom.

            In verses 2-10 of this chapter, which says, "2) And those who have believing masters, let them not despise [them] because they are brethren, but rather serve [them] because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3) If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4) he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5) useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a [means of] gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7) For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out." Paul is setting us up for these verses, "8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10) For the love of money is a root of all [kinds of] evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. He is correcting the wrong view of wealth that can be seen in false teachings.  He is telling us that the riches are only for this present day and for nothing more.  He tells us this in verses 15-16. 15) which He will manifest in His own time, [He who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16) who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom [be] honor and everlasting power. Amen. He is saying that we need to seek greater reward in heaven then here on Earth.

-Sarah Wolf