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Instructing the Rich - 1Tim 6:17
Instructing the Rich - 1Tim 6:17
As we come to the end of 1 Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy on how to preach concerning riches. From the beginning there have been those who have become ‘rich’ in worldly things and those who are poor. The having or not having of such worldly resources has always posed problems for men. How do we use them? How do we get along with each other? Paul here gives some instructions on dealing with such.
Jesus said that it is with much difficulty that the rich can enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23). Paul now adds that those who DESIRE to be rich also will find it difficult to follow Jesus as it poses its own temptations and snares that often lead to ruin and destruction rather than unto godliness.
Knowing when one is ‘rich’ is its own problem (see the church in Laodicea, Rev. 3:14-18). Most of us don’t think we are desiring to be ‘rich’, we just want ‘a little more’. The problem is that upon getting a ‘little more’, we then want just a little more! Thus, the love of money begins to grow in our hearts.
The Solution is NOT poverty. While Jesus warned about riches and instructed the Rich young ruler to sell all, give it to the poor, and come follow Him, such is NOT to be the universal demand. Among God’s people there were SOME who were rich. Yet, while it is possible, being rich certainly makes being Godly difficult!
Rather than poverty, the solution is learning to be content (1Tim. 7-9; see also Phil. 4: 11-13). Such contentment is seen not so much in a lack of desire for ‘things’, but a willingness to serve the LORD no matter what is going on in our lives. Are you poor in worldly goods? Serve the LORD. Are you rich? Serve the LORD. Are you persecuted? Serve the LORD.
Another measure of contentment is the godly use of our possessions: contentment can be judged by our willingness to share. Hence Paul instructions on sharing in vs. 18. Yet sharing that is beneficial is often plagues with its own difficulties! How to we give without ‘enabling’ bad or sinful habits? How do we make such judgments without allowing ourselves to become stingy and covetous? Each of us will have to look deep into our hearts and make difficult judgments concerning our very desires and motives.
Above all, we must cultivate the desire to be godly (vs. 17). Loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength is to be the goal of life. One can do this while being poor or rich. Each situation poses its own unique problems! Set your heart on that which is eternal. Set your heart on that which is above.
Where IS your heart?
Hugh DeLong
