1 Timothy 6:3-21
Hope in God and not in wealth
The apostle Paul begins this passage by warning against those who teach false doctrines – rejecting godly teaching and the ‘sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (v.3). These people have an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes (v.4).
These false teachers cause ‘constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain’ (v.5).
Paul’s words about wealth in this passage apply to everyone – especially to those of us who live in the West, where we are rich in comparison to so much of the world. Paul writes, ‘Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment’ (v.17).
Don’t be tempted to think that you would be more content if you had more money (provided that you have food and clothing, v.8). Be content with what you have materially: ‘… godliness with contentment is great gain’ (v.6).
Contentment is worth more than all the wealth you could possibly accumulate. People who want to get rich ‘fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction’ (v.9).
Paul is often misquoted as saying, ‘Money is the root of all evil.’ What he actually says is, ‘The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil’ (v.10a). Money can do a lot of good. But the love of money is extremely dangerous. ‘Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after’ (v.10, MSG).
Whether you are very wealthy or have scarcely any money, the danger is the same – to love money. The temptation is there, whether it is to love money you already have, or money you would dearly love to have.
Instead of loving and pursuing money, love and pursue: ‘a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy’ (v.11, MSG). He urges Timothy to ‘fight the good fight of the faith’ (v.12a). The ‘fight’ starts with our hearts and minds focused on Jesus (vv.13–14).
He does not command them to give all their money away, but not to put their hope in it. If you get your attitude towards money sorted out, it will help sort out almost every other area of your life. Paul gives five ways to sort out your attitude to money (vv.17–18):
Don’t be full of yourself
One of the dangers attached to wealth is arrogance: ‘Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves’ (v.17, MSG).
Don’t put your security in wealth
‘We enter the world penniless and we will leave it penniless’ (v.7, MSG). Wealth provides only a false security. ‘Quit… being so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow’ (v.17, MSG). The real measure of our wealth is how much we would be worth if we lost all our money.
Put God first
Put your hope in God, who richly provides you with everything for your enjoyment (v.17). There is nothing wrong with enjoying the good things of life. God provides all good things for our enjoyment. But recognise that it all comes from him and it all belongs to him.
Do all the good you can
Paul urges the wealthy to ‘do good’ and to ‘be rich in helping others’ (v.18, MSG). Don’t focus on how much money you can make, but how much good you can do. It is possible to be materially rich but spiritually poor. Equally it is possible to be materially poor but ‘rich in good deeds’ (v.18).
Share your resources
John Wesley said, ‘When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart.’ Generosity is the way to break the hold of money in our lives. ‘Be extravagantly generous’ (v.18, MSG).
Everything you own ultimately comes from God. Therefore, be willing to share it with others. Francis Bacon said, ‘Money is like manure. It’s not good unless it is spread around.’
Lord, help us not to put our hope in wealth but to be content and to put our hope in you. Help me to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.
