1 Timothy 6:17-21 (NKJV) 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.
Guard the Faith
20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
V17 “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.” Another financial, practical law of the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Having great financial riches is not a sin, but a Christian should be careful. Why does God allow some Christians to have so much? So, they can help supply the needs of the believers and ministry–only as God leads!!!! Those with great riches are to be reminded to not be arrogant. Why? The tendency is to believe, like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:31-33), that financial success is because of that person’s great abilities. There is also the danger of trust in one’s own abilities and their riches to get them out of any trouble. The temptation is, “I don’t need God to help me.” Yet, that is the very time, the rich must trust in God for any and all help. All must yield and humble themselves to acknowledge and live in humility. Note, our God, Yahweh, is the living God. He is life itself (John 14:6). God gives and so should we, if we are able. What He has given, we are to enjoy. Jesus, who had everything in heaven, gave it up, temporarily, to come for us as THE one and only Savior.
Pulpit commentary: Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; for enjoyment. The gifts are God’s. Trust, therefore, in the Giver, not in the gift. The gift is uncertain; the Giver liveth forever.
Being rich and using money and resources is an opportunity to witness the great change of heart that the Holy Spirit does in salvation.
Remember Zacchaeus’ response: Luke 19:8-10 NKJV – “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Money cannot buy peace of mind; freedom from worry; health, real, genuine friends; a loving home; and most importantly salvation.
Acts 20:35 NKJV – “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
V18 “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share…” These are some practical applications for all Christians and especially those who are financially well off. Good works are better than good financial investments. Compare Matthew 6:33 , Luke 16:11, Luke 12:34, and Hebrews 11:26.
V19 “…storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” This refers to eternal riches, spiritual riches, riches that rust nor moth can corrupt (Matthew 6:19-20). Laying hold on eternal life refers here to the things we DO in this life for the glory of God. The things we DO are a confirmation of salvation (James 2:14-26).
V20 “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge…” A final warning for the Apostle Paul to Timothy and indeed to all believers. Guard! The Greek word for “guard” is (G5442) φυλάσσω phulássō φυλάττω phuláttō, which means to watch carefully. It is used by the rich, young ruler (Mark 10:20 (observed/kept) who “kept” God’s commandments. It used of the shepherds watching the sheep (Luke 2:8), obedience (Luke 11:28), to guard against covetousness (Luke 12:15), of Jesus keeping his sheep (believers–John 17:12), of soldiers watching over (guarding) Peter (Acts 12:4), and here as watching, protecting, be alert for any dangers, and for obedience to God’s Scriptures. The “science/knowledge” refers to philosophy, study, anything that seems right to our fleshly mind. Scripture is the only source of 100% truth. Our minds are subject to error and deception.
V21 “…by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.” Some believers have fallen to what seems good to the mind and have stayed as a consequence. We must be steadfast to the faith of Jesus Christ.