Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21; Matthew 19:23-26
Intro: Welcome. Continuing last week's "money talk"—which is really a heart talk—we move from contentment to generosity. Recap: True contentment is found in God, not circumstances; money is limited and its love is dangerous. Today we explore 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul's specific commands for "those who are rich in this present world"—a group that, globally speaking, likely includes most of us.
Key Points:
- You ARE the Rich (v. 17a): Globally, even modest Western incomes place us among the world's wealthiest. We mustn't dismiss passages addressing the rich; they apply to us, even if we don't feel rich (often due to lack of margin, not lack of money).
- It's Hard for the Rich (Matt 19:23): Scripture warns wealth makes kingdom-living harder. It tempts us away from dependence on God and fosters pride. God warns us about wealth because He loves us and wants true life for us.
- God Isn't a Killjoy (v. 17b): Paul commands hope in God, "who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." God isn't anti-enjoyment; He's the generous source! Hope in the reliable Creator, not uncertain created things (riches).
- Be Rich... in Good Deeds (v. 18a): The primary command isn't "be poor," but "do good, to be rich in good deeds." Generosity is the antidote to the arrogance and misplaced hope wealth can bring. We serve God with money.
- Live for the Next Life (v. 19a): Paul contrasts "this present age" with "the coming age." Generosity stores "treasure... as a firm foundation for the future." An eternal perspective fuels present generosity; we relocate resources by sending them ahead via kingdom investment.
- Eternal Rewards Are Valid Motivation (v. 19): Jesus Himself spoke of heavenly treasures and rewards. Seeking these by faith through generosity and good works isn't anti-grace; it aligns with God's design.
- Seize True Life (v. 19b): The goal is "to take hold of the life that is truly life." This isn't found in accumulating possessions ("more stuff equals more happiness" is bad math), but through knowing Christ and using resources for His eternal purposes via generosity and good works.
Conclusion: As people entrusted with resources in this present age, we must heed God's warnings against pride and false hope in wealth. Instead, He commands us to place our hope firmly in Him, the generous Provider, and to be rich in good deeds and generosity. This eternal perspective allows us to steward wealth rightly and lay hold of true, abundant life in Christ.
Call to Action: Where is your hope truly placed? How can you intentionally be "rich in good deeds" this week? Practice generosity not as an obligation, but as a way to relocate treasure, express trust in God, and take hold of the life that is truly life.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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