A Charge to the Rich

a.      1 Timothy 5:17 to 19, Paul instructs Timothy to give a charge to the rich Christians.
-          Paul brings Timothy’s attention back to godly living by undermining lavish living.


1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  (18)  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  (19)  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”


1)      The charge to the rich. “Charge them that are rich in this world…” vs 17
-          This charge is given to Christians who are already rich.
-          This communicates that being rich is not a sin, but the attitude and purpose for the riches is what matters.  
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          i.            “…that they be not highminded…” vs 17
-          The rich Christians are not to be lifted up in pride because of their riches.
-          If you are not careful, riches can get to your head. There is a great temptation to confuse riches for wisdom. Proverbs 28:11
-          To be high-minded impacts Christian character in a huge way. James 5:1-6, Leviticus 19:13, Jeremiah 22:13, James 2:6


        ii.            “…nor trust in uncertain riches…” vs 17
-       The rich Christians are not to put their trust in their money. There is a great temptation to be independent (Instead of God-dependent) when one is rich. Proverbs 30:7-9


-          Riches are “uncertain”. This means a person’s fortune could be taken away at any time.
-        This is one of the traps of being wealthy, it can give rich people a false sense of false security and power. When their money is taken away they then become weak. Proverbs 23:4-5, 27:24
 
      iii.            “…but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”  vs 17
-          The rich Christians are to put their trust in the “living God”. In other words, riches ought not to be their focus and priority.
-          They ought to trust in God who is the main giver. He is the one who provides us with all the things we need.
-          God is the one who blesses us richly (abundantly) with everything we have to enjoy. This includes the spiritual blessing that we have in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7.
-         We should trust in the one who blesses, and not in the blessings. Ture riches without heartache come from the Lord. Proverbs 10:22
-        It is a blessing that we can still enjoy the blessings of God in a sin-cursed world.
-       William McDonald “This latter statement does not condone luxurious living, but simply states that God is the Source of true enjoyment, and material things cannot produce this.”
 
2)      The command to do good works – “That they do good…” vs 18
-          Paul now gives specific instructions to the rich Christians in how they should use their riches.
 
          i.            Rich in doing good – “…that they be rich in good works…” vs 18
-          They are to be wealthy in seeking to do good works. Galatians 6:9-10 
-          John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
 
        ii.            Ready and willing – “…ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” vs 18
-          The rich Chirstian must be ready and willing to meet a genuine need when they hear or see one.
-          Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
-          This also indicates to us that they must be sensitive, alert, and eager to give to the needs of others.
-          2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
 
3)      Storing up treasure in heaven – “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation…” vs 19
-          Trusting the Lord, doing good works, investing in the work of God, and being a benevolent giver is laying a good foundation for eternity.
-          John Phillips “The rich person has a tremendous potential for doing good. Jesus told the rich young ruler, "Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven" (Luke 18:22). The more wealth we have, the greater is our responsibility to help others.”
 
          i.            Investing in eternity. “…against the time to come…” vs 19
-          Our obedience to the Lord and what we do with what we have will impact our eternal future.
-          Matthew 6:19-20 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  (20)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
 
        ii.            A great motivation – “…that they may lay hold on eternal life.” vs 19
-          Paul uses this term again in the life of the rich Christians. They are also encouraged to keep their charge with their “eternal life” in view. As they trust and serve God they are to lay hold to what they have in Christ.
-          John Phillips “Happy is the rich person who breaks the bondage of materialism imposed by his wealth and sees beyond time to eternity and beyond earthly riches to eternal rewards.”