“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV).
As we conclude this brief series on monetary wealth from 1 Timothy 6:17-19, we will close with some final observations regarding the proper use of financial and material resources from the following commentators…
“The financial wealth of prosperous Christians is not merely for their personal consumption, but provides resources for them to amass eternal ‘riches’ through generous sharing with others. God blesses His people so that they may be a blessing to others… Generous distribution of one’s wealth to meet others’ needs does not earn eternal life, but it demonstrates that one’s hope has been transferred from ‘the uncertainty of riches’ and placed instead on God, the lavish giver (v. 17).” (1)
“If a man’s wealth ministers to nothing but his own pride and enriches no one but himself, it becomes his ruination, because it impoverishes his soul. But if he uses it to bring help and comfort to others, in becoming poorer, he really becomes richer. In time and in eternity ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (3)
“Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to view their money as God’s enablement to accomplish good deeds. Rather than enjoying a reputation for having much money, they should cultivate a reputation for being ‘rich in good works.’ They should also be openhanded (‘generous’), ‘ready’ and willing ‘to share’ with others generously what God had given them. By doing so, they would be ensuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship, and investing in ‘the treasure of a good foundation for the future’ when they stood before Him (cf. Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34; 18:22). Moreover, in so doing they would experience the fullness of their eternal life (‘life indeed’; cf. v. 12).” (3)
“Honest wealth, rightly used, blesses both those who give and those who receive.” (4)
“If you have been blessed with wealth, then thank the Lord. Don’t be proud and don’t trust in your money. Use your money to do good. Be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. No matter how much money you have, your life should demonstrate that God controls the wealth that he has placed under your care.” (5)
(1) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2164). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.
(2) Barclay, William, William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible “Advice To The Rich (1Ti_6:17-19)”
(3) Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 1 Timothy 2021 Edition [The wealthy 6:17-19] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1timothy/1timothy.htm
(4) Ice, Rhoderick D. “Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:18”. “The Bible Study New Testament“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ice/1-timothy-6.html
(5) Life Application Study Bible [1 Timothy 6:17-19] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.