1 Timothy 6:17–21 “Where Is Your True Wealth?”

1 Timothy 6:17–21 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Be Thou My Vision | Reawaken Hymns
• Cody Carnes ~ Nothing Else
• All I Have Is Christ (feat. Paul Baloche)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Gizmo’s Daily Bible Byte – 104 – 1 Timothy 6:18 – Be Generous – Lesson for Kids
• The Wise And Foolish Builders – The Toads – Song for Kids
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands | Maker Fun Factory Music Videos | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Give it Away | Weird Animals VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle gives Timothy a message to deliver “to those who are rich in this present world” (v. 17). Earlier (v. 9), Paul had warned about “those who want to get rich,” meaning those who strive after wealth as their highest value. But here in verse 17, he is addressing those who already possess wealth.

The phrase “rich in this present world” carries a hidden message: such people may actually be “poor in the kingdom of God.” Earlier (v. 4), Paul pointed out the pride of those who refuse to follow the teachings of Christ. Pride also comes into play when people become wealthy in material things. Pride is the illusion that says, “I can live well without God.” Paul instructs Timothy to tell the rich not to put their hope in wealth, but in God. Wealth is “uncertain” (temporary, unstable), but God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Believers must regard material possessions not as their own, but as something entrusted to them by God. Only then can they “do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous and willing to share” (v. 18). The phrase “be rich in good deeds” is the counterpart to the earlier phrase, “rich in this world.” To use wealth for good is to “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” (v. 19). Earlier (v. 12), Paul used the phrase “eternal life,” while here he speaks of “the life that is truly life.” Compared to eternal life, the few decades of earthly existence can be considered fleeting and empty.

Finally, Paul urges Timothy, “Guard what has been entrusted to your care” (v. 20). “What has been entrusted” refers to the truth of the gospel. The Greek word phylasso (“to guard”) is the same word used to describe a prison guard watching over prisoners. This means Timothy must guard his faith with utmost vigilance. To do so, he must reject “godless chatter” and “opposing ideas.” Such arguments come from “false knowledge” and can cause people to lose their faith (v. 21). Paul knew of some who had already wandered from the faith because of such things.

The closing greeting— “Grace be with you all”—shows that while Paul was addressing Timothy, he also had the entire church in Ephesus in mind.

Meditation:

Greed for material things is one of the most dangerous toxins believers must guard against. “Greed” is the desire to have more. “The love of money” (v. 10) describes a state where accumulating wealth becomes the most important goal in life. When our hearts are stained by greed, no matter how much wealth we gather, we cannot be satisfied. That is why, during our time in this world, we fall into countless temptations and traps, only to end up spiritually bankrupt in the kingdom of God. For this reason, Jesus said we must choose between God and Mammon (material wealth) (Matthew 6:24).

This is why the Apostle Paul emphasized the virtue of contentment. It means being satisfied when our basic needs for life are met. When we find satisfaction in God, we are freed from the grip of greed and can live contentedly. With this virtue, we are not crushed when in material need, nor do we become proud or corrupt when materially rich. Instead, we can freely offer what we have for the sake of God’s kingdom and generously share with our neighbors.

Here, Paul poses a question to the reader: “What are you rich in?” That is why he uses the expression “rich in this present world” (v. 17). If we are consumed by greed, we become rich in material things, but also rich in pride and every kind of vice that comes with it. The problem is that this world is passing away, and material possessions will perish. If we place our faith and hope in what is fleeting, we will vanish along with it.

Instead, Paul urges us to become “rich toward God.” For He is “the one who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (v. 16). And yet this great God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (v. 17). To set our hope in Him and to depend on Him daily is what it means to be rich toward God. Then we will become rich in humility and all the virtues that follow, and “rich in good works.”

Prayer:

Eternal God, we thank You for allowing us to enjoy this beautiful world and the precious gift of life. All things are Your grace. Help us to always remember that You have promised us a kingdom far greater than this world, and to truly believe that there is a true and eternal life beyond comparison with our earthly life. Make us people who are rich toward You and rich in every virtue, even as we live on this earth. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True wealth is not found in money or possessions, which are temporary and uncertain, but in God, who gives us all things. Being “rich toward God” means trusting Him, practicing contentment, and being generous in good works.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to be “rich”? Is it only about having money?
  • Paul says we should be “rich in good works.” What are some good things you could share or do this week?
  • Why do you think Jesus said we can’t serve both God and money?
    
• Youth
  • Paul says wealth in this world is uncertain, but God gives true life. What’s the difference between being “rich in this world” and being “rich toward God”?
  • What does “contentment” mean to you? When is it hard to be content, and why?
  • If someone looked at your life, what would they say you are “rich in”? (time, money, kindness, pride, love, etc.)