Instructions to the Rich

B5 1 Timothy 6:17-19

C1 Verse 17

D1 Riches.

E1 Note this refers to the riches of this world. It does not refer to spiritual riches/treasure.

E2 It is not sinful to have riches.

E3 The Greek word for riches is πλούσιος ploúsios. It means having many things as money, land, businesses, etc., wealthy, and rich.

D2 The dangers

E1 Proud, being arrogant.

F1 The Greek word is ὑψηλοφρονέω hypsēlophronéō. It means to think of ourselves better than other. It is thinking themselves to have more of God’s blessings and favor than others, better abilities, smarter, etc.

F2 Credit is not given to God but to themselves for their success. See Psalm 52 for an example.

E2 Misplaced trust

F1 We are specifically commanded to not gloat and trust in riches.

F2 Psalms 62:10 GNB Don't put your trust in violence; don't hope to gain anything by robbery; even if your riches increase, don't depend on them.

F3 Example: The rich landowner in Luke 12.

F4 Love of money is declared to be idolatry. Colossians 3:5 EMTV Therefore put to death your members on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

D4 The challenge

E1 To trust God instead of riches. Psalm 40:4 CSB How happy is anyone who has put his trust in the LORD and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies!

E2 Who gives us what we NEED. Psalms 107:9 Complete Apostles' Bible For He satisfies the empty soul, and fills the hungry soul with good things.

C2 Verse 18-19

D1 What the rich should be doing.

E1 Do good

F1 This is doing good to other people. Things that God approves of. Some things: edify the brothers and sisters, listen, provide physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs, visit, pray, etc. Matthew 5:16 NASB77 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

F2 Example: The Good Samaritan

F3 Matthew 5:43-48

F4 Compare: Proverbs 26:18-19 NRSV Like a maniac who shoots deadly firebrands and arrows, 19 so is one who deceives a neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"

E2 Do good works

F1 This is doing good towards God. Compare: Ephesians 4:28 EMTV Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working that which is good with his hands, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.

F2 Luke 12:21 NRSV So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.

F3 Not rich towards God. See Clarke: This is the essential characteristic of a covetous man: he desires riches; he gets them; he lays them up, not for the necessary uses to which they might be devoted, but for himself; to please himself, and to gratify his avaricious soul. Such a person is commonly called a miser, i.e. literally, a wretched, miserable man.

Some helpful suggestions are given to help them keep perspective

D1 Do good

D2 Be rich in good works rather than money

D3 A readiness to donate

D4 A cheerful willingness to share

D5 Be content with what you have

D6 Give God the credit for His blessing

C3 Doing these will result in

D1 A good foundation (solid and sure of faith to stand the spiritual blows and temptations of this life)

D2 Eternal life: The eternal life will not come from what they do, for it is only through grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. What it means is they will not lose their salvation. Eternal life is more important than earthly life, and eternal, heavenly treasure is more important that temporary, earthly treasure.

C4 Questions:

D1 Why do people love money?

D2 Name some evils in society come from the love of money?

D3 How do people and/or businesses control people by money?

D4 What is the Christian understanding about money?