Concluding Exhortations Read 1 Timothy 6:17–21 Guard what has been entrusted to your care. 1 Timothy 6:20 Writer and philosopher Stephen Cave said about death: “We try to avoid the worst, to keep going one way or another, yet we must live in the knowledge that it is futile—that ultimately, the worst thing that can possibly happen will happen. That all our projects and all our dreams—everything we’re striving for—one day it will all be over.” That’s true, apart from God, but He has made available true life in Christ. Our Lord has conquered death, and because He lives we also will live (John 14:19; 2 Tim. 2:11). This gospel message of true life and guaranteed hope was at the heart of Paul’s ministry and writings. Before wrapping up 1 Timothy, Paul returned momentarily to the topic of rich believers (vv. 17–19), following up on warnings from earlier in the chapter (vv. 6–10) with a more positive exhortation about appropriate Christian uses for wealth. How can rich believers live according to godly priorities? First, they should see their wealth as an opportunity to resist the temptation of pride and practice humility. Money may provide status in the world, but the church should be different. Second, they should put their hope or confidence not in their money but in God. He is our real source of security. Third, they should do good deeds, thereby earning superior “riches.” Fourth, they should be generous and willing to share. Concluding the epistle, Paul reminded Timothy once more of his two most important ministry responsibilities, which are two sides of the same coin: to guard the truth and to oppose false teaching (vv. 20–21). The gospel is a sacred trust, of which he was a steward. In questions of true and false doctrine, Christian faith is at stake, both for individual believers and for the collective witness of the church. Rich or not, we, too, should put our hope and confidence in God. He is our faithful Provider. Money and the means of getting it are temporal and uncertain, while He is certain. Are we putting our faith in our bank account, our job, our IRA, our insurance plans, or anything that is not God? It’s easy to do, but such an attitude does not honor Him.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 20:54:27 +0000
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