Many views exist relating to earthly possessions. Consider seven biblical truths about earthly riches, each of which is taught by the Holy Spirit in 1 Timothy 6.
1. Godliness is Not a “Means of Gain”:A characteristic of the sinner mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 is that he supposes “that godliness is a means of gain.”
Some teach that Christianity is a blueprint for being wealthier than those around us. This is sometimes referred to as the “prosperity gospel.” Such false teaching leads to under-valuing the true riches available in Christ.
What is ironic about the “prosperity gospel” is that the One CHRISTianity is founded upon was at times poor during His earthly ministry (Luke 9:58).
While some of Christ’s disciples are materially rich (Matt 27:57), not nearly all are (cf. 2 Cor. 11:27). Christianity is not a recipe for becoming wealthy.
2. Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain: After stating the error of those who suppose “that godliness is a means of gain,” the inspired apostle “turned the tables” to show how godliness and gain are 1 Timothy 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Those who are godly and content with however much or however little they have (Phil. 4:11-12) gain spiritual riches through Christ. These riches cannot be measured with dollar signs (cf. Rev. 2:9).
3. Beware of Covetousness: The Holy Spirit went on in 1 Timothy 6to stress the need for contentment and dangers of covetousness (verses 7-10).
Covetous individuals include “those who are determined to be rich” (1 Tim. 6:9). Covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). It is in many ways the opposite of contentment.
Such coveting demonstrates a distorted view of life. As Jesus said in Luke 12, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses” (verse 15).
4. Do Not Be Haughty: After speaking about those who “are determined to berich” in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, the Holy Spirit gave a charge for those who “are rich in this present world” in verses 17-19. He first warned against haughtiness.
Like Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:30), mankind can be tempted to become arrogant upon acquiring earthly riches. As Nebuchadnezzar learned, this is foolish (Dan. 4:31-33).
5. Trust in God (Not Things): Another charge given to those rich in this world is to not “have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).
Riches can be here one day and gone the next. They are fleeting. God is the One in whom we must put our hope and trust.
6. Be “Rich in Good Works”: Those who are rich in this world are not condemned for being such. In 1 Timothy 6:18, though, they are commanded to be something more important: rich in good works. God exhorts “that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
Good works includes a number of things, but the emphasis in 1 Timothy 6:18 is on using what possessions we have to help those who are in need.
7. Lay Up Treasure in Heaven: The Holy Spirit finished his charge for the rich by saying “laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:19). This may bring to mind Jesus’ command in Matthew 6:20to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Material blessings can be enjoyed, and we should be thankful for them.
Such should not be what our hope is built on though. Earthly riches should not be what we treasure. Possessions should not be our primary pursuit in life. Hope for the Christian should rest in the eternal reward God promises to the faithful.
While riches do not make us better or worse than others, our attitudes toward riches affect how pleasing we are to God.
Whether we have a lot or a little, may we have the right attitudes toward earthly riches.
– Michael Hickox