A note from our Pastor:

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

1 Timothy 6:17

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week comes from the closing thoughts of this letter. The Apostle Paul is noting final instructions to Timothy. Thus, the last verses of the chapter are not all on one subject. In this verse, he gives Timothy instructions on how to teach a certain portion of the congregation at Ephesus.

Previously, the Apostle identified the love of money (covetousness) as a cause of sin. He warned disciples to avoid living a life driven by seeking after natural goods. He encouraged the disciples to be aware of the blessings God had given them and to be content with them.

However, at Ephesus (and many other congregations), some individuals already had wealth due to birth or life circumstances. In these final thoughts, the Apostle is going to leave instructions specifically for them. The instructions are not to give up their wealth. He does not tell them to abandon secular work that is creating wealth. Rather, he gives them instructions for seeking after God.

The main point of the instruction is to not trust in those riches. Jesus taught in his ministry and the Apostle continues here to teach that wealth is corruptible and fleeting. Even more so, wealth might help in times of tribulation but it will not ease the soul in those times. Instead, no matter the financial situation of the believer the instruction is to put trust in God.

The Apostle does not discuss using that wealth to help the poor in this verse (that is in the next verse). Nevertheless, the idea is not lost. The instruction to not be high-minded means to be aware of the situations of others around you. With awareness and the love of God, the wish to help those less fortunate should be evident as well.

This lesson is an important one for today’s disciples. Jesus and other writers never taught that having wealth was contrary to serving God. The choices the disciple makes in how they view and use their wealth determines their obedience.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah