1 Timothy 6:17

Instructions to the Rich

1 Timothy 6:17 “Instruct those who are rich in this present world”: The term “instruct” is the same as the term “charge” in 1 Timothy 6:13. It means to command and order. There is sure. good deal of “ordering” going on in. Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:7; 1 Timothy 6:13). These passages should remind us that the Bible is. book of orders from God and He expects us to obey. The instructions in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 were warnings concerning those who desire to get rich and those who love money, this section deals with people who are rich and they became rich without compromising God's principles.

“The persons Paul has in mind are legitimately rich. He gives no suggestion of avarice or dishonesty involved in the acquiring of the wealth. Paul does not follow the communist line of denying personal property and wealth. He does not condemn rich men because they are rich, but he does warn them of the false trust which they may easily develop” (Kent p. 206).

Please note that there is nothing wrong with being rich. Reese reminds us that when the average income for the whole world is about 200.00 per year, our average incomes make us the rich. Instead of looking around and thinking that these passages only apply to the top. percent in our country, they may be overlooking the fact that we are in the top 20 percent of the entire world.

1 Timothy 6:17 “In this present world”: This should remind us that earthly wealth is temporary and therefore has definite limitations and limited value. This present world is so short compared to eternity that whatever wealth we have should have. small influence on how we live.

1 Timothy 6:17 “Not to be conceited”: The word “conceited” means highminded, proud, exalted in mind. The rich person must not think that his or her wealth is. mark of special divine favor. “Consequently, if. Christian has riches, it cannot be considered as proof that he is more pleasing to God than his poorer Christian brothers” (Kent p. 206). “They should not suppose that they are any better men, or any nearer heaven, because they are wealthy. Property really makes no distinction in the great things that pertain to character and salvation” (Barnes p. 202).

1 Timothy 6:17 “Or to fix their hope”: Wealth brings with it the temptation to trust in such wealth, as if such wealth could save or deliver us. “A man who is rich is liable to trust in his riches, and to suppose he needs nothing more (even God!). He feels that he is not dependent on his fellow-men, and he is very likely to feel that he is not dependent on God” (Barnes p. 202).

1 Timothy 6:17 “Uncertainty of riches”: Compare with Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 11:28; Proverbs 23:5; Proverbs 27:24. “The duration of life itself, even for. day is uncertain. and wealth cannot be possessed after death. Second, the shifting circumstances of life, such as commercial depressions and war make wealth uncertain. How foolish, then, to transfer one's trust from God to riches! Yet men show. preference for trusting. bank account rather than. God in Heaven” (Kent p. 207). Matthew 6:19.

1 Timothy 6:17 “But on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy”: “Paul reminds rich people that God is the One who has provided all things for us. No man possesses anything that God did not provide (James 1:17; Psalms 104:28; Psalms 145:16). Furthermore, God provided these blessings richly for our enjoyment. Here asceticism is branded. lie. God's blessings are not to be shunned, but used as God intended, and when this is done, the user receives. godly satisfaction” (Kent p. 207). “Their kind Master in heaven not only allows men reasonable pleasures and gratifications, but even Himself abundantly provides for them. God does not provide material wealth to stimulate pride or self-exaltation but intends that His gifts be used and enjoyed with all gratitude” (Hiebert p. 121).