Coming Home to Freedom: God's Message for the Rich

And what is God's message for the wealthy?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let's break it down:
  • "Command" - give instruction
  • "Those who are rich" - to whom the instruction is given
  • "in this present world" - defines the type of wealth - we are talking about worldly wealth here
Let's break this down by first estimating our personal wealth. 
  • What is the value of your home? Or how much is your total annual rent? Divide that number by the number of persons living in the home - write that number down. 
  • What is the value of your vehicle(s)?  Divide that number by the number of persons who use it on a regular basis - write that number down.
  • What is the value of the furniture, appliances, and entertainment technology in your home? Divide that number by the number of persons who use it on a regular basis - write that number down. 
  • What is your annual income?  Write that number down. 
  • Add all four numbers together. 
  • If you have money in savings or retirement add that to your total.

Now let's look at our wealth from a global perspective.  If your personal wealth is over $100,000 you are considered "rich in this present world."



So, now that we've realized that we are rich, let us see what God's instruction to us might be.
  • "not to be arrogant" - behavior we are to reject 
  • "nor to put their hope in wealth" - another behavior to reject 
  • "which is so uncertain" - sense of security or lack thereof  
  • "but" -  a contrast is about to be made.
  • "to put their hope in God" - contrast being made on behalf of a more secure hope
  • "who richly provides for us" - the true source of wealth
  • "with everything for our enjoyment." - purpose of God's wealth

So, now that we know we are to remain humble and place our trust in God, what does God want us to do with our wealth?
  • "Command" - give instruction
  • "them" - to those rich in this world
  • "to do good" - expected behavior
  • "be rich in good deeds" - new form of wealth
  • "and to be generous and willing to share" - new perspective / attitude
And the result of this would be:
  • "this way" - by doing good deeds and generously sharing from your worldly wealth
  • "they will lay up treasure for themselves" - a new savings plan
  • "as a firm foundation" - the result of a different type of treasure / wealth
  • "for the coming age" - the future - the age of God's Kingdom - the age of eternity - heaven
  • "so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life" - end result: a fulfilling life

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