Life That Money Can't Buy

Our concluding passage in 1 Timothy actually talks about something more valuable than anything money can buy. The dominant idea is Life That Money Can’t Buy. There are two commands that frame this passage: Instruct (command) and Guard.

First, Paul commands Timothy to command certain people to do certain things. This time, the group in the crosshairs is those with any modicum of wealth. Look how it begins:

1 Timothy 6:17a: Instruct those who are rich in this present world.

Distinguish that from what he said a few sentences earlier:

1 Timothy 6:8: If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

In this final five verses Paul tells Timothy what he must teach to those who have more than the basics. And as you would expect, he wraps up the letter with a final message for Timothy personally. All of this has direct applications to our lives.

One definition I found for rich in this present world is those who do not need to work. I’m sure that’s not wrong, but I think it’s too narrow. The context implies that it’s having more than you need for daily living. In our society we speak of discretionary income which allows a person to enjoy nicer things or extra things or a vacation, or the like. But then in our society we seem also to cling to the idea that someone who does not have much, or any, discretionary income is poor. Do you know that there are some people who have only one car? Some don’t even have a smartphone.

Almost every evangelical Christian in the western world qualifies for the description rich in this present world. If you are retired from full-time working, you certainly qualify. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you “feel wealthy” or that the standards of our society deem that you are rich. I’m pretty sure Paul had read the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 30:8–9: Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God.

The purpose of what we’re about to see in our passage is not to make you feel guilty. If you feel guilty because you are convicted of a sin by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, then do with it as you must. If you want help with seeking wisdom for how to respond to conviction, talk to any of the elders and we’ll help you get started.

1. Instruct/Command (17-19)
   1. Not to be conceited
   2. Not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches
   3. But on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy
   4. To do good
   5. To be rich in good works
   6. To be generous and ready to share
   7. Storing Up for themselves the treasures of a good foundation for the future
   8. So that they may take hold of that which is life indeed
2. Guard (20-21)