1 Timothy 6:17-19
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Helpful Background Information:
1 Timothy is among the 3 letters of what many call Paul’s “pastoral letters.” These letters are written in the later stages of Paul’s life, where he shares his wisdom with the younger leaders in the faith.
Paul very likely wrote this letter in about 62-66 AD, not long before his martyrdom. 1 Timothy is part 1 of Paul’s writing to Timothy. Part 2 (2 Timothy), written shortly after this letter, was very likely the last letter written by Paul before his death. Paul describes Timothy as his “true child in the faith” (1:2). Timothy was a young leader/pastor at the church in Ephesus who needed pastoral instruction and wisdom to lead.
One of the strongest themes we see in Paul’s letter is a challenge to have character. Instead of telling Timothy to lean on his gifts (which he clearly had), he challenges Timothy to live a life of love, integrity, prayerfulness, beyond and above reproach, and to be submerged in the learning and teaching of the Word of God.
This exhortation in 6:17-19 comes shortly after Paul’s famous words in verses 8-10:
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:8-10 ESV).
Reflection Questions:
Paul follows the exhortation above (6:8-10) with a warning to the wealthy, godly people in the Ephesian church not to set their hopes in their riches, but on God. What does this tell you about wealth? Does Paul seem to say wealth is inherently evil? Why?
Notice Paul does not say “money [in and of itself] is a root of all kinds of evil,” but rather, “the love of money → is a root of all kinds of evil” (6:10). Paul does not seem to call money inherently evil. Yet, he does seem to imply that it is dangerous because our human hearts tend to love and make idols out of things other than God. How does this change your perspective and approach to money?
What connections do you see between this passage and the primary passages of this week, Ecc. 5 and Matt. 6:19-24? Write these down.
What do verses 17-19 tell you about where you are to set your hopes? How are you, regardless of your level of wealth, to be characterized as a believer according to this passage?
What are the practical ways you are obeying this commandment from the Lord? In other words, what are practical ways you are setting your hope, life, and future on the Lord? Ways you are disobeying? Write these down.
If you are not rich or well off financially, there is a temptation to read these verses and say, “These verses aren’t for me.” This would be a false conclusion. How can you heed these words, Paul writes as someone who does not make as much financial wealth? (hint: emphasis on financial)