Awake & Alive: 1 Timothy Reading Plan
Day 29
17As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.1 Timothy 6:17-19
Paul doesn’t condemn the wealthy, but urges them to be cautious. He warns that wealth can lead to arrogance and, interestingly, uncertainty. This aligns with his previous stance against false gospels, including the pursuit of wealth as a source of contentment.
True contentment comes from faith in Christ’s work and living out his grace. This explains the metaphor of storing up treasure in the right place. Like anything else, wealth can steal a believer’s joy if it’s misplaced. A believer’s constant battle is to examine their life and ensure it reinforces, not detracts from the Gospel. Generosity is key in this battle with wealth, as it prevents it from becoming the central focus and motivation in life.