Jump Start # 4104

1 Timothy 6:17 “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

Many of the very first Christians were poor. Several were slaves. The appeal and thirst for riches is often seen as an escape to a better life. “If we only had…” is the dream of many people. And, even today, with all of our energy drinks and bottles of water that people carry around, the thirst for wealth is alive and very strong. Many a young athlete dreams of making it to the big leagues for no other reason than the wealth that comes with that.

Our verse is written almost like a Proverb. Layered deeply within these words are a series of contrasts. It’s easy to miss them, but they are there.

First, there is the message of “the present world” in contrast to the “next world.” Paul addresses those who are rich now. What really matters is being rich later. The later is not later in life, but in the next world. Lay up for yourselves treasure in Heaven is how our Lord put it. Being rich eternally is the thrust of the apostle’s words.

Second, there is the layer about hope. Those who are rich now have their hope in their riches. Their wealth is going to see them through. They don’t need because they have wealth. Things will be ok, because we’ve got the money. They have “fixed their hope” on their wealth. This is in contrast to those who have fixed their hope on the Lord. The Lord will get them through. They have hope, not because of what is in the bank, but because of Who is in Heaven.

Third, there is a contrast between the uncertainty of riches and the certainty of God. Riches come and go. The stock market rides like a roller coaster. As long as it’s going up, happy days are here. But when it plummets downward, the sky is falling for many. A warehouse full of goods seems wonderful until the fire department calls and the warehouse is burning to the ground. The rich farmer in the Lord’s parable had a fine future planned on paper. Bigger barns. Relax. Take like easy. All looked great except he was scheduled to die that night and he didn’t realize that.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Certainty. Always faithful. Always available. Always true. Jesus is someone that you can count on. He will be there tomorrow. Riches? Who knows?

What is shocking about the apostle’s words are that most of us would not classify ourselves today as being rich. But in contrast to the world Paul lived in, we do things that they couldn’t even dream of. In a moment, these words I am typing will be sent across the world. We can control the temperature of our cars and our homes. We can cook food in minutes not hours. Our homes are large. Our pantries are full. Our closests are stuffed. The first century citizen would have thought that you and I were kings, the way we live.

And, if you have traveled to a third world country, you understand the contrast. I have seen a man lying on a blanket under two large palm branches. That was his home. I’ve seen a river that people were washing their clothes in, while down stream someone was doing their dishes, while further down stream someone was bathing. All in the same water. We are rich. Admit it, we are.

The points in this passage is not get rid of you’re your riches, but get your heart right. Trusted in riches, bering conceited because of your wealth impacts your heart. It changes you. It makes you believe you are better than others, that certain things do not apply to you and that you are fine because of your wealth. That’s the warning. Wealth opens doors to some and it generates special opportunities. But, we need to see what a blessing and advantage wealth can be if used correctly and rightly.

Here are some thoughts:

First, do not demand nor expect discounts from the services of brethren. I’ve known some who got very upset because a brother worked on their house or their car and they expected the services to be nearly free. I’d rather pay a good brother full price because I know he will not abuse the money I give him. Now, if the brother wants to give you a discount, that’s up to him, but don’t blow a gasket because he doesn’t. Word gets around and before long, he’s doing work for nearly nothing.

Second, having riches can be a blessing to a congregation. Give generously. Help out others who do not have much. I’ve known brethren who paid the way for high school graduates to go to college. I’ve known brethren who on their own have supported the preaching of the Gospel, paid the way for some to travel overseas to preach, help brethren in a crisis and help fund the building of church buildings. What a blessing these folks have been to the kingdom of God.

Some only use their wealth for themselves. Selfish, they do not want to share. They earned it, they believe, so it belongs to them is the way some think. Never realizing that the Lord has blessed them.

Third, how we handle our wealth and what it does to us can be a test of our faith. Some want to separate faith and finance, but the two go together very neatly and very nicely. One impacts the other. The greater the faith, the more generous one will be. Socialism wants to force equality in wealth. Faith in Christ, will build the bridges for all to cross upon.

All around us are opportunities to serve the Lord with our talents, our time and our treasures. Be careful that stuff doesn’t change you. Conceit and jealousy are the next door neighbors to riches. Those who have it can be conceited. Those who don’t can be jealous. Neither one makes for good neighbors.

Paul’s next words to the rich are: do good, be generous, be ready to share and be rich in good works. That’ll take care of those contrasts from the previous verse. Generous. Sharing. Doing good. Nothing beats that. And, when this life is over, I doubt you’ll be talking about the car you always wanted to get but never did. Nope. What you’ll be doing is hugging the brother that you helped out and are so glad to see Him on the right side of eternity.

Instruct is how our verse begins. This is stuff one doesn’t get in business class in college. We have to learn this and we preachers must teach this. Don’t let your stuff keep you from Heaven. Don’t be defined by what you have. Be known by your faith in the Lord.

Roger