God’s Instructions Regarding Riches (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Perhaps you would never classify yourself as being “rich” or “wealthy”, but if we compare our lives to those of others worldwide, then we might determine that Paul’s instructions to those who are “rich in this present age” may actually refer to us.

The global median daily income is only $ 7.56. Remember that is for the entire day! If one stretches the income out to an entire year, then the average global personal income comes to approximately $ 9,733. From my research, it appears that only 33.8% of our world makes over $10,000 per year.

The problem is not how much we earn, but how we handle the income that we make. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 gives us some very practical instruction for handling money and wealth in a godly way.

R - Rely upon the Lord, v. 17
“…to set their hopes…on God…”

I - Invest in Eternal Ventures, v. 19
“…thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future…”

C- Character counts, v. 19
“…so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

H - Humble toward others, v. 17
“…not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches…”

E - Enjoy wealth with gratitude, v. 17
“…God, who richly supplies us with everything to enjoy.”

S- Share generously, v. 18
“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”