Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides for us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they make take hold of the life that is truly life.
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you.
Commentary
Paul closes his letter with some advice for Timothy on how to handle the wealthier members of the Ephesian church. He wants Timothy to remind them of where their real security lies. It's not in money or social status. These things are temporary and should not be cause for arrogance. Rather, their real security lies in God who provided for them and made them stewards of this wealth. For this reason, Paul tells Timothy, that rich Christians need to be generous with what God has given them. They should use their money for godly purposes, doing good deeds and sharing with those in need. This kind of attitude toward wealth will prepare them for the real rewards later - and these rewards will last forever.
Then Paul finishes his letter with a reminder. He tells Timothy to guard the faith and not tolerate false teaching. It can only lead to a bad end.
Questions
1) Is Paul saying that being rich is a sin?
2) Can wealth be spiritually dangerous? (Proverbs 30:8,9)
3) What do you say to someone that tells you he or she is self made - they have what they have because they earned it? (Deuteronomy 8:17,18)
4) In verse 20 Paul told Timothy to guard what had been entrusted to him. What was it that had been entrusted to him?
5) What has God entrusted to you?
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