AM Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6.17-21

This Morning’s Sermon:           

Brent T. Willey

“What Then?”

1 Timothy 6.17-19

Introduction:

1. Paul instructed Timothy to “command those who are rich in this present age” to pursue lives that honor and glorify God.
2. However, the passage is not just for the “wealthy,” but is equally important for all who wish to succeed, because there are several factors to consider on the “road to success.”
3. If we are able to achieve certain things in this life, what then?

I. TRUST THE LIVING GOD – Verse 17

1. It is easy to “trust” [Elpizō: expect] in the wrong things, especially in self and riches. (Prov. 3.5; 11.28; 28.26)
2. Arrogance is to be removed! [Hupselophroneō: hupselō = lofty / phren = the mind; “highminded” – kjv & asv-01]
3. Why? “Who gives us all things to enjoy” (cf., James 1.17)

II. BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS – Verse 18

1. “Let them do good, and that they be rich in good works…”
   1. There is an intended redundancy in this statement.
   2. “Do good” is used only one other time, where it is used of God’s beneficence towards man (Acts 14.17). Here it is enjoined upon the rich & coupled with “good works.”
2. Another redundancy: “ready to give, willing to share.” What about “ability” (e.g., Acts 11.29; 2 Cor. 8.1-5)?
3. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20.35).

III. LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE – Verse 19

1. What are we “storing up” for ourselves? [apothesaurizō: to treasure away] (Cf., Matt. 6.19-20)
2. “A good foundation for the time to come…”
   1. “Some build their hopes on the ever drifting sands…”
   2. Jesus described the “good foundation” (Matt. 7.24-27)
3. “That they may lay hold on eternal life.”
   1. It takes effort to do so… (1 Tim. 6.12)
   2. We do not want to miss out on eternal life!

Conclusion: How wise is it to plan for the future? How important is it to plan for eternity? Once you have reached your goals, what then?