What does it mean that the rich should not place their hope in wealth, but be 'rich in good deeds'?
1 Timothy 6:17 - 18
ESV - 17 As 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. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
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Asked August 20 2016
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linda gori
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Material prosperity may seem to be a sign of God's favor and blessing, but it can also bring with it a temptation to forget God, and to become concerned only with things pertaining to this present world and life. Jesus spoke about this on multiple occasions, such as when He told His followers not to be preoccupied with amassing material wealth for themselves on earth (where, as He noted, material possessions are subject to deterioration, or money can be stolen), but to build up treasure in heaven that will be safe for eternity (Matthew 6:19-21); or when He characterized someone who forgets God, and who is concerned only with increasing his earthly wealth (which, as Paul noted (1 Timothy 6:7-10), must be left behind at death in any event) as a fool (Luke 12:15-21). By demonstrating the love and mercy of God in actions toward others, and by using available resources (including not just money, but also time and personal talents) to help people and to further the spreading of the gospel message, any Christian (even someone who does not possess material wealth) can become "rich in good deeds", which can then truly be viewed as a source of hope, since the greatest reward for them will await the believer beyond this life.
Olusegun Engr. AFOLABI
Supporter
Though wealth is affluent, and the ability to achieve that status of life requires some effort and strength, and which sometimes is not attainable within the positive scene, hence the Lord as a guardian is encouraging that effort should be concentrated on positive aspect of work, which will bear good fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8a, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream". Goodness is the quality of being good, kind etc., which also is one of the Godly attribute of a christian life described in Galatians 5:22-23. God believed that its only, by pursuing the good work, which will require spiritual guardian and efforts for the associated wealth is considered appropriate, Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus".
Andy Mangus
Supporter
The major points that Apostle Paul is writing about here are not temporal but eternal in the sight of God! He is emphasizing to Timothy that his focus and goals are to be about doing good for others; to be selfless, not self absorbed. By doing so, he is showing and exemplifying God's love for all. "Give and it shall be given unto you..." "Store up treasure in Heaven, not on Earth where moths can destroy. The things of this life shall pass away but the treasures of Heaven are eternal". God wants His children to be selfless, not self seeking! He wants us to put others' needs before ourselves! He expects and admonishes us "to be about being Christ to others so that we may be found faithful and just in the sight of The Lord"! When we realize that God has master plans for each of His children and that His plans are good, Holy and Righteous, we can rest assured that His name will be Glorified! We are to be about doing the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, spreading the Good News; teaching others about "our Father whom art IN Heaven and His one and only Son Jesus Christ's eternal sacrifice at the cross of Calvary." "Do unto others as God would would have you do unto them." Major Point is 'to be about being a disciple for Christ!...to be his witness to others with the help and guidance of, by and IN His Holy Spirit'! It's IN His purposes of His boundless Grace, that God wants us "to be a Soldier for Christ!" And, to be about doing and being His faithful servant, for He and only He is our very Salvation unto The Father, which art IN HEAVEN"! "Praise God that He provided a Savior! And, His name is Jesus Christ!" In Jesus' name, AMEN! ~~Andy~~
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