Introduction: In this passage of scripture, we find Paul telling Timothy to charge (that is to command, direct, or instruct) them that are rich in this world the following list of things. By world standards, a person that makes $60,000 per year is in the top 1% of worldwide earners. The median worldwide income is $2,800 per year according to (Giving What We Can). Even the bottom 10% of household income of more than $15,660 is over 5.5 times the average global income. All that to say, we are the rich people that Paul is speaking about in this passage and we need to be instructed on these things.
Charge them that are Rich to:
- Not be Highminded– Vs 17 to be highminded is to be proud and arrogant. This is something we all need to guard ourselves from because the temptation is always there. There is a great danger that a rich person will begin to think too highly of himself. Deuteronomy 8:11-18: to not get high-minded we need the right attitude about us-Vs 14 “The thin heart be lifted up- we are prone to get high-minded quickly when we have everything. And we need the right attitude about God- Vs 18 “it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth”.
- Not Trust in Uncertain Riches– Vs 17 Notice how riches are uncertain, here today and gone tomorrow. The market can crash, the bank can close down, disease or accident can happen overnight. Proverbs 23:5 “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven”. Matthew 6:19 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal”. James 5:1-2 (ILLUSTRATION: the man with money in the bank safe/eaten up by moths).
- Trust in the Living God– Vs 17 Paul tells us not to trust in uncertain riches but to trust in the living God. We have to fix and set our heart and life upon God. Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. Do you trust that He WILL supply your need.
- Be Ready to Distribute– Vs 18 Proverbs 11:24-25 / II Corinthians 9:6-8 The idea here is that we have it in our possession or available to us and we should be ready to distribute to the person that needs it more than us, don’t withhold it. What good is to have two of the same thing, just in case we need it, and someone else needs it right now. Be ready to give it away to someone that needs it now.
- Be Willing to Communicate– Vs 18 (Communicate- to impart; to give to another). Acts 4:32-35. When we get to the point in our life where we want to give sparingly, we will reap sparingly. Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased”. If we want to please God, we have to give to others.
- Lay Hold on Eternal Life– Vs 19 The most important thing about this message is this, you cannot lay hold on eternal life until you first get saved. That’s the beginning. Then it is a life long process of getting to know Jesus Christ Philippians 3:4 and seeking those things which are above Colossians 3:1-2.
Conclusion: We are a rich people and this charge is definitely for us. This is a reminder of the things that we are commanded to do and not to do. What will you do about what you heard this morning?
Anchor Baptist Church 