April 16
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BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS AND BE GENEROUS
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul instructs the rich believers not to be boast about their material riches and rely on these things. He tells them to watch out that they do not make these riches the focus of their lives. He reminds them that they should never forget the supplier of all their riches, the Lord God. He reminds them to be rich in good works and be generous to share them with others. I think Paul is making sure that the believers won’t be longing for earthly riches but more of heavenly things. There is a big tendency for us humans to be obsessed and lust for more possessions. Paul says that the antidote for this is to be lavish in giving. He probably is referring to the same verse that Luke 12:15 says: to take care that they be on guard against covetousness because one’s life is not just about material possessions.
In verse 19, Paul commands them to store heavenly treasures that reiterates Matthew’s instruction in 6:19 saying not to lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. So, Paul reminds them to seek the heavenly treasures instead of things that doesn’t last.
In verse 20, Paul cautions them again on another issue, which is the pursuit of human knowledge which can lead them astray from truth that only comes in God’s word. So many people think that all knowledge is good. On Proverbs 2:6, Solomon says that all wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. How can someone have common sense and understanding when they do not know the Lord and His word?
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to guard ourselves from the love of material things and human knowledge?