To the Rich

Summary: Paul turns from Timothy's charge to a word for those who are rich in this present world. They are to be instructed not to be conceited, and not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches—wealth being, by its nature, something that cannot be relied upon. Their hope belongs instead on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. The contrast is deliberate: riches are unstable, but God gives generously and gives for enjoyment, not merely for survival. From that redirected hope follows a redirected life. The wealthy are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, and ready to share. What they hold is to move outward rather than be hoarded. In doing so, Paul says, they are storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future—so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. The implication runs quietly beneath the whole passage: what the rich already possess is not yet real life; the life that truly is life is grasped by letting go. Teaching: This is a word spoken to the rich. The day when money ends will surely come—in fact, it is already coming. So do not set your hope on money. Do not make it the goal of your life, and do not be content simply with living as a wealthy person. Set your hope instead on God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. The rich in particular have received much, and for that very reason they ought to place their hope in God. The money itself was given by God. Use your money to become the holy people of God who are headed for heaven. If you spend your money in faith, you go to heaven. But if you only say you believe and never open your wallet, that is dead faith. Those who truly have their hope in God are always mindful of the day they will stand before Him and what judgment they will receive. So let the rich quietly listen to the Word and learn from it, use their money in a way that does not lose their faith but builds it up, and with that money become good holy people of God who stir up and strengthen the faith of those who are weak. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Sep 21, 2026 1 Timothy 6:17-19