Observations

Christy Mixson

July, 2012

 (Observations of I Timothy 6:17-19)

In verse 17, as well as in verse 18, the verses begin with an imperative verb directed at Timothy, who at the time was the overseer of the church founded at Ephesus. Timothy is commanded to give some commands found in this passage. The recipients of these commands are named in verse 17; they are followers of Christ in that church who are “those who are rich in this present world.” This is referencing material goods, as life in the present world is a material life, as God has created it that way, though it is not exclusively material. Since it is not, this present world is being contrasted with the immaterial world: namely referred to as “hope in God” in verse 17, and it is referenced as “the coming age” and “truly life” in verse 19. God wants people of material wealth to live with a view toward spiritual wealth that lasts forever, unlike life and goods of the earth. (This reminds me of that which is communicated in Paul's letter to the Ephesians where he tells them in Ephesians 1:9-10 that God's intention in revealing the Gospel to us is with a forward view of all things in the heavens and on the earth being summed up, at the fullness of times.)

The way in which “those who are rich in this present world” are to live with this forward view is by, in verse 17, fulfilling two negative commands and one positive command and they all three address the internal attitudes of those being addressed: they are “not to be arrogant,” and “nor” are they to “put their hope in wealth,” but they are “to put their hope in God.” The last negative command and the positive command contrast each other, seemingly indicating that both cannot be done at the same time; the positive command is a replacement for the negative tendency which rich people could be characterized by in their flesh. Also, the “wealth” in which they are not to place their confidence, is “so uncertain”, which is obviously antithetical to God, who is eternally certain. Their “hope” likewise would be certain, since Biblical hope has assurance, as indicated in Hebrews 11:1. Another related contrast to this theme is that “this present world” is in contrast with “the coming age” referenced in verse 19; God will be there in that “coming age.” When the believers enter that coming age, God is informing them of their potential to possess and wants them to have lasting treasure there, which by God's design, is what actually equates to really living life here on earth presently. I Timothy 6:18 declares that all of God's provisions are for their enjoyment, which He provides “richly,” which is a key word in this passage. In other words, God is the cause for everything which they have which yields enjoyment.

Now, to practically fulfill the first commands as well as to lay up a “firm foundation” for the future, verse 18 instructs Timothy of further commands he is to give the rich in this world. He is to instruct them in specifics related to their actions and their internal character – their state of being. They are to “do good” and they are to “be rich in good deeds” as well as “be generous and willing to share.” Those who are willing to share generally will follow with the actual deed of sharing. The passage is linking the internal state and outward behavior, with both being addressed specifically. Although the focus of God's instructions to the rich are outwardly focused – that is, they instruct them of attitudes and actions toward others – God nevertheless says doing “will lay up” (future tense) “treasure”

(with eternal value and not uncertain) for “themselves” in the future. This is a “firm foundation” for eternity. It is one “they” (themselves) “may take hold of,” again bringing them full circle back to life in this present age – a life that is “truly life” when living it with eternity as the focus.

In conclusion, Paul has declared that God is a rich Giver, and the rich in this world are to be like Him – rich givers. God's character and actions are consistent and God addresses the state of being and the actions of the rich, explaining how they too can be consistent in this present age unto eternity.