We must recognize the ownership of God
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul does not condemn wealth. Instead, he instructs Timothy to teach the church how to use their wealth. Paul tells them not to put their hope in money, but to trust the God who will meet their needs.
In verse 18, Paul instructs Timothy to teach the breadth and width of godly stewardship. First, people are to give themselves in personal commitment, as the Macedonians had done in their example of sacrificial giving. Second, we must touch others with our time and talent, reaching out to hurting people and making a difference. Finally, we’re to be generous in sharing our resources. Stewardship begins with a personal commitment to Christ. It is only after that foundational commitment that we can have the proper motivation to reach out and give to others.
Paul concludes by informing Timothy that as Christians invest in the kingdom they’re building up treasure in heaven. This is the same principle Jesus taught in Matthew 6: where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
Filed under: Articles on September 14th, 2009