18 “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18–19 (ESV)
“The financial wealth of prosperous Christians is not merely for their personal consumption, but provides resources for them to amass eternal “riches” through generous sharing with others. God blesses His people so that they may be a blessing to others,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
What are wealthy people to do with their wealth? Are they to hoard it and when they die leave it to their family and friends? The Apostle Paul submitted to Timothy God instructs the rich to use their riches for the betterment of others.
The rich are to do good (ἀγαθοεργεῖν; agathoergein). This means to presently, actively and infinitely show kindness and benevolence.
Second, they are also to be rich in good works. To be rich (πλουτεῖν; ploutein) is also a present, active and infinitive verb. It means to lavishly be involved in good works (καλοῖς ἔργοις; kalois ergois). This refers to deeds God views as pleasant and desirable.
Third, the wealthy are to be generous and ready to share. To be generous (εἶναι εὐμεταδότους; einai eumetadotous) means to presently, actively and infinitely impart tangible and literal assistance to those in need. The phrase ready to share (κοινωνικούς; koinonikous) means to freely share and to be sympathetic.
“The Greek word means “liberal,” or “bountiful.” Those believers who have money must use it in meeting the needs of others, unselfishly and generously,” states Dr. John MacArthur.
Doing so will result in the wealthy storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future.” By giving materially in the present an individual is storing up for themselves treasure in heaven. The treasure in heaven consists of a good conscience (I Tim. 1:5), a glad reception by the one’s benefiting from a person’s generosity (Luke 16:1-9), and an entrance into all the joys of heaven.
“Paul’s teaching here in I Tim. 6:19 is in exact accord with Christ’s in Matt. 25:34-40, 46b. Salvation, to be sure, is entirely by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:1-5), but the reward is according to works (Dan. 12:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Storing up” can be translated “amassing a treasure,” while “foundation” can refer to a fund. The idea is that the rich in this world should not be concerned with receiving a return on their earthly investment. Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven,” says Dr. MacArthur.
“The inference drawn by Papists from this passage, that we therefore obtain eternal life by the merit of good works, is excessively frivolous. It is true that God accepts as given to himself everything that is bestowed on the poor. (Matthew 25:40.) But even the most perfect hardly perform the hundredth part of their duty; and therefore, our liberality, does not deserve to be brought into account before God,” states John Calvin.
“So far are we from rendering full payment, that, if God should call us to a strict account, there is not one of us who would not be a bankrupt. But, after having reconciled us to himself by free grace, he accepts our services, such as they are, and bestows on them a reward which is not due. This recompense, therefore, does not depend on considerations of merit, but on God’s gracious acceptance, and is so far from being inconsistent with the righteousness of faith, that it may be viewed as an appendage to it.”
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
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