The Root of All Evil – Part 4
Title: Learn How to Be Rich
Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
—1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
1. Learn the Riches of Humility
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty…” (1 Timothy 6:17a NKJV)
- Paul reminds Timothy that being rich is not sinful, but pride can be.
- Having abundance doesn’t make you better than anyone else.
- Riches can buy comfort, but they cannot buy salvation.
- True humility remembers that everything we have is a gift from God.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I sometimes let my possessions shape how I view myself or others?
- How can I practice humility even while enjoying the blessings God has given me?
- What steps can I take to remember that God, not wealth, defines my worth?
2. Learn the Riches of Trusting God
“…nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17b NKJV)
- Riches are temporary; God is eternal.
- Wealth can vanish through disaster, theft, or economic change, but God never fails.
- Jesus warned how difficult it can be for the rich to enter God’s kingdom (Matthew 19:23-26).
- Trusting in God secures joy, peace, and eternal life. These are things money can’t buy.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I place more trust in money, possessions, or status than in God?
- How have I seen riches prove “uncertain” in my own life or in the lives of others?
- In what ways can I show that I trust the living God more than I trust wealth?
3. Learn the Riches of Good Works
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share…” (1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV)
- Wealth provides opportunity, but God calls us to use it for His glory.
- Being “rich in good works” means investing in prayer, worship, generosity, and service.
- Good works flow out of obedience, not obligation.
- Money should never be our master; we serve God with our money, not the other way around (Matthew 6:24).
Reflection Questions:
- Am I as eager to do good works as I am to gain wealth or success?
- What “good works” can I begin practicing more faithfully this week?
- How can I use my time, talents, and treasures to bless others in tangible ways?
4. Learn the Riches of Eternal Reward
“…storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:19 NKJV)
- The greatest wealth is not in earthly treasure but in eternal life with Christ.
- When we give, share, and serve, we are storing up treasure in heaven.
- Eternal rewards outlast every earthly possession.
Reflection Questions:
- How do my financial and life choices reflect an eternal perspective?
- Am I more focused on building earthly wealth or eternal rewards?
- What does it look like for me to “lay hold on eternal life” in daily living?
Conclusion
Being rich is not a sin. What matters is how we handle riches: with humility, by trusting God, by engaging in good works, and by storing up eternal rewards. The true measure of wealth is not how much we have, but how faithfully we use what God has entrusted to us.
📖 Memory Verse:
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV)