Riches that Endure

Riches that Endure
1 Timothy 6:6-21
June 14, 2026

Tonight we are getting to the end of the first letter that Paul wrote to Timothy. As we know, Timothy was the overseer of the church in Ephesus, and as such he has been given the responsibility to teach the church and help keep them on course, staying out of the weeds.

There’s been a lot said about being a leader, being an elder and also guidance Paul gave to Timothy personally. But then there is also instruction that he was told to share with the church.

We transitioned to this topic in the section where Paul said that there were those who were using godliness as a means of gain, money even being the driving force of some ministering to the church. But then he broadens his instruction addressing the wider church.

This is a very relevant message as money and riches has the potential to be one of the greatest pitfalls in a person’s life. There is a reason Jesus specifically singled out money above all other things saying that  you cannot serve God and mammon.

We will see that Paul is warning them of these pitfalls, but then also giving them an eternal perspective concerning money and riches.

These are instructions that we all should take to heart, and prayerfully consider as God wants us to be free of the love of money which ultimately destroys, and rather see money in the right perspective as a tool that can and should be used for God’s glory and as part of His plan for our lives.

I. Find Great Gain

• It seems that there were leaders in Paul’s time who used the gospel for personal financial gain. This had the potential to seep into the rest of the church resulting in wrong doctrine, thinking godliness is a means to gain.
• By the way, today we also get a prosperity gospel, where people are taught that if they just accept Jesus, they will become wealthy, everything will always go right, and they will be elevated to great positions.
• When they then follow Jesus on this premise, it is actually an indulgence of the lust of the flesh and a selfish “gospel”. When this doesn’t happen, many are disillusioned by this and then turn from God.
• The gospel brings great gain, but it is much different than this.

A. Gain through contentment

• Last week we ended the session talking about contentment. This is especially relevant in connection with money. We brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of it either.
• This is the simplest concept, but it seems like one of the most difficult things to grasp, because most people spend their whole lives chasing after money and wealth, just to leave it behind when they die. When you step back and evaluate this, it seems pointless.
• But if you don’t trust God to be sufficient for you, you will try to create another security.
• Whatever that ‘security’ is, it will inevitably become the foundation of your life. This is the danger of money and wealth. Many today make it their foundation and security.
• It then becomes your compass, your goal, your determining factor of happiness and peace, but because it is volatile, it also creates anxiety and fear. Riches and money only give the illusion of stability and security.

Illus – What happens when the stock market crashes. How much is enough? What if hyperinflation hits? Zimbabwe is a great illustration. In 1980, the Zim dollar was stronger than the US dollar. But in 2008, the economy went into hyperinflation. At the peak, their month-on-month inflation rate was 79,6 billion percent. A $100 trillion banknote could not pay for a simple bus fare. You would go to work in the morning and be able to buy a trolley full of food for x amount, and by the afternoon not be able to afford a loaf of bread for the same amount.

What about when the Jews offered the Nazi’s their wealth to let them go? The officers would laugh and take the money, and arrest them anyway.

• Riches is not a solid foundation to build your life on; it is more like sand.

Illus – The harder you try to hold on to it, the more it slips away, till eventually there is nothing left.

• One day, we will leave it all behind. You cannot take it with you. Even if you could take it with you, what would you do with it anyway? Say you could take it with you and show up at heaven’s gate with a truck full of gold. They will say, ‘Dump it there with the road building supplies. What else have you got?’ Gold and silver are not the currency of heaven.
• You can, however, receive great eternal gain. Everyone wants great gain. Gains in their 401k, bitcoin, stocks. Where do you get real great gain?

1 Tim 6:6, [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.

• So the secret to great, abundant gain is godliness with contentment, a sense of inward sufficiency.

B. Where do you get inward sufficiency?

• For a Christian, Christ is our sufficiency. He is our source and anchor. He is your security.
• It is through building your life on God’s faithfulness, knowing that His thoughts towards you are good, and if your life is surrendered to Him, He will make all things work together for good who are called according to His purposes.
• This means that we trust God and know that He knows best and what we need in every season, even if it is a difficult season.
• The problem is that it is human nature to want to find the path of least resistance, wanting to be as comfortable as possible without any trials or hardships.

Illus – There is a reason we don’t just sleep permanently outside with no protection.

• But growth in character and as a person needs trials. It is not always comfortable, and God allows this in our lives.

Romans 5:3-5, And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

• What does this have to do with money? Another reason people chase after money is to try to buffer themselves against life’s hardships, and even, against God’s plans. Then, they think, they will be captains of their own destiny.

Illus – Jonah running from God.

Jonah 1:3, But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

• God is sovereign. The irony is that your pursuit of wealth and riches might lead you into more stress, trials and trouble than you ever thought possible! Thank God that he can then even use that for good if you turn to Him.

Verse 9 – But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.

• Many who have chased after riches will be able to say amen on this. Therein lies many temptations to sin because money is a higher value than your integrity.

Illus- Many who have been tempted to go to that bar, or that, strip-club, or that meet – up, to get in the good graces of a superior because it will advance their position in the company, or get them that promotion, or that bonus. Tempted to stay at work longer and longer at the expense of their family. Ending up in divorce while making the job their whole life.

II. Let Go of Your Love of Money

Verse 10 –  For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.

• Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is. Think of this in the macro system. The love of money is the root of the drug trade (not caring whose life gets destroyed), human trafficking (money being more important than human life), prostitution, hostile company take-overs. (it’s not personal, it’s just business.)
• What about in your microcosm? Where has the love of money strangled your faith? How many have been led astray by chasing that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? And even those who have acquired much wealth, at what cost?

Illus – I have heard the story of a man, and this is the story of many rich successful people, that he has never really experienced love, because he was always guarded when meeting a woman, not knowing if they really love him, or just want to be with him for his money. He has been married three times and had three divorces already, and each time it just brings more heartache and worries.

• Rather be content. Trust God, trust His love, trust that He knows what you need and what you can handle in each season of life. Let go of your love of money, take hold of God.
• Verse 13 – I charge you. This is command. Be without stain or reproach. Don’t let these things stain you. Don’t let it make its mark and deep impression on you. Stay focused until Jesus comes.
• Paul brings them back to the reality of eternity. He brings this life and riches into perspective, judging it by eternity.

A. He possesses immortality

• Smack in the middle of this section, Paul turns his attention to the sovereignty of God. Why?
• When talking about money, wealth, provision, we must have a definite, strong focus on who God is, His position and sovereignty over all. Because if we lose sight of that, the lure of the world can cloud your vision.
• But he also declares through this that God is sovereign, and able to supply for you even on this side of the grave.

Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Matt 6:31-34, Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.

• He knows what you need and when you need it. Too many people want to play God and overextend themselves, rush after greed and lust for things, and gets themselves into all sorts of financial and other trouble.
• Many try to fill an inner void with retail therapy, or because they think things will give them more status with their peers or in society. In the end, none of that will satisfy if there is a deep need for acceptance. Only God can.
• When you let go of trying to impress others with things, and rather take hold of the unconditional acceptance and love God offers, it will transform your life, and a weight will fall off your shoulders.
• But love of money is not only a problem for the rich. There are those who are poor who are also controlled by the love of money. This stirs envy, discontentment, and always thinking about money. Don’t be caught up in that.

B. Honor God with riches

• When hearing all this, it might sound like you are not allowed to be rich. That is not the truth either. Although those who are rich has to look out for many pitfalls, Paul does not say you cannot be rich. It has to do with who your master is and what your focus is.
• In this he gives instructions to the rich.
• Do not be conceited. Do not be narcissistic and arrogant. Do not think that you are better than others just because you have money. It is an illusion.
• Remember, the Prodigal son’s popularity was based on his wealth, and as soon as it was gone, his popularity and social ranking quickly went into free-fall.
• Honor God as your source, even of your wealth. Your brain, your body, your intellect, your gifting, everything that made it possible for you to acquire wealth was a gift from Him.
• Verse 17 – God supplies things to enjoy, but don’t let the things take the place of God. And don’t try and find your worth, happiness, and heart-joy in it. It is fleeting.
• Do good, be rich in good works, be generous, ready to share.

Illus – I know rich people who are rich, but stingy. Then I know rich people who are very generous. They are truly rich, because they enrich and impact many other lives.

• If God has blessed you to be a king, provider, in His kingdom, He expects you to act responsibly with what He has given you. God has blessed you not only for your own enrichment, but to also be conduit through which He can bless others.

Illus – I once heard the testimony of a rich man who has grown to a place where he tithes, or sows, 90% of his income. He said one of the greatest problems of amassing great wealth is that you never have enough. You will always find something else to buy, to invest in, to need. This has the potential that you fall into greed. So, what he did was define his circle of need and with what he was content. Whatever was more than that, he sowed.  

• Many will say that this is not applicable to them. They might say they are not millionaires, so they are not rich. If you are living in the US, there are very few who are not well-off by world standards.
• But even if you are not rich, that is not measure that defines if you can make a difference with your finances. Jesus pointed this out with the poor widow who only gave two copper coins, all that she had.

C. Send your wealth ahead

• Verse 19 – Most people try to save up for retirement. But is there a heavenly 401k? Paul here seems to suggest that there is. You cannot take your money with you when you die, but you can send it ahead. It is not just about the amount you send, but the heart you send it with.
• This has nothing to do with your salvation, but there will be a prize giving in heaven where our works will be judged, as mentioned last week, and it does seem that we can store up treasure in heaven.

Matthew 6:19, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• Importantly, when we look at the example of the widow, God’s currency conversion looks different. It is not just about the money . Heaven has a different currency. It is part of your heart condition.

D. Flee from these things, fight the good fight

• Needless to say, it is not just money that impacts eternity. When talking about the lure of the love of money, Paul urges Timothy, flee from these things. Shift your focus. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, gentleness. These are godly attributes. These are part of the things that are eternal, heavenly currency and heap treasures in heaven.
• Fight the good fight of faith. Stand your ground on the truth. Don’t be swayed. Take hold of eternal life.
• How do you take hold of eternal life? By living your life with eternity as your primary objective, it being front and center in everything you do.
• This type of living is not to be a chore, disliking your life while you are on your way to heaven. God loves a cheerful giver in everything. Real joy is found in making a difference and being effective for God’s kingdom.
• So how do you live this practically? Ask: How does my action, choices, resources and time now impact eternity?
• We live this out by being available, surrendered, to the Holy Spirit. He will lead you in all things.

Illus – Rhiete and I money sow.  Excited to do it.

• Sometimes you make an impact doing something you didn’t plan. ‘Can you please go pray for someone?’ It ends up being a great blessing to me!
• Paul says that he gladly spent his life. Not grudgingly. Stop over-thinking it. Let God lead you in this beautiful journey, in the moment.
• He will nudge your heart, if you are willing. He will work in you to will and to work according to His good pleasure.
• He will lead you into riches that really endure.