1 Timothy 6:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

NASB: storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

CSB: storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.

NLT: By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

KJV: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

NKJV: storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

When a wealthy believer acts in accordance with God's will, as described in verses 17–18, he or she is investing in heavenly rewards. Treasures in heaven are considered far more valuable than wealth in this life. Of course, the same is true for believers of any financial means; when we invest in God's work, we are investing in heavenly treasures. Jesus taught this in clear terms, as well. He stated, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20).

Jesus also once challenged a wealthy young man to "… sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Mark 10:21). This young man's sorrowful response demonstrates one of the drawbacks of worldly wealth: a tendency towards attachment to material things at the expense of spiritual things.

Another benefit for wealthy believers who are generous is that they "take hold of that which is truly life." Paul here has in mind living the life God has called believers to live, one filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and focused on kingdom priorities. The best life is one lived to serve other people.

First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.