I Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

I. Perspective for those who are not rich. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

II. The perspective of those who want to get rich.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

1. The love of money is deceptive. The passion to get money is like the drinking of seawater. When you taste its saltiness...all you want is more.

2. The love of money is destructive.

A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

3. The love of money is dangerous.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

III. The perspective of those who are rich.

Command those who are rich (abundance of excess) in this present world (note the timeline) not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1. A danger to avoid.

Command (Instruct) them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

3. A destiny to consider.

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, that which is life indeed.