1 Timothy 6:17-18
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be high-minded or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches but on God, who richly supplies us with all things for enjoyment: to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”
This passage starts with the wealth holders. Then, it switches to “us” all. Not everyone must decide what to do with their wealth. But everyone must decide what to do with the things God has richly supplied. Rich Christians should be rich “in good works.” So should poor Christians. Even elderly widows seeking financial support from the church have the same obligation. (1 Timothy 5:10).
- How does God richly provide for us in ways other than wealth?
- How have you seen others using their gifts from God in a way that makes them “rich in good works?”
- When you were young, who taught you to be generous? Did you have any role models for sharing and giving? Were they all financially wealthy?
In the Parable of the Talents, the good steward immediately put his talent to work. And by doing so, he ends up with even more. By putting the talent to work, it grows. He gets more. Plus, he gets much, much more when the master returns.
Consider those who have the gift of teaching. Fear could cause them to keep it hidden. But hiding it won’t allow it to grow. (It might even rust, fade, or begin to disappear.) Or they could choose to enjoy it by putting it to work. They could use their gift of teaching to do good. They could use it to become rich in visible good works. They could share it with the fellowship community.
- We can hide a gift. Or we can enjoy it by putting it to work to do good. How might this apply to a person with gifts of leading, serving, encouraging, or teaching?
- How might fear motivate their choice to hide or bury their gift rather than share it?
- How does the wealth holder face this same choice between burying a gift and using it for good?