1 Timothy 6:6-17, Security vs. anxiety (4)

b)    Security is not bound up in “financial security.”

i)      The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Prov. 18:10).  This is familiar to many because the words are a popular worship chorus.  If I can, I would like to call our attention to the verses around this one.

ii)   He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer (18:9).  In other words, there is no security for the lazy man.  Does that mean security is bound up in the money we earn from our work?  Read on.

iii)            The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.  Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility (18:11-12).  The rich man considers his wealth to be the source of security.  But the problem is that the rich man is particularly prone to pride, and that is the cause for certain destruction. 

(1)                        This dependence on one’s financial security is called into question by Paul in 1 Tim. 6:6-12,17.  To be rich is not a sin in itself, but the fact is, the love of money is the root of all evil!  We should know this by now.  Of all the problems in our world, the crimes that fill our country and its leadership and the powerful forces of evil, what do we say about it?  The common line is, “follow the money!”  Paul’s conclusion is clear: Command those who are rich in this present age not t be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy (6:17).

(2)                        Jesus dealt with the same issue in the Sermon on the Mount.  First He pointed out that where our treasure is is where our heart is (Mt. 6:19-21), which is why the rich man has such a tendency toward pride.  Then He made it clear: you cannot worship God and money, but you can worship one or the other (6:24).  Then He showed the foolishness of worry/anxiety: it does nothing for us (6:25-30).  The same verses call attention to all that God does.  Thus the conclusion is, Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (the basic material needs of your life) will be added to you (6:31-34).

iv) To conclude this issue of money and security, hear the Proverbs again.  Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death (11:4).  He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage (11:28).

We have a “sense of safety” because we know that our God keeps us safe at all times (Jude 1:24; 2 Thess. 3:23-24; Ps. 121:3-4).  I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8).  (For more meditation, Isa. 40:27-31; 43:1-7; Psalm 121.)