Paul had not finished all he wanted to say about money, so he returned to that subject briefly with a word of instruction for the wealthy Ephesian believers. He gave these directions to balance what he had said earlier in this epistle (in vv. 9-11).
6:17 He had previously instructed those who thought of themselves as not having wealth. Now he addressed those who had it and knew it. The Greek word plousioi, meaning "the wealthy,"refers to the materially rich, particularly those who did not need to work for a living.226Two attitudes often mislead the rich. One is the idea that greater monetary value indicates greater personal value or worth. The other is the notion that their riches guarantee their power and security. Paul warned against both of these conclusions. God will determine our future, not our present financial resources. Rich people should put their hope in the Giver rather than in His gifts. God controls these resources. If he has given them to us, we can enjoy His gifts unselfishly. We can take pleasure in the fact that they free us from certain temptations (cf. Prov. 30:7-9) and enable us to help others.
"The reason everything may be enjoyed lies in the recognition that everything, including one's wealth, is a gift, the expression of God's gracious generosity."227
6:18-19 Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to view their money as God's enablement to accomplish good deeds. Rather than enjoying a reputation for having much money, they should cultivate a reputation for being rich in good deeds. They should also be openhanded, ready and willing to share with others generously what God had given them. By doing so, they would be insuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship when they stood before Him (cf. Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34; 18:22). Moreover in so doing they would experience the fullness of their eternal life (cf. v. 12).
"A kind heart as well as a generous hand is demanded of the rich."228
It is not sinful to be rich, and it is not godly to be poor. God has given wealthy Christians resources for ministry that other Christians do not possess. With these resources come the temptations and opportunities to misuse them.
Note that Paul did not say the wealthy should dispose of all or even most of their wealth. He said they should be "ready to share"(v. 18) as the Lord directed them. Presumably God will lead one person to do one thing with his or her money and another person something else (cf. John 21:22).
Note, too, that wealthy Christians should not feel guilty because they are wealthy, assuming they have become wealthy legitimately. They should "enjoy"the benefits of wealth. This is difficult for some to do because we commonly equate personal enjoyment with the gratification of our flesh. The rich Christian should cultivate the joy that comes from laying up treasure in heaven by investing his or her life and wealth in what will endure forever.229
This passage is one that most of us Western Christians in particular need to take to heart. In comparison with the rest of the world, we are very wealthy. We must guard ourselves against the flesh and the voices in our culture that urge us to take a very different attitude toward money than Paul taught.
