1 Timóteo 6
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Timóteo 6
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening , May 16 “Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” —1 Timothy 6:17 Our Lord Jesus is ever giving, and does not for a solitary instant withdraw his hand. As long as there is a vessel of grace not yet full to the brim, the oil shall not be stayed. He is a sun ever-shining; he is manna always falling round the camp; he is a rock in the desert, ever sending out streams of life from his smitten side; the rain of his grace is always dropping; the river of his bounty is ever-flowing, and the well-spring of his love is constantly overflowing. As the King can never die, so his grace can never fail. Daily we pluck his fruit, and daily his branches bend down to our hand with a fresh store of mercy. There are seven feast-days in his weeks, and as many as are the days, so many are the banquets in his years. Who has ever returned from his door unblessed? Who has ever risen from his table unsatisfied, or from his bosom un-emparadised? His mercies are new every morning and fresh every evening. Who can know the number of his benefits, or recount the list of his bounties? Every sand which drops from the glass of time is but the tardy follower of a myriad of mercies. The wings of our hours are covered with the silver of his kindness, and with the yellow gold of his affection. The river of time bears from the mountains of eternity the golden sands of his favour. The countless stars are but as the standard bearers of a more innumerable host of blessings. Who can count the dust of the benefits which he bestows on Jacob, or tell the number of the fourth part of his mercies towards Israel? How shall my soul extol him who daily loadeth us with benefits, and who crowneth us with loving-kindness? O that my praise could be as ceaseless as his bounty! O miserable tongue, how canst thou be silent? Wake up, I pray thee, lest I call thee no more my glory, but my shame. “Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early.” Bob Gass - You and Your Money - A Fresh Word for Today Don’t trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God. (1 Timothy 6:17) Is God tapping you on the shoulder to remind you of a few important facts? First, command those who are rich not to be haughty! It is amazing what a little prosperity will do to some people. When I was growing up in Belfast, a family on our street suddenly came into money, bought a new car, added an indoor toilet, and promptly stopped speaking to the rest of us! My mom, with a touch of dry wit, remarked, “Same cat, just different whiskers!” Whether you’re “old money,” “new money,” or “no money,” listen: Don’t trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who gives us all things richly to enjoy. God wants you to succeed, and He wants you to enjoy everything He has given you. All He asks is that you remember who gave it to you and show some gratitude! By the way, He also said that when you have more than enough to meet your own needs, “be ready to give and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). TODAY, SOMEONE WHO IS NEEDY WILL WALK ACROSS YOUR PATH. BE READY TO GIVE. A W Tozer - DO THINGS POSSESS US? Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 I think a lot of people in our congregations get confused when some learned brother advises us that we must all join in a fervent fight against “materialism.” If men and women do not know what materialism is, how can they be expected to join the battle? Materialism in its crisis form occurs when men and women created in the image of God accept and look upon matter as “the ultimate”—the only reality. The advice, “We must fight materialism,” does not mean that everyone should get a sword and run after a fellow named Material and cut him down. What it does mean is that we should start believing in the fact of God’s Creation and that matter is only a creature of the all-wise and ever-loving God! The believer is not deceived into believing that the physical things we know and enjoy are the ultimate end in themselves. James Smith - THE MANIFOLD MERCIES OF THE LIVING GOD “Trusting in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). 1. An Unfailing Source “The living God.” 2. A Bountiful Supply. “All things.” 3. A Gracious Offer. “Who giveth us.” 4. A Happy Experience. “All things richly to enjoy.” 5. A Simple Condition. “Trusting.” Norman Geisler - 1 TIMOTHY 6:17–18—Should wealth be avoided or retained? (When Critics Ask - free online) PROBLEM: Jesus urged the rich young ruler to “sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matt. 19:21). The early disciples sold their possessions and laid the money at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:34–35). And Paul warned that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). However, God blessed Abraham and Job with riches, and Paul does not instruct the rich to give away all they have, but to use and “richly enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17–18). SOLUTION: It should be observed, first of all, that Jesus’ instruction to “sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matt. 19:21) was to a rich young man who had made money his god, not to those who have not. There is nothing wrong with possessing riches—there is something wrong with being possessed by riches. Further, there is no indication that the early disciples in Acts were either urged to sell all, or that they actually did. The land sold (Acts 4:34–35) may have been extra property. It is noteworthy that it does not say they sold their homes (see discussion on Acts 2:44–45). Finally, Paul does not say that money is evil, but only that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Seeking riches for their own sake is wrong, but seeking to have something to share with others in need is not. Thus, while God “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17), in the same breath He warns, “not … to trust in uncertain riches.” Waiting for Perfection Hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. --1 Timothy 6:17NIV As I was walking into our office, a friend complimented me on my bright fuchsia suit. It was one I had longed for and looked at many times before finally buying it. I told her that I had been waiting to find the perfect shoes and blouse to wear with the suit but had finally decided I would not wait any longer, even if everything did not match perfectly. My friend said, "That decision could apply to a lot of things, not just what you wear." I saw how right she was. The attitude that all the items in the outfit had to match perfectly before I could wear it had kept me from enjoying it. I realized there had been many times in my life when my search for perfection left me hanging just like that suit in my closet. Often, waiting for perfection can rob us of the joys that can be found in daily living. The search for perfection in ourselves and in others can keep us from relating in meaningful ways to each other and to God. Ironically, it is the perfecting love of God that we deny ourselves when we think we must be perfect before we can be in God's loving presence! PRAYER: Loving God, help us to accept ourselves and others and not to demand perfection. Amen. If we wait for perfection before enjoying life, we will never enjoy life. RICHES AND FAITH Command those who are rich in this present age not to . . . trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. 1 Tim. 6:17 Black Monday, the day in October 1987 when the American stock market fell more than 500 points, hit investors hard. The crash made a lot of people reassess their relationship to money. The wise were again reminded that money is a transient and disappointing god. James said that the rich person will wither as grass in the burning heat (Jas 1:11+). He was no doubt referring to the strong, hot, dry wind from the south that would pass through Palestine. It would wither a field of bright flowers in a few hours. So too, the life of a rich man is but a brief moment in time. His life and his riches are soon gone--and with them an unfounded faith. No matter how long a person may live or how rich he may be, money cannot bring him happiness. In his book For Better or For Worse Walter Maier included this story: "A rich man had committed suicide. In his pockets were found two items: $30,000 in cash and a letter. The letter read in part: 'I have discovered during my life that piles of money do not bring happiness. I am taking my life because I can no longer stand the solitude and boredom. When I was an ordinary workman in New York, I was happy. Now that I possess millions, I am infinitely sad and prefer death.'" The riches of this world are vain, They vanish in a day; But sweet the treasures of God's love-- They never pass away. --H.G.B. Hold lightly to the things of earth but tightly to the things of heaven. Too Strict God . . . gives us richly all things to enjoy. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 The tempter knows his craft. After all, he has been practicing it since the world began. He tries to get us to forfeit God’s blessing by urging us to ignore God’s laws or by slyly getting us to add to them. He knows we can fall into a ditch on either side of the road. In his chat with Eve, he first suggested that God didn’t want her to enjoy any of the trees in the garden (Gen. 3:1). Eve jumped to God’s defense, explaining that it was only the fruit of the middle tree that was off limits (vv.2-3). But then she added that even touching the tree would bring death (v.3). God, though, hadn’t said anything about touching it. Some of us try to defend God by being more strict than He is. We believe we are holier if we go beyond His commands. As a result, we miss out on the orchard because we are denied a single piece of poisoned fruit. Not only will we not touch that tree, but we also will not touch the tree next to it or a tree that looks like it. By doing so we dishonor God. For Further Study What do these verses say about enjoying life? Genesis 1:28-31; Psalm 36:7-9; Ecclesiastes 2; Acts 14:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 2:20-23 The joy of living comes from a heart of thanksgiving. Radical Generosity Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. — 1 Timothy 6:18 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Cindy Kienow, who works at a popular restaurant in Hutchinson, Kansas, had been waiting on one of her steady customers for 3 years. He always tipped her well, sometimes leaving as much as half the tab. Then he outdid himself—he gave her a $10,000 tip for a $26 meal. He told her, “I want you to know this is not a joke.” What an amazing display of radical generosity! Paul advised Timothy to encourage the wealthy in his congregation to display radical generosity (1 Tim. 6:18). Timothy ministered in the prosperous city of Ephesus, where certain members of the church were wealthy. Some of these people didn’t understand their responsibility to the kingdom of God. So Paul challenged Timothy to remind them that having great wealth carried great responsibility. That included being humble, finding their security in God, not in riches, and using their money to do good. How they handled their money revealed the condition of their heart. FOR FURTHER STUDY Do you want to be wise and generous with what God has given you? Read Cultivating A Heart Of Contentment When we give ourselves to the Lord, all other giving becomes easier. Joyful Living Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. — 1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Our search for joy takes us many different directions—dream holidays, shopping, food, clothes, friends, cars—the list is almost endless. My guess is that if you perked up at the mention of shopping, holidays, or cars, you might have felt a twinge of guilt. We often view the joy of temporal things as less than spiritual and show our discomfort by apologizing for nice things: “I wouldn’t have bought this, but someone gave me a wonderful deal.” As if real Christians never eat quiche, drive cool cars, or wear designer clothes! No doubt God’s greatest gift to us is our relationship with His Son Jesus. It’s a gift beyond comparison. Jesus promised that when we abide in Him we will experience the fulfillment of His joy (John 15:11), and without that kind of deep, abiding joy the rest of life is mundane at best. We thank Thee, Lord, for daily food, For plenteous store of earthly good; For life and health we still possess, With house and home so richly blessed. —Mohler Our heavenly Father delights in bringing us delight. What Is Secure? Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. — 1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Tim. 6:6-10,17-19 During the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, a widow lost a third of her income when her bank stocks no longer paid dividends after her trusted bank failed. The Wall Street Journal quoted her tearful response as an example of the feelings of many people who were similarly affected: “You just think, ‘This can’t be happening.’ What is secure anymore?” Tragedy and hard times always jolt our thinking. Our best plans and hopes can be shattered by events beyond our control. We are reminded that there is only one source of true security in a changing world. With new appreciation, we consider Paul’s words: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). When our resources diminish, we can grow richer in good works, generosity, and sharing with others. If financial stability returns, we can hold more loosely what we are given, trusting solely in God. Though troubles assail, and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite, Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide: The Scripture assures us, “The Lord will provide.” —Newton In uncertain times, our security is in God alone. True Wealth Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Money is a powerful force. We work for it, save it, spend it, use it to satisfy our earthside longings, and then wish we had more. Aware of its distracting danger, Jesus taught more about money than any other topic. And, as far as we know, He never took an offering for Himself. Clearly, He didn’t teach about giving to fill His own pockets. Instead, Jesus warned us that trusting in wealth and using it to gain power clogs our spiritual arteries more readily than most other impediments to spiritual development. In telling the story of the “rich fool,” He shamed His listeners for not being rich toward God (Luke 12:13-21), indicating that God has a far different definition of wealth than most of us. So, what does it mean to be rich toward God? Paul tells us that those who are rich should not be conceited about their wealth, “nor to trust in uncertain riches” (1 Tim. 6:17). Rather, we are to “be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1Ti 6:18). If we’ve been blessed with riches, We must be rich in deeds; God wants us to be generous In meeting others’ needs. —Sper Riches are a blessing only to those who make them a blessing to others. The Difference God Makes [Do not] trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 One evening a news program devoted its entire broadcast to the problems of many young athletes who suddenly become multimillionaire sports celebrities. They start out buying expensive cars, living luxuriously, and partying. Then they get into immoral conduct and illicit drugs. Soon their careers are in shambles. The writer of Ecclesiastes could have empathized with these young athletes. In chapter 6, he illustrated the emptiness of a life that has wealth and riches but does not include God. Two men are portrayed. The first is either a workaholic or a playboy. He is a quick success but is unhappy and dies with no heirs (Eccl 6:1-2). The second lives longer and has many children but is also unfulfilled and dies unloved (Eccl 6:3-6). The writer concluded that it is better not to have lived at all than to be rich and famous but miserable! You may have much gold and grandeur, Yet by God be reckoned poor; He Alone has riches truly Who has Christ, though nothing more. —Anon. To be rich in God is better than to be rich in goods. (2Cor 8:9+) COUNTRY CLUB CHRISTIANITY Charge them that are rich in this age, that they be not high- minded, nor trust in uncertain riches. 1 Timothy 6:17 Poverty in itself is not a blessing, nor are riches necessarily a curse. But I do believe it is easier for poor people to be fervent in the Lord's service than for those who are wealthy. An old story illustrates the point well. In an area where ocean ships often crashed on the rocks in violent weather was a harbor town widely known for its dedicated rescue team. Whenever the siren sounded, a group of men rushed to the scene of the accident, risking life and limb to save the sailors from drowning. After several years the citizens had enough money to build a rescue station close to the shore, which greatly facilitated the operation. A little later, some of the people took special training and became even more efficient. As time went by, they added some comforts and conveniences to the building. They furnished it with a lounge and a kitchen, then a bar and sleeping quarters. Finally it became a club where the townspeople gathered to have fun and relax. The alarm still sounded but nobody responded anymore. They were reluctant to leave their comforts and pleasures. A number of people would drown offshore, but no one seemed to notice. A heart that's warm with deep concern When set on worldly goals Will quickly cool and cease to yearn For lost and dying souls. --D.J.D. Beware--luxury and ease may create hardening of the attitudes! Profit And Loss Command those who are rich in this present age not to . . . trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Publisher Frank Doubleday had a one-of-a-kind book that was bound in red, Russian leather. He called it the Book Of The Law And The Profits. Unlike the portions of the Bible that we call the Law and the Prophets, Doubleday’s book was an account of his business dealings and his financial profits. According to author George Doran, the red book contained Doubleday’s morning prayers and evening vespers. In other words, it seemed that he worshiped money. Jesus knew how easily all of us are tempted to become devotees of money and all the things it can buy. He warned, “No one can serve two masters . . . . You cannot serve God and mammon [money]” (Mt. 6:24). We are idolaters if we put our trust in money as the ultimate source of our security and happiness. Our Lord also warned against being absorbed in the things that gratify our fleshly desires and self-centered ambitions. He asked, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mt 16:26). If I gained the world but not the Savior, Would my gain be worth the lifelong strife? Are all earthly pleasures worth comparing For a moment with a Christ-filled life? —Olander None are so poor as those whose only wealth is money. Old Skinflint For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Some people will do anything to save a buck. Like the miserly uncle I read about who invited his nephews to hunt for arrowheads in the field behind his house. Before the search could begin, however, he told the excited youngsters they had to move all the rocks out of the field and clear away the underbrush. By the time they were finished, it was too late to search for arrowheads. Later, they learned that none had ever been found on his property. When they complained to their dad, he said, “My old skinflint brother bamboozled you out of a day’s work.” Those boys will not soon forget how they were taken advantage of. There’s nothing wrong with being frugal. It’s a matter of good stewardship. But there is something wrong with being so thrifty that you won’t pay a boy what he’s worth. Stinginess at the cost of someone else’s humiliation or hurt is not what our Lord wants. In 1 Timothy 6:18, we learn that we’re to “do good” and be “ready to give, willing to share.” We’re to be fair, giving, and generous people. One grace each child of God can show Is giving from a willing heart; Yet, if we wait till riches grow, It well may be we'll never start. —D. De Haan Because God gives us all we need, let's give to others in their need. In God We Trust? [Do not] trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Money is not evil, but it can lead to many temptations. Today’s Bible reading highlights one common snare: trusting in money instead of God (1 Tim. 6:17). We claim to trust in God, yet we act otherwise. A pile of money seems more secure to us than God’s promise to provide, but Paul assured us that money is the uncertain part. Indeed, it’s possible to run short of money, but we’ll never run short of God’s power to provide both essential and enjoyable things. To appreciate God’s limitless power to provide, it’s useful to consider the limitations of money. A gospel tract that resembled a $20 bill helped me to understand this. On the back of the tract were these thought-provoking words: “Money will buy: A bed but not sleep. Food but not appetite. A house but not a home. Amusement but not happiness. A cross but not a Savior. A church pew but not heaven. What money can’t buy, Jesus Christ gives freely without charge.” Thinking It Over What worries do you have about money? Which ones can't God take care of? Give God your financial worries right now. The contented person is never poor; the discontented is never rich. "IN GOD WE TRUST" Command those who are rich . . . not to . . . trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. 1 Timothy 6:17 The first U.S. coin to bear the inscription "In God We Trust" was a 2-cent piece minted in 1864. The idea for having a motto originated with a Pennsylvania minister who suggested it to Salmon Portland Chase, Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln. Chase, a deeply God-fearing man, asked James Polloch, director of the Mint, to come up with appropriate words. In a letter to him, Chase wrote, "No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins." And so the motto "In God We Trust" was born. For millions of people, a more accurate motto might be, "In goods we trust." The material things money can buy have become such an important part of our lives that God is pushed into the background. In today's Scripture, the rich are commanded to be humble and to trust the living God rather than the wealth they have accumulated. The enjoyment of material things is not wrong, but it must not become life's primary goal. Instead, we must become rich in good works by sharing. Not in having or receiving But in giving there is bliss; He who has no other pleasure Ever may rejoice in this. --Anon. Riches are a blessing only to those who make them a blessing to others. The Wrong God Command those who are rich in this present age not . . . to trust in uncertain riches. —1 Timothy 6:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-21 A missionary had been witnessing faithfully to a certain man who was an idol worshiper. One day the man placed a small statue and a silver coin on the table in front of the missionary. Then he took two slips of paper and wrote something on each. On the note by the idol he wrote the words heathen god. On the sheet next to the silver coin he wrote the words Christian god. From what that man had observed in the lives of some people from so-called Christian nations, he had concluded that money was the main object of their adoration and the source of their confidence. Many people today choose to worship the god of money. They make it the object of their trust, love, and service. But how foolish! Jesus warned, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mk. 10:24). Who or what is the object of your worship? The psalmist advised, “Put your trust in the Lord” (Ps. 4:5). Moses commanded, “You shall love the Lord” (Dt. 6:5), and Joshua told his people, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). True joy comes from loving Jesus Not from things that we amass; He alone brings joy and gladness, Peace and love that really last. —Pasch Never let gold become your god! 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, to do: 2Ch 24:16 Ps 37:3 Ec 3:12 Lu 6:33-35 Ac 10:38 Ga 6:10 Heb 13:16 1Pe 3:11 3Jn 1:11, river, 1Ti 5:10 Lu 12:21 Ac 9:36 Tit 2:14 3:8 Jas 2:5 ready: De 15:7-11 Ps 112:9 Pr 11:24,25 Ec 11:1,2,6 Isa 32:8 58:7 Lu 6:35 14:12-14 Ac 2:44,45 4:34-37 11:29 Ro 12:8,13 1Co 16:2 2Co 8:1,2,9,12 9:6-15 Php 4:18,19 Heb 13:16 1Jn 3:17 1 Timothy 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 2:44-45+ (EXAMPLES OF SPIRIT-ENERGIZED GENEROUS GIVING) And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Acts 4:32-37+ And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. RICHES ARE FOR OUR ENJOYMENT AND OUR EMPLOYMENT! One could subtitle this passage "How the rich can be truly rich," "How the rich can truly enjoy their riches" (Paul has just mentioned "enjoy" at the end of 1Ti 6:17), or thirdly, "How to live a rich life characterized by goodness and generosity." A tagline for this section of Paul's good advice to the rich might be "exchange the transient (temporal) for the eternal!" Instruct them to do good (agathoergeo - present tense = continually) , to be rich (plouteo - present tense = continually) in good (see kalos) works, to be generous (eumetadotos - literally "sharing well") and (einai = present tense = continually) ready to share (koinonikos) - Paul lays out a 4-FOLD STRATEGY for those who find themselves wealthy with regard to material things in this present life--how they can be faithful in this stewardship and what their responsibility should be in view of their blessings. One might sum up these 4 exhortations as "Give and live like God!" Only a Spirit filled (controlled) believer (Eph 5:18+) can truly fulfill this four part exhortation (present tense calling for our "lifestyle") for our fallen flesh continually grasps, while the Spirit continually gives! May God grant us all by His Spirit the great gift of giving like God gives in Christ Jesus. Amen. Possessions are to be parceled (verb) out, lest they begin to possess the possessor! Instruct them is added by translators to make sure the readers understand the following 4 exhortations still apply to the rich in the congregation. Paul says their riches are not only for their enjoyment (1Ti 6:17) but for their God honoring employment! Because God gives us all we need, let's give to others in their need. The antidote for greed is to give, to do good. Paul makes the paradoxical statement that we are richer when we give and by default, poorer when we keep. And so Paul describes how to be truly rich in eternity, explaining that in this present world, this now age, the materially rich should be investing in the coming age by doing good, doing good works, being generous and being ever ready to share their wealth with others. Jesus describes the antithesis of rich in good works in Luke 12:21+ as “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Generous and ready to share recalls Paul's words in 2Cor 9:7+ "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." THOUGHT - Are you a generous, cheerful giver or a selfish hoarder? If you are the latter, you need to loosen your grip and trust in the truth that "GOD IS ABLE to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;" (2Cor 9:8+) See illustration of a man who was rich though poor. This passage also recalls the words of Jesus Who commanded His disciples to "not store up for yourselves treasures (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) on earth ("THIS PRESENT WORLD"), where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures (present imperative) in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where for (TERM OF EXPLANATION - EXPLAINING THE DIVINE LOGIC FOR "DEPOSITING RICHES" TO THE BANK OF HEAVEN) where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mt 6:19-21+) THOUGHT - Based on Jesus' commands regarding riches, it follows that we can all perform a spiritual checkup on heart simply by checking our checkbook! How's the condition of your heart? Is it beating for this world or for the world to come?
1 Timóteo 6:6-8
Spurgeon: He has but a leasehold of his acres, and death ends his tenure. Through the river of death man must pass naked. Not a rag of all his raiment, not a coin of all his treasure, not a joy of all his honour, can the dying worldling carry with him. Why then fret ourselves about so fleeting a prosperity? His glory shall not descend after him. As he goes down, down, down forever, none of his honors or possessions will follow him. Patents of nobility are invalid in the sepulcher. His worship, his honour, his lordship, and his grace, will alike find their titles ridiculous in the tomb. Hell knows no aristocracy. Your dainty and delicate sinners shall find that eternal burnings have no respect for their affectations and refinements. Thomas Adams: The form of money agrees well with the condition of it; it is stamped round, because it is so apt to run away. Could we be rich so long as we live, yet that were uncertain enough for life itself is but a dream, a shadow, but a dream of a shadow. (Augustine.) Rich men are but like hailstones; they make a noise in the world, as the hail rattles on the tiles of a house; down they fall, lie still, and melt away (Woe! Cp Jas 1:11-note). So that if riches could stay by a man, yet he cannot stay by them. Spite of his teeth, he shall carry away nothing when he dies. Life and goods are both in a vessel, both cast away at once; yea, of the two, life has the greater likelihood of continuing! Let it fly never so fast away, riches have eagles' wings, and will out fly it. There are thieves on the highways, that will take our money and spare our lives. In our penal laws, there are not as many ways to forfeit our lives as our goods. Rich Job lived to see himself poor to a proverb. How many in this city are reputed to be rich, and yet have broken (are bankrupt) for thousands! There are innumerable ways to be poor; a fire, a thief, a false servant, suretyship, trusting bad customers, an unfaithful factor, a pirate, an unskillful pilot, has brought rich men to poverty. One gale of wind is able to make merchants rich or beggars. Man's life is like the banks of a river, his temporal estate is the stream: time will mold (shape) away the banks, but the stream stays not for that, it glides away continually. Life is the tree, riches are the fruit, or rather the leaves; the leaves will fall, the fruit is plucked, and yet the tree stands. Some write of the pine tree, that if the bark be pulled off, it lasts long; (for the bark) being on it rots. If the worldling's bark were stripped off, he might perhaps live longer. There is great hope he would live the better. THE PLAIN TRUTH OF OUR SHORT LIFE For (gar) we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either - Paul’s trying to remind us here is that we bring nothing in, we can take nothing out, therefore we need to have a right attitude toward these things. It is no accident that the first (inspired) word in the Greek is nothing (ouden = absolutely nothing, not one single thing!) which lays heavy emphasis on this truth. Given this straightforward truth we all do well to pray... Lord, help me not to set my heart On things that pass away; Make me content with what I have And help me stay that way. (AMEN) --Sper For (1063)(gar) is "a marker of cause or reason between events, though in some context this association may be remote or tenuous" (Louw-Nida). Stated another way "for" is a term of explanation which always provides an opportunity to pause and ponder the passage. You will be amazed how much truth a humble, prayerful, Spirit dependent attitude will allow to discern as you simply observe the text! In the present context, "for" explains or amplifies why godliness is associated with true contentment and is great gain. In other words when a man or woman of God possesses godliness joined with contentment they are able to dispense of those things that we cannot take with us into eternity future and the sum is "great gain." Hiebert - With “for” Paul elucidates the nature of this godly contentment, now restated in personal terms. (Notice the three “we” verbs.) As believers we realize the transitoriness and perishableness of all that this world gives. (Borrow First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary - excellent resource) Lange says: In this and the following verses the Apostle shows the many grounds of this Christian contentment. The first lies in the very nature of those worldly things for whose possession the unsatisfied man strives. They are not our lawful property, but a loan, received at our birth, to be soon surrendered at the first summons. (1 Timothy 6 Commentary)
1 Timóteo 6:6-8
Spurgeon comments: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. In the course of providence, the Lord tests our graces and the sincerity of our profession; and for this purpose he does “leads us into temptation.” We entreat Him not to try us too severely. Lord, let not my joys or my sorrows become temptations to me (Ed: i.e., tests which lead me to sin). As I would not run into temptation of myself, I pray Thee, do not lead me where I must inevitably meet it. But if I must be tried (Ed: We "must be tried" as taught in 1Pe 1:6-note where "if necessary" ~ "although necessary" or "since necessary" - Why necessary? Read 1Pe 1:7-note. Compare the positive effect of trials in Jas 1:2-note, Jas 1:3-note), Lord, deliver me from falling into evil, and specially preserve me from that Evil One (the devil), who, above all, seeks my soul, to destroy it (1Pe 5:8-note). Temptation or trial may be for my good, if I am delivered from evil. Lord, do this for me, for I cannot preserve myself. (AMEN!) Luke 5:18 And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Luke 11:4 'And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'" Acts 17:20 "For you (Athenian pantheists to Paul) are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean." 1 Timothy 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. Hebrews 13:11-note For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin (On the once/year high Day of Atonement), are burned outside the camp. We cannot take anything out - But you can send it ahead! Read Randy Alcorn's book The Treasure Principle (Borrow) or Money, possessions, and eternity (Borrow) Do your givin' While you're livin'. Then you're knowin' Where it's goin' J.
1 Timóteo 6:6-8
Spurgeon: How easy it is, how easy it must be, for a man to be contented when he knows that God has promised to be with him in all circumstances and at all times! Arkeo - Used 7x in the Septuagint (LXX)- Ex 12:4; Nu 11:22; Jos. 17:16; 1Ki. 8:27; 2Chr 6:18; Pr 30:15, 16. Here is an OT use... Joshua 17:16 And the sons of Joseph said, "The hill country is not enough (arkeo) for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the valley land have chariots of iron, both those who are in Beth-shean and its towns, and those who are in the valley of Jezreel." (cp Jdg 1:27 explains why they had this problem = they failed to fully obey. Partial obedience = disobedience beloved! Contrast Judah's experience - Jdg 1:2, 3, 4) THOUGHT: When you take your eyes off the Lord and the faithfulness of His Word (cp Peter's experience of taking his eyes off His Sufficient Savior, Mt 14:30), your "hill country" never seems to be enough, for you will begin to focus on the adversaries and adversities (or the waves, like Peter!). Instead, let us focus on His sure promise to give us "every spiritual blessing...in Christ" (Eph 1:3-note). Let us focus on the promise of His power sufficient to possess what we feel too weak to possess (cp Josh 1:2, 3, noting Joshua's responsibility and God's sufficiency). God had given Israel the land of Canaan as their possession, but they had to possess it which is another way of saying they had to "trust and obey". (see Joshua's last words testifying to God's faithfulness -- Joshua 23:14, 21:45) In short, Jehovah promised Israel they would be able to possess a new and glorious LAND, but to NT believers He promises we will be able to possess a new and glorious LIFE in Christ (cp Gal 2:20-note). And He gives us sufficient grace to possess this promise! Matthew Henry well said that "The necessities of life are the bounds of a true Christian’s desires. Truly, the secret of contentment is not having much but wanting little. This is not to say we cannot have more than food and clothing. It means that having more than these presents a temptation (1 Tim. 6:9). May we, as God’s children, refuse to let the world squeeze us into its mold, and refuse to imitate it as it seeks everything to live with and nothing to live for. Much wants More! Guy King says: It is one of the rich man's dangers that he lacks contentment--having got one thing, he wants another; as the old proverb puts it, "Much wants More". After all, he can afford it, so why shouldn't he have it? Perhaps we shall be able to settle that point later on in this Study. As we said earlier, it is not wrong to have riches, of course not; but only bear in mind that there is a danger of bloated, and pampered extravagance. Demarest says: There was a memorable line in the movie Oh, God! John Denver is talking with "God" (in the form of George Burns) and raises the classic question, "If you're so loving and good, how come there are so many people starving in the world?" To which "God" replies: "Look, I gave you plenty to go around for everyone. As long as some of you insist on having more than you need, others will go hungry." And that's the way it is! G. K. Chesterton said: “There are 2 ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more, the other is to desire less and less.” John Owen - Our lots are various in this world : how they may be farther different before we go out of it we know not. Some are in one condition,—some in another. That we envy not one another, nor any in the world; that we repine not at God, nor charge him foolishly,—is that I aim at ;—a thing sufficiently necessary in these days, wherein good men are too little able to bear their own condition, if in any thing it differs from [that of] others. (from a sermon Of Walking Humbly With God) Life and Works of Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon by Henry Davenport Northrop, D.D. A benevolent person gave Mr. Rowland Hill a hundred pounds to dispense to a poor minister, and, thinking it was too much to send him all at once, Mr. Hill forwarded five pounds in a letter, with simply these words within the envelope, "More to follow." In a few days' time, the good man received another letter by the post--and the letters by the post were rarities in those days;--this second messenger contained another five pounds, with the same motto, "And more to follow." A day or two after came a third and a fourth, and still the same promise, "And more to follow." Till the whole sum had been received the astonished minister was made familiar with the cheering words, "And more to follow." Every blessing that comes from God is sent with the self-same message, "And more to follow." "I forgive you your sins, but there's more to follow." "I justify you in the righteousness of Christ, but there's more to follow." "I adopt you into my family, but there's more to follow." "I educate you for heaven, but there's more to follow." "I give you grace upon grace, but there's more to follow." "I have helped you even to old age, but there's still more to follow." "I will uphold you in the hour of death, and as you are passing into the world of spirits, my mercy shall still continue with you, and when you land in the world to come there shall still be more to follow." Rut, Rot or Revival: The Condition of the Church by A. W. Tozer We have God. We have Christ. We have truth. We have a world needing help. We have the saints, and we have the power of prayer. We have the joy of obedience and we have the sweet wonder of His presence. We have the joy of Christian song. We have all this and we do not need garbage. We have God. All we have to do is trust in His Son Jesus Christ and obey the truth, and the Lord will manifest Himself, show Himself through the lattice. John
1 Timóteo 6:9
Spurgeon wrote "When I see so many rich people, as I do, caring so much for their bodies, and so little for their souls, I pity them from the bottom of my heart, and sometimes think there are as many ruined by riches as by poverty. -Feathers for Arrows Thomas Watson To damn them with delights! "So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 The serpent beguiled Eve with his subtlety; let us not be beguiled by his hellish snares and plots. Satan has a dexterity in subtle contrivances. He hurts more as a fox than a lion. His snares are worse than his darts. His error damns as well as His vice; poison kills as well as a pistol. Satan bewitches and ensnares men, by setting pleasing baits before them; as the riches, pleasures, and honors of the world. "All these things will I give you." Matthew 4:9. How many does he tempt with this golden apple! Pride, idleness, luxury—are the three worms which are bred by prosperity. "Those who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare." 1 Timothy 6:9. Satan kills with these silver darts! How many are ensnared by his luscious delights! The pleasures of the world are the great engine by which Satan batters down men's souls. His policy is to tickle them to death—to damn them with delights! The flesh would gladly be pleased, and Satan prevails by this temptation—he drowns them in the sweet waters of pleasure. Such as have abundance of the world, walk in the midst of golden snares! We had need watch our hearts in prosperity, and pray not to be led into temptation. We have as much need to be careful that we are not endangered by prosperity—as a man has to be careful at a feast where there are some poisoned dishes of food. (The Lord's Prayer) In their ceaseless quest for gold, They neglect their never-dying soul! Destruction (waste) (684)(apoleia from apo = marker of separation, away from + olethros = ruin, death but not annihilation <> from ollumi = to destroy) means utter and hopeless loss of all that gives worth to existence. Note that contrary to popular opinion apoleia does not refer to extinction or annihilation or an end of existence, but to total ruin so far as the purpose of existence is concerned. Apōleia (destruction) usually refers to the eternal ruin of the soul (cf. Ro 9:22; 2Th. 2:3; Heb. 10:39; Rev. 17:8). The more common sense of apoleia is as a description of the destruction which one experiences, when man instead of becoming what he might have become by redemption through the blood of Christ (new creature/creation in Christ - 2 Cor 5:17), is ruined ("spiritually bankrupt", in a state of "eternal disrepair") suffering loss of value or usefulness (ultimately usefulness to God - this is sad beyond words and even as I write this note tears well up in my eyes for the plight of these men and women, created in the image of God.) Think of the picture of a once beautiful edifice which has suffered the ravages of time and circumstances and all that one sees is the useless, collapsed, disintegrated remains. In short, apoleia speaks of the loss of everything that makes human existence worthwhile. The idea not loss of being, but loss of well-being. THE DANGER OF RICHES But they that will be rich fail into temptation and a snare. 1 Timothy 6:9 Money is a good servant but a poor master. If the desire for riches becomes an obsession and an end in itself, men soon lose all spiritual perspective and fall into many "foolish and hurtful lusts." The emperor Nero reveled in earthly possessions and set his heart upon them. From his splendid throne as the ruler of the Roman Empire, he commanded that gorgeous porches a mile long be built around his palace. The ceiling of his banquet hall was equipped at great expense with hidden showers that lightly sprayed perfume upon all who came to visit him. His crown was worth a half million dollars, and his mules were shod with silver. Whenever he traveled, a thousand chariots accompanied him, and he refused to wear the same garment twice no matter how costly and beautiful it was. Taxing the people unmercifully, he was able to pay extravagant sums of money to anyone who could devise new methods of entertaining him. Yet with all his riches and splendor he was a peevish, gloomy, dissatisfied man. The immense wealth he had amassed could not satisfy his soul. Not being rich toward God, he died a suicide. You may own countless acres--a lordly estate; You may dwell in a palace, costly and great; | But the mansions in Glory will only be given To those whose treasures are laid up in Heaven. --Moncrief Never let your GOLD become your GOD! COVETOUS OR CONTENTED? For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 Someone has said, "Money is a universal passport to everywhere except heaven, and a certain provider for everything except happiness." In itself money is good and necessary, but to love it is sinful. Those who try to find contentment in wealth are usually not satisfied unless they have just a little bit more. Coming downstairs one morning, a wealthy man heard his cook exclaim, "Oh, if I only had 5 dollars, wouldn't I be content!" Thinking the matter over, and wanting to see the woman satisfied, he handed her a 5-dollar bill. She thanked him profusely. He paused outside the kitchen door to hear if she would express the same satisfaction and thanks to God. As soon as she thought he was out of earshot, he heard her mutter in disgust, "Oh, why didn't I say 10 dollars!" That's the typical cry of the covetous heart. A Christian magazine reported that a songbook had a misprint in one line of the hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." It should have read, "Land me safe on Canaan's shore," but it was printed, "Land my safe on Canaan's shore." The editor observed, "The revised version might be acceptable to many who have fallen into the trap of the love of money." Who finds in Christ a resting place From all his toil and pain Has greater wealth than if earth's gold Were gathered to his gain. --Garrison The real measure of our wealth is what will be ours in eternity Temptations Men Face by Tom L. Eisenman) B. F. Skinner did behavior-modification experiments with chickens. He found that he could teach a chicken to peck at a disk if he rewarded the bird with a piece of corn. If he stopped rewarding the chicken, the chicken would quit pecking the disk. But if he gave an intermittent reward, that is, dropped a piece of corn only occasionally and at random, chickens would stand and peck relentlessly at the disk until they fell over from exhaustion. This is the psychological principle behind the compelling power of the slot machine. We are driven and manipulated by the intermittent reward principle in sweepstakes, lotteries and gambling. Sure, sometimes people do get rich quick. If it never happened, we would soon give up the obsession. I read last week of a man in Colorado who won two $10,000 prizes in the lottery in one week. That ought to keep Coloradans pecking the lottery disk for months. (Laugh Again by Charles R. Swindoll) The whole subject of finances and fund raising and remaining pure, humble, and grateful in the handling of money is a heavy weight hanging on the thin wires of integrity and accountability. Thomas Watson describes three worms which often breed in prosperity To make us content with "daily bread," though God straitens us in our allowance, think seriously of the danger there is in a high, prosperous condition. Some are not content with "daily bread," but desire to have their barns filled, and heap up silver as dust; which proves a snare to them. "Those who will be rich fall into a snare." 1Ti 6:9. Pride, idleness, and lust—are three worms which often breed in prosperity. Prosperity often deafens the ear against God. "I spoke unto you in your prosperity, but you said—I will not hear." Jer 22:21. Soft pleasures harden the heart. In the body, the more fat—the less vitality. Just so, the more outward plenty—often the less piety. Prosperity has its honey—and also its sting! Anxious care is the evil spirit which haunts the rich man—and will not let him rest. When his chests are full of money—his heart is full of care, either how to manage or how to increase, or how to secure what he has gotten. Should this not make us content with that allowance which God gives us—if we have daily bread, though not dainties? Think of the danger of prosperity! The spreading of a full table may be the spreading of a snare! Many have been sunk to hell, with golden weights! If God keeps us to a spare diet—if He gives us less of temporal things—He has made it up in spiritual things. He has given us the Pearl of great price—the Lord Jesus, who is the quintessence of all good things. To give us Christ, is more than if God had given us all the world. He can make more worlds—but He has no more Christs to bestow. Christ is such a golden mine, that the angels cannot dig to the bottom! His riches are unsearchable! Eph. 3:8. From Christ we have justification, adoption and glorification! Consider that it is not having an abundance, which makes us content. It is not a fancy cage which will make the bird sing. Having an abundance may make one less content. One staff may help the traveler—but a bundle of staffs will be a burden to him. A great estate may be like a long trailing garment—more burdensome than useful. He who can say, "My God," has enough to rock his heart quiet in the lowest condition. What can he lack—who has the all-sufficient God for his portion! (Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer") Illustration - Samuel Insull was born in London, and began his career as a clerk for various local businesses. At the age of 21 he caught the attention of Thomas Edison while working for Edison's business representative in London. Edison offered Insull a job as his personal secretary, and he immigrated to the United States in 1881. After moving to Chicago in 1892, Insull assembled an empire of utility and transportation companies including Commonwealth Edison, Peoples Gas, and the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, and he acquired several electric railways in Indiana and Illinois. In 1932, the Great Depression brought Insull's empire crashing down. His utilities holdings lost $3 billion and he lost $300 million in personal wealth. He fled to Greece to live on a meager income of $18,000 per year but was returned to the U.S. to stand trial on charges of mail fraud, embezzlement, and violation of the bankruptcy acts. He was acquitted in three separate trials. Broken financially by the exhausting court trials and the Great Depression, he retired to France. Insull died on July 16, 1938, died of a heart attack in a Paris subway station with twenty cents in his pocket. Riches come and go, but we can put our trust in the Lord forever. (Preaching Illustrations Vol 1) Watson writes… The rich man's table is often his snare; he is ready to engulf himself too deep in these sweet waters. In this sense it is hard to know how to abound. It must be a strong brain which can bear heady wine. Just so, he has need have of much wisdom and grace, to know how to bear a prosperous condition; either he is ready to kill himself with worry—or to glut himself with luscious delights. O the hazard of honor, the damage of prosperity! Pride, lust, and worldliness, are the three worms which breed in prosperity. (De. 32:15) The pastures of prosperity are dangerous. How soon are we ensnared upon the soft pillow of ease! Prosperity is often a trumpet which sounds a retreat—it calls men off from the pursuit of religion. The sun of prosperity often dulls and puts out the fire of piety! How many souls has the cancer of abundance killed? "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. 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." (1 Timothy 6:9-10) The world is full of golden sands—but they are quick-sands! Prosperity, like smooth Jacob, will supplant and betray! A great estate, without much vigilance—will be a thief to rob us of heaven! Such as are upon the pinnacle of honor, are in most danger of falling. A more humble condition, is less hazardous. The little boat rides safely along, when the gallant ship with its large mast and top-sail, is cast away. Adam in paradise was overcome, when Job on the dung-hill was a conqueror. Samson fell asleep in Delilah's lap. Just so, some have fallen so fast asleep on the lap of ease and plenty, that they have never awaked until they have been in hell! The world's fawning—is worse than its frowning! It is more to be feared when it smiles—than when it thunders. Prosperity, in Scripture, is compared to a candle; "his candle shined upon my head:" (Job 29:3) how many have burnt their wings about this candle! The corn being over-ripe, withers; and fruit, when it mellows, begins to rot. Just so, when men mellow with the sun of prosperity, commonly their souls begin to rot in sin! "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" (Lu. 18:24) His golden weights keep him from ascending up the hill of God! And shall we not be content, though we are placed in a lower orb? What if we have not as much of the world, as others do? We are not in so much danger! As we lack the riches of the world—so we lack their temptations. O the abundance of danger—which is in abundance! When men's estates are low, they are more serious about their souls, and more humble. But when they have abundance, then their hearts begin to swell with their estates. Bring a man from the cold, starving climate of poverty—into the hot southern climate of prosperity—and he begins to lose his appetite to godly things, he grows weak—and a thousand to one if all his religion does not die! But bring a Christian from a rich flourishing estate into a low condition—and he has a better appetite after heavenly things, he hungers more after Christ, he thirsts more for grace, he eats more of the Bread of Life; this man is now likely to live and hold out in his piety. Be content then, with moderation; if you have but enough to pay for your passage to heaven, it suffices. "If we have food and clothing—we will be content with these." 1 Timothy 6:8 WHERE YOU GO HEREAFTER DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU GO AFTER HERE!
1 Timóteo 6:16
Spurgeon: Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: wrapping the light about him as a monarch puts on his robe. The conception is sublime: but it makes us feel how altogether inconceivable the personal glory of the Lord must be; if light itself is but His garment and veil, what must be the blazing splendor of His own essential being! We are lost in astonishment, and dare not pry into the mystery lest we be blinded by its insufferable glory… The clearest revelation of God is still a concealment; even light is but a covering to Him. God is clothed with light as we see Him in His omniscience, His holiness, His revelation, His glory, in heaven and His grace on earth. John
1 Timóteo 6:16
Spurgeon says that God is… Not a light, nor the light, though He is both, but that He is light. Scripture uses the term light for knowledge, for purity, for prosperity, for happiness, and for truth. (Spurgeon's Comments on 1John 1:5) The possibility of danger implicit in human contact with God is reflected repeatedly in Scripture: Ex 3:2, 19:21-24; 24:11; 33:20-23; Ge 32:30; Jdg 13:20-23; Isa 6:5; Acts 9:3-9; 1Ti 6:15-16; Rev 19:11-21 GOD INVISIBLE Which no man has seen or can see (on eiden oudeis anthropon oude idein dunatai) (cp "Invisible" in 1Ti 1:17) - More literally this Greek phrase reads "which saw no one of men but not to see is able", which of course is very awkward. Note that Paul twice uses the strongest negatives possible (absolute negatives = ou in oudeis and oude) to emphasize the fact that man has not and cannot see the essence of God. Paul has already stated God dwells is unapproachable light and now says he is invisible to men! This sounds fairly hopeless, were it not for the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the purveyor of eternal hope. Can (1410)(dunamai) conveys the basic meaning of that which has the inherent ability to do something or accomplish some end. Thus dunamai means to be able or capable of or having the ability to see God. Human beings do not possess the capability for seeing God in unapproachable light. George Knight explains that "When this great and majestic God brings about the appearance of Christ, Who has already brought life and immortality to light (2Ti 1:10), Christ will enable Timothy to lay hold of eternal life (1Ti 6:12) and put on its attendant immortality (1Cor 15:51–57). That appearing will display “the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13). Our transformation, in which we shall become “like him” (1Jn. 3:2; Php 3:20, 21), shall come about “because we shall see Him as He is” (1Jn 3:2). The wonder and the glory of that appearing is that in it the transcendent God manifests Himself in Christ and by that act makes Himself available to us and bestows on us what we could never have and be apart from Christ. Thus we are to put on immortality, a characteristic that is God’s alone, and to see Him in Christ and be transformed (rather than destroyed) by that sight. (Ref) IN SEEING THE SON IN BEING IN THE SON WE SHALL SEE THE FATHER! W E Vine explains that "God is, in the essence of His being, invisible to the natural eye, Deuteronomy 4:12; 1John 4:12. He is seen by us in Christ alone, who is God revealed, the Father manifested and declared, John 1:18; 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3. “Whosoever sins [present tense = goes on sinning, as a habit or a practice] has not seen Him, neither knows Him,” 1John 3:6. “He that doeth [present tense = a practice] evil has not seen God” (3John 11). Spiritual vision is granted only to the truly regenerate. And hereafter it is “the pure in heart” who shall see God, Matthew 5:8-note. Without “the sanctification, no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:14. In seeing the Son we shall see the Father. See also Psalm 17:15. Jamieson comments that…Perhaps even in the perfect state no creature shall fully see God. Still the saints shall, in some sense, have the blessedness of seeing Him, which is denied to mere man (Mt 5:8-note; 1Co 13:12; 1Jn 3:2; Re 22:4). Wayne Grudem asks how will we see God in heaven? We will never be able to see or know all of God, for “his greatness is unsearchable” (Ps. 145:3; cf. John 6:46; 1Ti 1:17; 6:16; 1Jn 4:12, which were mentioned above). And we will not be able to see—at least with our physical eyes—the spiritual being of God. Nevertheless, Scripture says that we will see God himself. Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8-note). We will be able to see the human nature of Jesus, of course (Rev 1:7). But it is not clear in exactly what sense we will be able to “see” the Father and the Holy Spirit, or the divine nature of God the Son (cf. Rev 1:4; 4:2–3, 5; 5:6). Perhaps the nature of this “seeing” will not be known to us until we reach heaven. Although what we see will not be an exhaustive vision of God, it will be a completely true and clear and real vision of God. We shall see “face to face” (1Cor 13:12) and “we shall see him as he is” (1John 3:2). The most remarkable description of the open, close fellowship with God that we shall experience is seen in the fact that in the heavenly city “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; they shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads” (Rev. 22:3, 4). When we realize that God is the perfection of all that we long for or desire, that He is the summation of everything beautiful or desirable, then we realize that the greatest joy of the life to come will be that we “shall see His face.” This seeing of God “face to face” has been called the beatific vision meaning “the vision that makes us blessed or happy” (“beatific” is from two Latin words, beatus “blessed,” and facere “to make”). To look at God changes us and makes us like him: “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2; cf. 2 Cor. 3:18). This vision of God will be the consummation of our knowing God and will give us full delight and joy for all eternity: “in your presence there is fulness of joy, in your right hand are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16:11). (Systematic Theology) So the question that has always haunted me is will see the Father in Heaven? While I cannot be dogmatic, I think there are texts which suggests we will see Him, which seems to agree with Dr Grudem's thought above.. One passage of interest is in Revelation, where John has been transported up to heaven and records… Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. (Rev 4:2, 3) At this point, we cannot discern Who was sitting on the throne but clearly John could see Him. However, he describes Him with comparison to "a jasper stone and a sardius". The vision however continues unbroken into chapter 5 where John sees the book (scroll) that no one is able to open, recording… And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (Rev 5:6) In the context this is clearly a described of the crucified, eternally scarred Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The seven Spirit of God is almost surely a description of the Holy Spirit. Then John records… And He came, and He took it out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. (Rev 5:7) John sees Jesus take the scroll out of the hand of the One on the throne, but he adds no detail. Although John never calls the One on the throne God the Father, this is almost certainly the Father. Note also that the One Who dwells in unapproachable light is in fact approached by Jesus the Son. John writes that "no one comes to the Father but through Me." (Jn 14:6, cp Jn 10:7,9, 1Jn 2:23). Indeed, the writer of Hebrews says that… we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh (Hebrews 10:19, 20, cp Ro 5:1, 2 where "introduction" is prosagoge = access, approach, admission, Greek word meaning to bring another into the presence of a third party!) The point of this analysis is simply that John saw One on the throne, and thus he saw the Father. I think this text at least supports the premise that one day future, believers will see the Father in some form. And as Grudem pointed out Rev 22:4 says the "bondservants… shall see His face," however this could refer to the face of Jesus. It is worth noting that Rev 22:3 describes two thrones, one of God and the other of the Lamb, which supports the premise we shall be able to see the Father. However 1Ti 6:16, Ex 33:20 and Jn 1:18 might be appealed to by someone who does not think we will ever see the Father. Mark Hitchcock asks… So how do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory biblical statements? We will see God… yet no man can see God and live. How can that be? I believe the three verses above are telling us that man cannot look upon God and live in these earthly human bodies on this side of heaven. In his present state, in his unperfected, unglorified condition, he cannot behold the manifestation of God and survive the experience.One day soon, however, we will live and move in new, immortal, imperishable bodies fit for heaven. And with new eyes in that glorious place beyond our finite imaginations, we will be granted the inestimable privilege of seeing the localized manifestation of our heavenly Father. We will see the Father in heaven! John MacArthur supports this view: "I believe that in heaven we will see God Himself with our physical eyes… God will reveal the light of His glory, and through perfect eyes we will see the very face of God. God is spirit (John 4:24), and spirit is invisible; therefore, whenever God manifests Himself He does so in the form of light… Seeing Christ and the Father will eternally awe us." (Unfortunately Hitchcock does not give us a reference for MacArthur's quote). The fact that we will see the Father and the Son in heaven does not mean that there is more than one God. The true God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is one in essence or nature, yet three in person. Another way to put it is that God is one "what" (one essence) and three "whos" (three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). We will see the manifestation of the Father in heaven as well as the face of our blessed Savior. "They will see His (Jesus') face, and His name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4; cp 1Cor 13:12). (55 Answers to Questions about Life After Death - Mark Hitchcock) SEVERAL PASSAGES ABOUT SEEING GOD Exodus 33:18-23 Then Moses said, "I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!" 19 And He said, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion." 20 But He said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" 21 Then the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; 22 and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 "Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen." Psalm 63:1,2 (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, To see Thy power and Thy glory. Spurgeon: He longed not so much to see the sanctuary as to see his God; he looked through the veil of ceremonies to the invisible One. Often had his heart been gladdened by communion with God in the outward ordinances, and for this great blessing he sighs again; as well he might, for it is the weightiest of all earth's sorrows for a Christian man to lose the conscious presence of his covenant God. He remembers and mentions the two attributes which had most impressed themselves upon his mind when he had been rapt in adoration in the holy place; upon these his mind had dwelt in the preceding Psalm, and the savour of that contemplation is evidently upon his heart when in the wilderness: these he desires to behold again in the place of his banishment. It is a precious thought that the divine power and glory are not confined in their manifestation to any places or localities; they are to be heard above the roaring of the sea, seen amid the glare of the tempest, felt in the forest and the prairie, and enjoyed wherever there is a heart that longs and thirsts to behold them. Our misery is that we thirst so little for these sublime things, and so much for the mocking trifles of time and sense. We are in very truth always in a weary land, for this is not our rest; and it is marvellous that believers do not more continuously thirst after their portion far beyond the river where they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; but shall see the face of their God, and his name shall be in their foreheads. David did not thirst for water or any earthly thing, but only for spiritual manifestations. The sight of God was enough for him, but nothing short of that would content him. How great a friend is he, the very sight of whom is consolation. Oh, my soul, imitate the psalmist, and let all thy desires ascend towards the highest good; longing here to see God, and having no higher joy even for eternity. John Angell James: It is, or should be, the desire of every Christian to see and enjoy more and more of the glory of God. That the accomplishment of this design is to be sought by a devout and diligent attendance upon the worship of the sanctuary. How is God's character in the sanctuary manifested to believers? 1 By the ministry of reconciliation -- by the exhibition of gospel truth. 2 Believers grow in their knowledge of the divine character in the sanctuary, by observing and feeling the application of those great doctrines to the souls of men, by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. 3 The effects that result to the believer in his history and experience, from an increasing knowledge of the power and glory of God. The effects of this knowledge are great and manifold. 4 The believer, by fresh displays of the divine glory, is disenchanted from the fascination of the world. 5 Another effect of an increasing acquaintance with God, and of every view of the divine glory we obtain, is that the mind is disentangled from the embarrassments into which it is sometimes thrown by the aspect of providence. 6 By seeing the divine power and glory in the sanctuary, we shall have our strength renewed to go on our Christian course afresh. 7 A view of the divine glory crucifies our lusts, and puts the corruptions of our heart to death. 8 Fresh views of the divine power and glory nourish our humility. 9 These views of the divine glory in the sanctuary arm us for our conflict with the last enemy. Psalm 27:8 (God is speaking, note carefully what He commands and David's response) When Thou didst say, "Seek (Piel = intensive, intentional action. Imperative = A command) My face," my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O LORD, I shall seek." (cp 2Sa 21:1, Ps 24:6, Ps 105:4) Richard Sibbes has a wonderful explanation: God is willing to be known. He is willing to open and discover himself; God delights not to hide himself. God stands not upon state, as some emperors do that think their presence diminishes respect. God is no such God, but he may be searched into. Man, if any weakness be discovered, we can soon search into the depth of his excellency; but with God it is clean otherwise. The more we know of him, the more we shall admire him. None admire him more than the blessed angels, that see most of him, and the blessed spirits that have communion with him. Therefore he hides not himself, nay, he desires to be known; and all those that have his Spirit desire to make him known. Those that suppress the knowledge of God in his will, what he performs for men, and what he requires of them, they are enemies to God and of God's people. They suppress the opening of God, clean contrary to God's meaning; "Seek my face;" I desire to be made known, and lay open myself to you. Therefore we may observe by the way, that when we are in any dark condition, that a Christian finds not the beams of God shining on him, let him not lay the blame upon God, as if God were a God that delighted to hide himself. Oh, no! it is not his delight. He loves not strangeness to his poor creatures. It is not a point of his policy. He is too great to affect (Choose=love) such poor things. No; the fault is altogether in us. We walk not worthy of such a presence; we want humility and preparation. If there be any darkness in the creature, that he finds God doth not so shine on him as in former times, undoubtedly the cause is in himself; for God saith, "Seek my face." He desires to reveal himself. Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel (face of God), for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved." Comment: The concept of seeing the face of God is not always the same in Scripture. In Ex 33:20 God said to Moses, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live," but at that time God did reveal Himself to Moses by a manifestation of His glory. When Jacob said that he had seen the LORD face to face, he simply meant that he had looked upon a divine Being, the Angel of the LORD, (see Ge 16:7) not that he had beheld God in all of His resplendent glory, which no man could look upon, even as we cannot look upon the sun without being blinded. All that these passages imply culminates in man's beholding the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (cp. Ps 27:8; 2Co 4:6; see Ge 12:7 and Jn 1:18). John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 1:18 No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (John 1:18) Henry