…but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Summary: In this passage, Paul points us to those things that are both the sweetest things in life and also the most often taken for granted.
Let’s review. The entire passage reads as follows:
“Command those who are rich in this present world 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.”
Those who are “rich” in this world can buy things with their money that others cannot. They can also use their money to help others in their time of need. Money has many uses, but, as Paul points out, it is deceptive. It can also lead to arrogance and putting our trust in material things instead of God.
Instead, all of us, rich or poor, should put our hope in God.
Why?
Because God provides us with “everything for our enjoyment.”
What does Paul mean?
What does God provide for us that is “for our enjoyment”?
This is one of those verses where it is helpful to stop for a moment and think about what it is we enjoy.
We can “enjoy” having things that others don’t have, but that kind of enjoyment comes at the expense of those who do not have. When we “enjoy” being envied by others because we have something they don’t have, that is not a “joy” that God approves of. (See Micah 6:11-13)
Instead, think of the things God provides us without asking.
First and foremost, is life itself. Without life, we would not even exist to enjoy God’s creation. If this sounds like a trivial point, remember that when God created Adam and Eve, they rejected him as God and chose to be “like God” himself (Genesis 3:5). The result was a disaster for humanity (Romans 1:32).
We don’t deserve being allowed to live. On top of that, God has provided redemption and atonement through his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25). Because of him, we live!
Beyond that, what does God provide?
There are many things, but the sweetest and most desirable is also the one thing money can’t buy— a relationship with our Creator (John 1:12-13). If we have that, then everything else is enjoyable, too.
Application: Thank God!
Food for Thought: How would you describe the kind of “enjoyment” Paul is talking about?
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Continue reading “1 Timothy 6:17b – Enjoyment”
