How does Matthew 6:19 relate to 1 Timothy 6:17-19 on wealth? Setting the Verses Side by Side Matthew 6:19 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Shared Warnings About Earthly Treasure • Both passages expose the same danger: earthly wealth is fragile, temporary, and unable to secure the future. • Jesus pictures rust, moths, and thieves; Paul points to the “uncertainty of riches.” • The underlying truth is literal and timeless: material assets cannot guarantee safety, joy, or life (cf. Proverbs 11:28; James 5:1-3). Where Trust Should Rest • Matthew: “Store up…treasures in heaven” (v. 20) — shifting trust from possessions to God’s eternal reward. • 1 Timothy: “Put their hope…in God, who richly provides” — redirecting confidence toward the Giver rather than the gift. • Both call for a heart-transfer: treasure follows trust, and trust reveals where the heart truly is (Matthew 6:21). Positive Call to Eternal Investment • Jesus gives the command; Paul gives the practical outworking. • Paul defines “treasure in heaven” as: – Doing good – Being rich in good works – Practicing generosity – Being ready to share • These actions lay “a firm foundation for the coming age,” echoing Jesus’ promise of incorruptible treasure. Practical Steps to Obey • Regularly evaluate spending and saving in light of eternity. • Budget generosity first, not last (Proverbs 3:9). • Turn moments of increase into opportunities for ministry (2 Corinthians 9:11). • Guard the heart from pride by remembering every asset is “richly provided” by God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Cultivate contentment; godliness with contentment “is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Consequences and Rewards • Earth-bound treasure: inevitable loss, anxiety, and spiritual dullness. • Heaven-bound treasure: secure reward, present joy, and deeper fellowship with God (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33-34). • Paul’s phrase “take hold of that which is truly life” underscores that generosity now multiplies life both now and forever. Supporting Passages Echoing the Theme • Proverbs 23:4-5 — riches “sprout wings.” • Luke 16:9 — use worldly wealth to make eternal friends. • Hebrews 13:5 — “Be content with what you have.” • Revelation 3:18 — buy refined gold from Christ. |
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