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What Does the Bible Say About Money

1 Timothy 6:17-19

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Does the Bible address money? Absolutely. Jesus spoke about money in about 15% of His teachings, and Paul also offers clear instructions about wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul reminds us that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” It’s not money itself that is the problem—it’s the idolatry of money.

When money becomes our ultimate hope or source of security, we stop trusting God. As Paul instructs Timothy, pastors are to help their congregations see money rightly—not as a source of arrogance, but as a resource entrusted to us by God.

4 Truths About Money From 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

1) It Won’t Last Forever

Our money and possessions are temporary. They age, break down, or get spent. And when we die, we can’t take anything with us.

Paul warns, “Tell the rich not to be haughty or arrogant, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches” (v. 17). Wealth is fleeting—it can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Instead of trusting in riches, Paul calls us to trust in God.

This doesn’t mean we should be pessimistic about life, but realistic. Our ultimate hope is not in something temporary, but in God’s eternal kingdom. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Everything we have is from God. You may think, I worked hard for what I have—it’s mine. And yes, hard work is good! But consider:

• Why do you work hard? If your goal is just to accumulate wealth or power, you’re aiming too low.

• Who gave you the ability, opportunity, and resources to work hard? It’s the Lord.

As Colossians 3:23reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

God is the provider and sustainer. He gave us everything in the past, He provides for us today, and He will continue to provide in the future.

2) God Is the Wealthiest

In verse 17, Paul describes God as the one who “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”Everything belongs to Him. As Psalm 50:10-11 declares, “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”

God’s wealth isn’t limited to material riches. He has lavished us with the greatest treasure of all: His grace. Through Jesus, we have redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. As Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.”

Even if you lose everything in this life, you are still rich because of Jesus. This gospel perspective frees us to hold loosely to our possessions and trust fully in God.

3) Be a Steward

Paul calls us to “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (v. 18). Generosity is not about obligation—it’s about reflecting God’s character.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Generosity means sacrifice. It’s choosing to give rather than accumulate. It’s saying no to temporary wants so you can say yes to eternal investments.

Be generous with your church, your neighbors, and those in need. Let your generosity point others to Jesus, the One who gave everything for us:

• He became poor so we could have heavenly riches.

• He took our sin so we could be forgiven.

• He died in our place so we could have eternal life.

4) Invest the Right Way

Paul encourages us to “store up treasure…as a good foundation for the future” (v. 19). He echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Investing in eternal things means prioritizing the gospel:

• Supporting missions and ministries.

• Serving in your church and community.

• Using your time, talents, and resources to point others to Jesus.

This is wise stewardship that glorifies God and leads to true life.

Final Thoughts: A Gospel Perspective on Money

Money matters because it reveals where our hearts are. Are we trusting in riches or in the God who richly provides? Are we accumulating wealth for ourselves or using it to further God’s kingdom?

Let’s remember that our ultimate treasure is Jesus. He is our provider, sustainer, and Savior. Even if we lose everything, we have the riches of His grace and the hope of eternal life.

May we honor God with our wealth, be generous to others, and invest in what truly matters.

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Awesome God

The 1980s were a unique time to grow up. From neon-colored clothes to big hair, and yes, the lingo, it was a decade full of memorable trends. Among the popular words of the time, “rad” or “radical” stood out, a term used to describe something cool, exciting, or extraordinary. Another favorite word was “awesome.” Though it gained popularity in the 70s, it remained a staple for expressing enthusiasm in the 80s. Anytime my friends or I experienced something thrilling or fun, we’d shout, “That was awesome!”

But let’s pause for a moment and think about the word “awesome.” Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, “inspiring awe,” “terrific,” or “extraordinary.” Based on this definition, there is no one more awesome than God Himself. He is the most extraordinary, the most inspiring, and the One who truly fills us with awe.

The Awe of God in 1 Timothy

In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul gives Timothy instruction on how to lead the church, guard the truth, and teach sound doctrine. Near the end of the letter, Paul encourages Timothy to flee false teaching, pursue righteousness, fight the good fight of faith, and hold tightly to the hope of eternal life (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

As Paul reflects on these truths, he can’t help but turn his focus to praise. He pens one of the most beautiful doxologies in Scripture, declaring the greatness and sovereignty of God:

“He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of Lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.”

1 Timothy 6:15-16

Let’s break down what this passage reveals about the awesome nature of God:

1. God Is Sovereign Over All

Paul calls God the “blessed and only Sovereign.” To be sovereign means to have supreme power, control, and authority. God reigns over all creation, from the smallest detail to the greatest kingdom. The title “King of kings and Lord of lords” emphasizes that there is no equal to God—no one comes close. He stands in a category all His own, infinitely above everything else.

2. God Alone Is Immortal

Paul reminds us that God is the author of life and the source of all existence. Pastor R. Kent Hughes puts it well:

“This lifts God up as the bestower of life. We humans are immortal because we will exist after death, whether in heaven or hell. But this is only because he who possesses life has created us so. He is the absolute sovereign of all life.”

God alone is eternal, existing from everlasting to everlasting. Every breath we take is a gift from Him.

3. God Dwells in Unapproachable Light

Paul describes God as dwelling in “unapproachable light,” a reference to His holiness and purity. Think back to Moses in Exodus 33, when he asked to see God’s glory. God only allowed Moses to see His passing glory, for no one could fully behold His presence and live.

This truth reminds us that God’s holiness is beyond comprehension. Yet in His mercy, He draws near to us through Jesus Christ.

4. To Him Be Honor and Eternal Dominion

Paul concludes this doxology with a declaration of worship. He gives all honor and eternal dominion to God, emphasizing His rule that lasts forever. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s reign is eternal. He is worthy of all praise, now and forevermore.

Resting in God’s Sovereignty

When we consider God’s sovereignty, it brings a sense of peace and rest. Knowing that our lives are in the hands of the One who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present should calm our fears and anxieties. As Psalm 139:2 reminds us, God knows our coming and going. He cares for us deeply, guiding our steps with His perfect wisdom and love.

In a world that often feels chaotic, it’s comforting to know that God is in control. His sovereignty and goodness give us the assurance we need to trust Him with our lives.

The Awesome God of the 80s and Today

So, as I think back to the 80s and the word “awesome,” I can’t help but smile. The word might have been used for everything from cool skate tricks to blockbuster movies, but its true meaning points us to someone far greater. God alone is truly awesome—amazing in His love, extraordinary in His power, and inspiring in His holiness.

May we live in awe of Him, giving Him the honor and glory He deserves.

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Lessons From the Fog: Trusting God When Life Feels Heavy

We often get weather alerts warning us of extreme conditions—high winds, heavy rain, or even an “atmospheric river.” Living in the Pacific Northwest, we’re no strangers to rain. But recently, we had a warning about extreme fog. Sure enough, thick, heavy fog rolled in, limiting visibility and creating a tangible heaviness in the air.

This got me thinking about how the Bible uses darkness as a metaphor for sin, separation from God, heaviness, loneliness, or seasons of despair. Today, we might describe a “dark state” as depression or deep sadness. These seasons of darkness can be triggered by our own choices, circumstances outside our control, or even the actions of others.

Throughout Scripture, there are references to the “night of the soul” or the “darkness of night.” These phrases echo the experiences of believers who have felt a profound absence of God’s presence. Have you ever been in a season like this—where it seemed like the darkness would never lift? How did you handle it?

The Bible offers a profound story of light breaking into a literal and spiritual darkness. In Acts 16, we read about Paul and Silas, two missionaries in Philippi. After casting out a demonic spirit from a girl, they were met with anger from those who had exploited her for profit. This act of compassion led to their imprisonment:

“Having received this order, he [the jailer] put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:24-25).

A few things stand out in this passage:

1. They were imprisoned for doing good. Despite their good deed, they faced unjust punishment.

2. They were placed in the inner prison. This was the harshest part of the jail, reserved for the worst criminals.

3. They chose to pray and sing. Instead of grumbling or despairing, they turned to God in worship.

4. They used their misfortune as a witness. Their prayers and songs reached the ears of other prisoners.

This story reminds me that in moments of darkness, it’s crucial to remember the truths of Scripture. Sometimes, this comes easily. Other times, it’s a struggle to hold on to hope. Two practices have helped me navigate seasons of darkness: praying and singing.

Praying in the Darkness

Prayer is more than asking God for help—it’s abiding with Him. It’s bringing our hearts before God in praise, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving. Even moments of silent prayer, where we simply desire to be in His presence, can be transformative.

One powerful practice is praying through Scripture. I wonder if Paul and Silas prayed through the Psalms—perhaps reminding themselves that God is their rock, shield, and shelter. Praying Scripture anchors our hearts in God’s promises and redirects our focus from our circumstances to His faithfulness.

Singing in the Darkness

I don’t have the best singing voice, but I’ve learned the importance of singing to the Lord. Paul and Silas sang hymns, likely based on Psalms. Singing Scripture allows us to internalize God’s truth in a unique and powerful way.

Recently, during a difficult season, I found myself turning to Scripture-based worship songs. Singing helped shift my focus from the weight of my circumstances to the promises of God. It reminded me of His sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace. It also pointed me back to the cross—the ultimate demonstration that darkness does not have the final word.

The Darkness Will Lift

Paul and Silas experienced a miraculous deliverance. But even when our problems don’t resolve immediately, we have the assurance that the darkness will not last forever. Like the fog, it may feel heavy and impenetrable, but it will lift.

As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

No matter how thick the darkness seems, the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light holds us securely in His hands. When the darkness doesn’t lift right away, let’s follow Paul and Silas’s example—praying, singing, and trusting the God who shines His light in the midst of it all.

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Preach The Gospel To Yourself

I can’t tell you who I heard the phrase, “Preach the gospel to yourself” first. But as a pastor, it has become a mantra I often repeat. 

The gospel encapsulates the profound message of Jesus Christ — his identity and purpose. It serves as a constant reminder of our essence apart from Christ, exposing the gravity of our sins and the magnitude of His grace. This transformative message is not just about what Christ came to do but also about who we are becoming through Him.”

Greg Gilbert in his book The Gospel defines it this way, “First the bad news: God is your Judge and you have sinned against him. And then the gospel: but Jesus has died so that sinners may be forgiven of their sins if they will repent and believe in him.”

What do we benefit from preaching the gospel to ourselves:

We see how God is not holding out on you.

God isn’t withholding anything from you. In Christ, we possess an abundance beyond our wildest imaginations. Every spiritual blessing is bestowed upon us (Eph 1:3). The gospel serves as a poignant reminder that Christ sacrificed everything to lavish His blessings upon us.

You reflect on the goodness of God.

In Romans 2:4, we encounter the profound question, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

The gospel serves as a lens that sharpens our focus on God’s goodness. Despite our deserving of condemnation and death, God extends kindness and goodness to us. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, he stood in our place. Every gift, care, and watchful eye on us are expressions of God’s inherent goodness.

When you preach the gospel to yourself you remind yourself that this life may be hard, but nothing can take away the love of God

Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing, not even death, can sever us from the love of God. In John 16:33, the Bible acknowledges that tribulations are inevitable in this life—it’s not a question of if but when. The gospel becomes our beacon, reminding us that this earthly life is not our ultimate destination. With the endurance of Jesus as our inspiration, we find the strength to endure whatever challenges come our way.

Bad circumstances fail in comparison to eternal life in/with Jesus. 

In 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, the Apostle Paul vividly articulates the trials and tribulations he faced, emphasizing that these challenges pale in comparison to the richness found in Christ.

He eloquently states, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

The gospel acts as a poignant reminder of the selfless gift bestowed upon us by Jesus and the unparalleled richness we find in Him. This perspective helps us recognize that our challenging circumstances are overshadowed by the abundance we possess in Jesus.

Consider the inspiring perspective of Joni Eareckson Tada, who, despite enduring the challenges of paralysis since a diving accident at age seventeen, envisions expressing gratitude to Jesus for her wheelchair in heaven:

“I hope I can take my wheelchair to heaven with me—knowing well that it’s not biblically correct. But if I could, I would have my wheelchair right next to me when God gifts me with my new, glorified body. Turning to Jesus, I would say, ‘Lord, do you see that wheelchair? You were right when you said we would face trouble in this world, and that wheelchair brought a lot of trouble! Yet, the weaker I was in it, the harder I leaned on you. The harder I leaned on you, the stronger I discovered you to be. So, thank you for what you did in my life through that wheelchair. And now,’ I always say jokingly, ‘you can send that wheelchair to hell, if you want.'”

When you preach the gospel to yourself no gift can be better than the gift of Jesus.

In 2 Corinthians 9:15, the Apostle Paul exclaims, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”

Within this passage, Paul conveys to the Corinthian church the importance of generosity. His plea is not coercive but rather a proclamation that as generous people, we reflect the character of our generous God.

The measure of God’s generosity prompts us to ponder: What do we truly deserve, and what does God freely give? The gospel serves as the profound response to these questions. Therefore, let the resounding truth of the gospel be a constant refrain in your life—preach it to yourself!

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Joyful Endurance

I have never tried to run a marathon and I don’t have a strong desire to do one in future. But like all sports, it requires one to build endurance.

Did you know as a Christian we need to have a spiritual type of endurance to finish well?

The Apostle Paul writes, “I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13). Paul was focused on Christ as he ran his race with endurance to the finish line. 

The word Paul uses for “press on” reflects complete concentration or focus. Just like an athlete competing where their focus is unbroken. They are not distracted with what is around them but their attention is solely on the prize of winning or completing.

It Matters How We Start and How We Run To the Finish Line

As a Christian it matters not only how we start the race, but how we run it so we can finish well. Like Paul, we must have this laser focus on what God has called us to do. What is that exactly? It is looking to Jesus, it is proclaiming the gospel, it is enduring in this life.

Church, let us run this Christian race well. The only way we can endure is because Jesus endured for us.  The author of Hebrews writes, “Let us run this race with endurance that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Though it is is Hard- It is one of Joy

It is my prayer for you and for me that we would joyful endure until the end where the Father will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23).

Yes, the Christian will face troubles and trials. Yes, it will be moments of affliction (1 Peter 4:12; 2 Cor 4:17-18). But, there is joy (James 1:2-4)! This joy is found in Christ. This joy is given by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). This joy is eternal and supernatural. This joy endures until the very end!

I would rather go through the afflictions of this world as I know the joys of Christ than to be untouched from affliction while missing the riches that are found in Christ. That is true misery.

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Waiting in Anticipation!

I don’t know why but I get excited waiting for a package that I already know is coming. I check the tracking number, I double check on it’s arrival date and you know what? When it comes I get still get excited and somewhat surprised though I know it was coming.

What do you get excited about that is coming your way? Maybe it is the holidays and spending some time with family that you have not seen in a while. Maybe it is finishing a project or anticipating that tax return. You know they may be around the corner and you can’t wait! There is something even greater that one can anticipate. That is what Jesus is doing in you and through.

The Apostle Paul was in prison and he knew a trial before Caesar would take place. He knew death could be on the horizon for him. Yet, we see Paul writing to the church in Philippi that he was anticipating something else.

He writes, “it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).

Straining the Neck Forward

What was Paul eagerly expecting? That phrase means to strain one’s neck forward in anticipation. Like a child excitedly waiting for something to come Paul was eager too. Paul knew one of two things would happen, death or life. He was eager in how he would finish regardless.

It was like a student prepared for a test, saying, “Bring it on.” Paul did not want to be ashamed of Christ. He even wrote in another place, “I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). He was hopeful of finishing well whether it was his time in prison or his time on earth.

Do You Eagerly Expect to Not Be Ashamed?

I wonder why as Paul was already so bold that he needed to include this verse. He already proved that he was not ashamed. But I also know he was human. And, humans are prone to fail in times of sorrow, hurt, and strife. He may have seen his weakness and didn’t want to cave under the pressure. He may have felt lonely at times and he could have not been strong and maybe even ashamed of the gospel.

I don’t know why he did, but I am thankful that he included this in the letter. I am weak. I am prone to fail too and in some ways I do. There are moments that I am bold and other times maybe even ashamed. I am not even in prison for my faith and yet I am fail over and over. It should be the believers prayer like Paul that we can eagerly expect whatever happens down the road that we can go forward with full courage not being ashamed of the gospel. I am weak but he is strong and it is by his grace that I continue on with eager expectation (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

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Be Like…Tychicus

be like... Tychicus |
I have a friend who is always willing to help, be there when there is a need, even when it is not the most convenient. I am beyond thankful for this friend. If you have someone like that, you know what a treasure that is to have. There is a man mentioned in the Bible named Tychicus who my friend reminds me of, and we can be encouraged to be more like him.
Be like who? Tychicus! Just say his name 3 times fast! He is mentioned by the Apostle Paul at the end of Ephesians as “the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord whom Paul was sending to them as an encourager (Ephesians 6:21-22).” At the end of Colossians, Paul again mentions this loved brother by adding that he is a faithful servant (Colossians 4:7). Continue reading “Be Like…Tychicus”

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Don't Be Like Demas

I have some friends who were part of their school’s cross-country team. The importance of the long race is not just how one starts, but how they maintain their endurance through the whole race. The same is true for us as Christians. The book of Hebrews encourages the Christian to run with endurance the race that is set before them by looking to Jesus, who is the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1–2). Continue reading “Don't Be Like Demas”

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Be…Like Onesiphorus

The Bible is full of encouragement and direction in pointing the Christian to look to Jesus. One of those ways is through the example of Bible characters. We get to see the good and the bad, the celebrations and the warnings, all which points us to God’s unmerited grace in the lives of the saints.
“Be” is a new series that will focus on different characters of the Bible and will highlight either their Christlike character or we will see the warning from how they lived. It’s easy when one reads Scripture to put themselves in certain texts and want to be like Paul or David or Peter. Though this may not be bad, the Christian’s ultimate goal is to put on the character of Christ (Colossians 3). The “Be” series will focus on those people mentioned once or twice in Scripture that were a help or a hurt to the church. Continue reading “Be…Like Onesiphorus”