Trusting A Certain God Over Uncertain Riches

This study is based on the sermon titled Trusting A Certain God Over Uncertain Riches by Matthew Maher below. This sermon is part of our First Timothy series.

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, the Apostle Paul speaks directly to those blessed with wealth, urging them to avoid arrogance and not place their trust in material riches. Wealth, while not inherently sinful, can become a snare when we allow it to inflate our pride or become the source of our security. Pastor Matthew Maher highlights that riches are fleeting, as Proverbs 23:4-5 illustrates, and they can vanish as quickly as they come. Instead, we are called to trust in the living God, who provides for us abundantly. Everything we have is a gift from Him, meant for us to enjoy, but we must remember that all we own is merely on loan. Placing our trust in material wealth—whether it be in “dead presidents” or any other worldly possession—leads to disappointment, while trusting in God brings peace and joy.

Paul also challenges believers to shift their focus from accumulating goods to being rich in good works. Pastor Maher emphasizes that God’s economy values generosity and service over mere material success. Acts of generosity are the antidote to greed, and doing good reflects God’s heart. Scriptures like Luke 6:38 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 remind us that giving brings joy, and we are blessed when we give freely from the heart. Wealth gives us the opportunity to do good and meet the needs of others, but it’s our willingness to share that truly pleases God. Rather than storing up treasures on earth, we should focus on storing up treasures in heaven, as our generosity today will have eternal impact.

The final verse, 1 Timothy 6:19, draws our attention to the eternal consequences of how we live and give. Our actions now, including our generosity and good works, serve as a foundation for our eternal future. As Pastor Maher teaches, living with eternity in mind keeps our hearts focused on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the impact we make for His kingdom. Our giving and living should reflect a heart set on eternal treasures rather than temporary wealth. In this way, we lay hold of true life, finding fulfillment not in what we possess but in how we steward it for God’s glory.