(2Ti 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,” I am so afraid that there are “many” who, though professing to believe they will go to heaven because of Christ’s sacrifice, in reality are trusting in their goodness, their human efforts, their sincerity of heart, to warrant them a place. Friend, our works are defiled. They are tainted by our pride. Throw yourself at the foot of the cross and plead for mercy: “not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved (s) us.” (Titus 3:5)

(2Ti 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”  Interesting – “…the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” rather than saying, “…the promise of eternal life which is in Christ Jesus”. No doubt that is what is being referred unto. Although a lost soul is alive, breathing, eating, progressing through the years of physical life; yet they are not alive as God would have them live. He wishes to give them eternal life, spirit life, that they may live as He desires, in fellowship with He Who is Spirit. This is a wholly different kind of life! 

(1Ti 6:20) “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (21)  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.” We are to hold before us the Word of God as the supreme authority in our life. There are no other work which has the stamp of God as the authority. Our thinking is to be programmed by God’s Word alone. It is a trust committed to you who know Him as your Savior. Do not err in this matter from the faith.

 (1Ti 6:17) “Charge them that are rich in this world, … (19)  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”  “Lay hold of eternal life” here does not mean if one doesn’t, they will lose the gift God gave. It means to live in the mindset of one who will live eternally, for thoughts dictate actions. Lord help us: believers are too earthly minded. We have failed to reprogram our minds to God’s Word. Therefore, we think like the world. No wonder they do not see Christ in us!

(1Ti 6:17) “Charge them that are rich in this world, … (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” The thought here is a refocus of heart and therefore mindset. If our heart’s desire is the other side; if our mentality is all that I have is the Lord’s; if I understand I am no better than any other sinner saved by the grace of God through the blood of His Son; then my attitude towards possessions will change and I can now be of service to the eternal plan of God.

(1Ti 6:17)  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”  Unless one embraces the truth of Scripture, (1Co 6:20) “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”, one will not be obedient to this Scripture. Our possessions are His possessions – not ours. Like most things, “…. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:…” (Lk 12:48b)

(1Ti 6:17) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches,….” Riches are not security. They can be taken away today by a collapse of the economy. There is only one thing that is certain – God’s promises for today and tomorrow. Most of those promises only apply to the person who has repented of their sin and sought forgiveness and the gift of everlasting life from God through Jesus. That…..is the only certain thing!

 (1Ti 6:17) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,…” “Highminded”: to be lofty, arrogant. It is to think on better than they truly are, for we are dealing in the sight of God. The pride of man “loves” to compare himself to others; to think oneself better than someone else! I remind you, (Php 2:5) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:…..(7)  But made Himself of no reputation,…(8) He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  I ask you, “Are you seeking to be like Jesus?”

(1Ti 6:14) “That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:…..(v.16)…. to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.”    The Lord Jesus Christ, both as God and Savior, deserves to be honored by you and me. He should be honored by presenting ourselves before Him whenever our church has a service. We should honor Him with tithes and offerings. We should honor Him daily by presenting our lives a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2) and by taking up our cross daily (seeking to die to self and live as He would live through us).  

(1 Tim 6:14c) “….the Lord Jesus Christ…..(16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see:….”  It is only through being saved that any person can hope to “see” God in all His glory (the Light). Unsaved man is held in darkness and can only be released through the miracle of the rebirth, otherwise “cannot enter the kingdom of heaven” (Jn 3). Ask forgiveness, put your faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, fully giving Him your heart.